Kolkata’s film and television world has slowed almost to a stop after the sudden death of actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, and there is both shock and quiet anger across the industry.

The 43-year-old died on March 29 while filming the Bengali soap Bholebaba Paar Karega. 

According to early reports, he and a co-actor slipped into a ditch while shooting a dance in knee-deep water. He was rushed to hospital, but could not be saved. What exactly went wrong is still not clear.

Now, what was earlier just grief is turning into action. From April 7, artists and technicians have begun an indefinite strike, asking for safety arrangements on sets.

In a statement, the West Bengal Motion Pictures Artists Forum said, “Dear members, all of us are aware that on March 29… our friend… died. We are still not aware of the reasons for his sudden demise.”

It added, “from April 7, 2026, at 7 AM… we… will go on an indefinite strike… Until there is a step taken to ensure the safety and security…”

The meeting behind this decision included senior figures like Prosenjit Chatterjee and Rituparna Sengupta, showing how serious the mood is.

Outside, there were marches with placards reading “Justice for Rahul”. Actor Priyanka Sarkar said, “This is a time of immense grief… allow us the dignity to grieve in peace.”

Rahul was a well-known name in the Bengali entertainment industry. He rose to fame with his role in the 2008 blockbuster Chirodini Tumi Je Amar. He featured in many films like Jackpot, Love Circus, Shono Mon Boli Tomay and more. 

He also worked in several television shows such as Geeta LLB, Horogouri Pice Hotel, Desher Maati and Tumi Ashbe Bole, among others.