'Pratyusha's Drinking Started Before We Met, Wasn't Interested In Work,' Says Ex-BF Rahul Raj Singh

When the 24-year-old, Pratyusha Banerjee, who became a household name as 'Anandi' in Balika Vadhu, ended her life in April 2016, the whole country was left in shock. After playing the role for nearly three years, she brought it to life after taking over from Avika Gor in a way which made people feel her character's joy, pain, and strength. But just as her promising career was about to go into a new phase, her death ended a rising star. It left her fans with grief, unanswered questions and theories which surrounded the tragedy. While many accused her then-boyfriend, Rahul Raj Singh, of the same, he recently made some shocking claims about her struggles before her death, which reignited the controversy. 

Rahul Raj Singh reveals Pratyusha Banerjee had a drinking problem

Rahul Raj Singh sat down for an interview with Bollywood Bubble and claimed that Pratyusha Banerjee was struggling with alcohol addiction and depression long before he came into her life. He alleged that her father was the one who encouraged her. Despite it, the actor mentioned that he tried to warn her about the ill effects of her drinking habits. Recalling how Pratyusha wasn't keen on working, he said:

"She had been drinking long before I came into her life. Her father used to give her alcohol. When we got together, since we're actors and have to maintain our appearance, I told her that if she kept drinking like this, it would eventually lead to a disaster. She wasn't very interested in work either."

Throwing light on the Bigg Boss 7 contestant's bond with her father, Rahul explained that their bond became complex after the end of Pratyusha's stint in Balika Vadhu. According to him, they used to be cordial when they were sober, but her father's behaviour used to change after drinking, leading to constant fights between them. In his words:

"Especially after Balika Vadhu ended, her relationship with her father became complicated—they were very friendly when sober, but after drinking, her father would become aggressive, and they'd end up fighting."

Rahul Raj Singh shares that he encouraged Pratyusha to resolve her drinking problem 

In the same conversation, Rahul Raj Singh claimed that despite being in a demanding profession like acting, he used to encourage her to maintain a diary and write a daily agenda so that she won't drink in the morning. He knew that recovering from her high-alcohol consumption habit was difficult; he still tried to reduce her intake and help her get work. Sharing how the actress used to have problems wherever she worked, Rahul told:

"Sphere Origins didn't repeat her, nor did DJ's. Everywhere she faced issues. She hadn't left Balika Vadhu on a good note either. So obviously, production houses won't call you back. She told me there were creative differences with the team, too much interference from her side, they said. Her expenses were so high, her father's and mother's too, that she could never really stop working."

More about Pratyusha Banerjee's demise

Pratyusha Banerjee was found dead at her Mumbai apartment on April 1, 2016, after she hanged herself. Police found liquor at her home. News18 reported that she was facing a big financial crunch. Her boyfriend, Rahul, was arrested, and several industry insiders claimed he used to physically abuse her and cheat other women on the pretext of giving them work. Later in 2023, Rahul's discharge plea was rejected by additional sessions judge, SJ Ansari, who stated that Rahul's conduct led Pratyusha into depression.

What do you think about Rahul Raj Singh's claims about Pratyusha's challenges before her untimely death?

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