Veteran Bengali Actor-Politician Joy Banerjee Passes Away at 62 After Prolonged Illness

Bengali actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Joy Banerjee passed away on Monday after a prolonged illness. He was 62 and breathed his last at 11:35 a.m. at a private hospital in Kolkata.

Illness and Final Days

For the last few years, Joy Banerjee had been suffering from a respiratory ailment and had withdrawn from active politics.

He was not seen participating in party activities since 2021. His assistant confirmed that Banerjee was battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“He was admitted to a private hospital on August 15. Then, he was discharged on the next day. Later, his condition started deteriorating. On August 17, he was put on ventilation. He died today at 11:35 a.m.,” his Secretary said.

According to reports, Banerjee was admitted with severe breathing problems and was on ventilator support for several days. He is survived by his wife and mother.

Political Journey

Banerjee entered politics with the BJP and was active in West Bengal politics between 2014 and 2021. He contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Birbhum against sitting Trinamool Congress MP Satabdi Roy but lost.

He again contested in 2019 from the Uluberia Lok Sabha constituency, where he was defeated by Trinamool Congress candidate Sajda Ahmed.

In November 2021, Joy Banerjee publicly announced that he would no longer represent the BJP in elections. During his political career, he also served as a member of the BJP’s West Bengal State Committee.

Contributions to Bengali Cinema

Before joining politics, Joy Banerjee was a popular face in Bengali cinema during the 1980s and 1990s. He acted in several films directed by Sukhena Das and Anjan Chowdhury.

He played lead roles in films such as Hirak Jayanti, Milan Tithi, Jiwan Maran, and Nagmati. His performance in Chopper was especially praised by audiences and critics. He made his debut alongside Debashree Roy in Nimalur Banabas (1982), directed by Bidesh Sarkar.

In 1987, he earned critical acclaim for his role in Chopper, directed by Nabyendu Chatterjee. His 1990 release Hirak Jayanti was a major box office success.

Personal Life

Joy Banerjee was the former husband of Trinamool Congress councillor Ananya Banerjee. His assistant stated that his mortal remains would be taken to his residence from the hospital.

Discussions are ongoing regarding the place of cremation, and it is unclear whether his body will be taken to a BJP office.

Reactions and Tributes

Many leaders and colleagues expressed their grief at his passing. TMC MP Satabdi Roy, his co-star in several films, said, “I am shattered. I knew Joy was ailing for quite some time, and we all were praying for his recovery.”

Union minister Sukanta Majumdar also expressed condolences, while BJP Bengal spokesperson Pamela Goswami wrote on X: “It is with profound sorrow that I learned of the passing of the esteemed actor and BJP leader, Shri Joy Banerjee. His remarkable contributions to Bengali cinema and public life will forever be etched in our memories. May his soul find eternal peace.”

Actor and Trinamool MLA Chiranjit Chakraborty shared, “He was unwell, he called me. He needed some money. But I didn’t have that much money. I said I would tell the BJP. I did. They reached out to him. But he left very quickly.

Ananya (Joy Banerjee’s first wife) wrote to me, ‘He left today.’ She also told me that he had married another woman. It was a very sad incident. He had not done any film with me. But when his film was being shown, everyone was watching. I don’t know when he fell ill. He called me after almost 40 years and said that he needed money.”

Political Statements and Legacy

Joy Banerjee was known not only for his acting and political career but also for his outspoken remarks.

In 2020, he had called for a boycott of Chinese products, saying, “A lesson should be taught to China. And this should start with a boycott of Chinese goods. We’re all supposed to boycott everything that is Chinese.

Those who still use it should abstain from doing so. Otherwise, their legs should be broken and their home should be ransacked instantly.”

Though his later years were marked by illness and a retreat from politics, Banerjee left behind a legacy in both cinema and public life.

His contribution to Bengali films of the 1980s and 1990s remains notable, and his journey from a popular actor to a political figure reflects his varied life.

Joy Banerjee’s passing has left a void in both the political and cultural landscape of West Bengal. From a matinee idol of Tollywood to a BJP leader, his life was filled with highs and lows.

His colleagues, fans, and political associates continue to remember him for his work and personality.