Joy Banerjee Death: Beloved Bengali Actor and Former BJP Leader Dies at 62 After Long Illness

Updated On: September 27, 2025

Joy Banerjee Death: Beloved Bengali Actor and Former BJP Leader Dies at 62 After Long Illness

The Bengali film industry mourned the loss of one of its cherished stars as actor and former BJP leader Joy Banerjee breathed his last on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11:35 AM in a private hospital in Kolkata. The 62-year-old actor, who captivated audiences in the 1980s and 1990s with his charming screen presence and memorable performances, succumbed to complications arising from chronic respiratory illness after battling health issues for several months.

Scene from the movie Hirak Jayanti featuring Joy Banerjee with Bengali text highlighting the film’s name and emotions conveyed

Early Life and Entry into Bengali Cinema

Born on May 23, 1963, Joy Banerjee began his journey in the world of entertainment with humble beginnings but remarkable aspirations. His entry into Bengali cinema came through the film “Aparupa” (also known as “Nimalur Banabas”) in 1982, where he made his debut opposite established actress Debashree Roy under the direction of Bidesh Sarkar. This film marked the beginning of what would become a significant career in Bengali cinema, establishing him as a promising newcomer with considerable screen presence.

The young actor quickly caught the attention of filmmakers and audiences alike with his good looks and natural acting ability. His early career was characterized by a series of romantic and family dramas that became staples of Bengali cinema during that era. Joy’s handsome appearance and earnest performances made him a popular choice for lead roles, particularly in films that explored themes of love, family relationships, and social issues.

Rise to Stardom: The Golden Years of Bengali Cinema

Joy Banerjee’s career truly flourished during the late 1980s and 1990s when he became one of the most recognizable faces of Bengali cinema. His breakthrough performance came in “Chopper” (1987), directed by Nabyendu Chatterjee, which earned him critical acclaim and established his reputation as a serious actor capable of handling complex roles. This film demonstrated his versatility and ability to move beyond conventional romantic roles into more challenging territory.

A movie scene from Hirak Jayanti showing Joy Banerjee and Chumki Choudhury by the riverside sharing a heartfelt moment

However, it was his role in “Hirak Jayanti” (1990) that truly cemented his place in Bengali cinema history. Directed by Anjan Choudhury, this film became a major box office success and featured one of the most beloved on-screen pairings in Bengali cinema – Joy Banerjee and Chumki Choudhury. The chemistry between these two actors was so compelling that it sparked rumors of a real-life romance, making them one of the most talked-about couples in Tollywood during that period.

The success of “Hirak Jayanti” opened doors to numerous other successful films. Joy appeared in popular movies such as “Milan Tithi” (1985), “Jiban Maran” (1983), “Abhagini” (1991), “Nagmati,” “Sinthir Sindoor” (1996), and “Tapasya” (1993). Each of these films showcased different aspects of his acting prowess, from romantic leads to dramatic roles that dealt with social issues and family dynamics.

Notable Filmography and Collaborations

Throughout his career, Joy Banerjee worked with some of the most respected directors and actors in Bengali cinema. His collaborations included working with directors like Sukhen Das, Anjan Choudhury, and other prominent filmmakers of the era. He frequently appeared alongside established actors such as Tapas Pal, Shatabdi Roy, Ranjit Mallick, and Chiranjit Chakraborty, forming a ensemble of performers who defined Bengali cinema in the 1980s and 1990s.

His filmography reflects the diversity of Bengali cinema during its golden period. From the romantic drama of “Milan Tithi” to the family-oriented themes of “Abhagini,” Joy demonstrated his ability to adapt to different genres and character requirements. His performances in films like “Mahajan” (1990) and “Bidrohi” (1987) showed his range in handling both commercial entertainers and more serious dramatic content.

Personal Life and Relationships

Joy Banerjee’s personal life often became the subject of media attention, particularly his relationships and family circumstances. His most publicized relationship was with actress Chumki Choudhury, with whom he shared incredible on-screen chemistry in films like “Abhagini” and “Hirak Jayanti”. Their real-life romance became a topic of widespread discussion, and both families reportedly accepted their relationship, with marriage plans being considered.

However, the relationship eventually ended, and the two actors never worked together again after their separation. This personal setback coincided with a gradual decline in Joy’s film career, though he continued to appear in movies throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

Joy was previously married to Ananya Bandyopadhyay, who later became a Trinamool Congress councillor. Their marriage ended in divorce, creating an interesting political dynamic when Joy joined the BJP while his ex-wife remained active in opposition politics. He later remarried Ankita Bandyopadhyay, who remained by his side during his final illness along with his mother.

Transition to Politics: The BJP Years

After stepping back from active film work in the early 2000s, Joy Banerjee made a significant career transition by entering politics. In 2014, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and became an active member of the party’s West Bengal unit. This marked a new chapter in his public life as he shifted from entertaining audiences to serving their political interests.

Joy Banerjee wearing a BJP scarf at a political event, highlighting his political affiliation

His political debut came during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections when he contested from the Birbhum constituency on a BJP ticket. In this election, he faced off against the sitting MP and Tollywood actress Shatabdi Roy of the Trinamool Congress. Despite running an active campaign, Joy was unsuccessful in his electoral bid, losing to the incumbent.

Undeterred by his first electoral defeat, Joy continued his political activities and contested again in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, this time from the Uluberia constituency. Once again running on a BJP ticket, he faced TMC candidate Sajda Ahmed but was unable to secure victory. His political career was marked by dedication to his party’s cause, even though electoral success eluded him.

Political Setbacks and Party Departure

Despite his commitment to the BJP, Joy Banerjee faced several challenges within the party structure. In November 2021, he officially announced his decision to quit the BJP, citing neglect and lack of support from the party leadership. In a candid statement to reporters, he expressed his frustration, saying, “I want to work for common people and that isn’t quite possible if I continue to be a part of the BJP”.

The actor-turned-politician revealed that he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi informing him about his decision to sever all association with the saffron party. He mentioned being removed from the BJP National Executive and having his security withdrawn by the central leadership. Joy’s departure from the BJP marked the end of his formal political career, though he remained interested in public service.

“My security has also been taken away by the central leadership. I am not a new member; I had joined the party way back in 2014. I had told Narendra Modi in 2017 that I would want to do more for the organisation. But there was no response. I won’t tolerate more neglect,” – Joy Banerjee

Health Struggles and Final Days

The last few years of Joy Banerjee’s life were marked by deteriorating health conditions. He had been suffering from diabetes for several years, which gradually affected his overall well-being. In addition to diabetes, he developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory complications that significantly impacted his quality of life.

On August 15, 2025, Joy was admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata due to severe breathing difficulties. His condition continued to worsen over the following days, and on August 17, he was placed on ventilator support. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, his health continued to decline, and he suffered a cardiac arrest on the morning of August 25.

Throughout his hospitalization, Joy was accompanied by his second wife Ankita Bandyopadhyay and his mother, who remained by his side during his final days. His assistant and close associates also provided support during this difficult period, ensuring that he received the care and attention he needed.

Industry Response and Legacy

The news of Joy Banerjee’s death sent shockwaves through the Bengali film industry, with colleagues and contemporaries expressing their grief and sharing memories of the beloved actor. Shatabdi Roy, despite their political differences, spoke fondly of their working relationship and maintained contact with Joy’s family through his sister.

The actor’s death highlighted the transient nature of fame and the challenges faced by artists as they age and step away from the limelight. Many in the industry remembered him not just for his successful films but also for his decent behavior and professional attitude during his active years in cinema.

Joy’s contribution to Bengali cinema during its golden period cannot be understated. His films continue to be remembered by audiences who grew up watching his romantic performances and family dramas. Movies like “Hirak Jayanti” remain popular even decades after their release, testament to the lasting impact of his work.

Financial and Professional Details

According to his election affidavits, Joy Banerjee had diversified his professional interests beyond acting. He listed his occupation as running a security agency business and was a partner in “Anapol Security and Secret Services”. His annual income was declared at around Rs 3-4 lakhs, with movable assets worth approximately Rs 2.5 lakhs.

His modest financial declarations reflected the reality faced by many regional film actors who, despite their popularity during their active years, often struggled to maintain steady income streams after stepping back from regular film work. This economic challenge may have been one of the factors that motivated his entry into politics, seeking alternative avenues for financial stability and public service.

Cultural Impact and Remembrances

Joy Banerjee’s death marked the end of an era for Bengali cinema enthusiasts who remembered the golden period of the 1980s and 1990s. His pairing with Chumki Choudhury in particular had created some of the most memorable romantic sequences in Bengali cinema history. Films like “Hirak Jayanti” and “Abhagini” continue to be watched by new generations, ensuring that his legacy lives on.

The actor’s journey from silver screen success to political aspirations and eventual retreat from public life reflects the complex career paths of many regional film personalities. His story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by actors in maintaining relevance and financial stability throughout their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was Joy Banerjee’s most famous movie?
A: Joy Banerjee’s most famous and successful movie was “Hirak Jayanti” (1990), where he starred opposite Chumki Choudhury. This film was a major box office success and established him as a leading actor in Bengali cinema.

Q: When did Joy Banerjee join politics?
A: Joy Banerjee joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014 and contested his first Lok Sabha election from Birbhum constituency the same year.

Q: What was the cause of Joy Banerjee’s death?
A: Joy Banerjee died due to complications from chronic respiratory illness, including COPD and breathing difficulties. He also suffered from diabetes for several years. He passed away on August 25, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Q: Was Joy Banerjee married?
A: Yes, Joy Banerjee was married twice. His first marriage was to Ananya Bandyopadhyay (who later became a TMC councillor), which ended in divorce. He then married Ankita Bandyopadhyay, who was with him during his final days.

Q: Did Joy Banerjee win any elections?
A: No, Joy Banerjee was unsuccessful in both his electoral attempts. He lost the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Birbhum constituency against Shatabdi Roy, and the 2019 election from Uluberia constituency against Sajda Ahmed.

Q: What were some of Joy Banerjee’s other notable films?
A: Besides “Hirak Jayanti,” Joy Banerjee appeared in several notable films including “Chopper” (1987), “Milan Tithi” (1985), “Abhagini” (1991), “Jiban Maran” (1983), “Nagmati,” “Tapasya” (1993), and “Sinthir Sindoor” (1996).