Kolkata, 25 Aug (H.S.): Tollywood actor and BJP leader Joy Banerjee passed away on Monday morning at a private hospital in South Kolkata. He was 62.

According to hospital sources, Banerjee had been suffering from pneumonia and was admitted on August 15. He was placed on ventilation from August 17. On Monday morning, he suffered a cardiac arrest and was declared dead shortly after 11:30 a.m.

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and former Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar expressed grief over his demise. His passing has cast a shadow of sorrow across the political fraternity.

Born on May 23, 1963, Joy Banerjee was a household name in Bengali cinema. His pairing with actress Chumki Chowdhury in the film Heerak Jayanti was widely loved, followed by a string of hits such as Milan Tithi, Jibon Moron, Nagmati, and Chopard.

Banerjee later forayed into politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. In 2014, he contested the Birbhum Lok Sabha seat against Trinamool Congress’ star candidate Shatabdi Roy. He also contested once from Uluberia as a BJP candidate, though without electoral success. In 2021, Banerjee announced his permanent retirement from active politics.

At the time of his passing, he was living with his second wife Ankita and his mother.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh