Renowned Bengali film actor and former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Joy Banerjee passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the age of 62. He died at a private hospital in Kolkata after battling pneumonia and chronic respiratory complications for over ten days. His death marks the end of a multifaceted career that spanned cinema, politics, and cultural advocacy in West Bengal.
Banerjee was admitted to the hospital on August 15 with severe breathing difficulties and was diagnosed with pneumonia. After a brief discharge, his condition worsened, and he was placed on ventilator support on August 17. He succumbed to a cardiac arrest at 11:35 AM on August 25.
🧭 Timeline of Joy Banerjee’s Final Days
| Date | Event Description | Medical Status |
|---|---|---|
| August 15, 2025 | Admitted to private hospital in Kolkata | Diagnosed with pneumonia |
| August 16, 2025 | Brief discharge reported | Condition worsened within hours |
| August 17, 2025 | Placed on ventilator support | Critical respiratory failure |
| August 25, 2025 | Passed away at 11:35 AM | Cardiac arrest confirmed |
His mortal remains were scheduled to be taken to his residence in Taratala and then to the BJP state headquarters for a final tribute before cremation.
📊 Joy Banerjee’s Career Highlights: Film and Politics
| Domain | Key Contributions | Notable Works / Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Bengali Cinema | Lead actor in romantic and social dramas | Dadar Kirti, Hirak Jayanti, Milon Tithi, Jibon Moran, Nagmati |
| Politics | BJP candidate in Lok Sabha elections (2014, 2019) | Birbhum and Uluberia constituencies |
| Cultural Voice | Vocal on Bengali identity and heritage | Frequent media appearances and debates |
Banerjee began his acting career in the early 1980s and quickly rose to fame with his charming screen presence and emotive performances. His collaborations with directors like Anjan Chowdhury and Sukhena Das earned him a loyal fan base across Bengal.
🔍 Political Journey: From BJP Candidate to Cultural Commentator
Joy Banerjee joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in the early 2010s and contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Birbhum against Trinamool Congress MP Satabdi Roy. He later contested from Uluberia in 2019 but was unsuccessful in both attempts.
| Year | Constituency | Opponent (TMC) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Birbhum | Satabdi Roy | Lost |
| 2019 | Uluberia | Sajda Ahmed | Lost |
In 2021, Banerjee announced his retirement from active politics, citing health concerns and a desire to focus on cultural work. Despite stepping back, he remained a respected voice within BJP’s West Bengal unit and was often consulted on regional matters.
🧠 Health Struggles and Final Hospitalization
Banerjee had reportedly been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes for several years. His assistant confirmed that he had taken a break from public life due to recurring respiratory issues.
| Health Condition | Duration | Final Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Respiratory Illness | Several years | Pneumonia and COPD |
| Hospital Admission | August 15, 2025 | Severe breathing difficulty |
| Ventilator Support | August 17, 2025 | Critical deterioration |
| Cause of Death | August 25, 2025 | Cardiac arrest |
Despite initial signs of recovery, his condition worsened rapidly, leading to his untimely demise.
📉 Reactions from Political and Cultural Circles
Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum. BJP West Bengal President Dr. Sukanta Majumdar posted on social media:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing away of senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, West Bengal and eminent actor Joy Banerjee. We pray for the eternal peace of his departed soul.”
| Leader Name | Position | Message Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Suvendu Adhikari | Leader of Opposition, WB | Expressed grief and praised Banerjee’s legacy |
| Dr. Sukanta Majumdar | BJP State President | Shared tribute in Bengali and English |
| Chiranjit Chakraborty | Actor and Politician | Recalled Banerjee’s financial struggles |
The Bengali film fraternity also mourned his loss, with many actors and directors recalling his contribution to cinema and his commitment to preserving Bengali culture.
🔍 Personal Life and Legacy
Joy Banerjee was born on May 23, 1963. He was married to Ananya Banerjee, a Trinamool Congress councillor, though the couple later separated. He later married Ankita and lived with her and her mother. He is survived by close family members and a wide circle of admirers from both the film and political worlds.
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 23, 1963 |
| Age at Death | 62 years |
| Spouse(s) | Ananya Banerjee (estranged), Ankita |
| Residence | Taratala, Kolkata |
| Political Affiliation | Bharatiya Janata Party (2014–2021) |
His funeral arrangements were being finalized at the time of reporting, with BJP workers and family coordinating the last rites.
📌 Conclusion
Joy Banerjee’s passing marks the end of an era in Bengali cinema and regional politics. From his early days as a romantic lead to his later years as a political voice, Banerjee remained a steadfast advocate for Bengali identity and cultural pride. His death leaves a void that will be felt across West Bengal’s artistic and political communities.
As tributes continue to pour in, his legacy lives on through his films, his public service, and the memories he leaves behind.
—
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 26, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or political advice.
