Fans of Indian television might know her as the divine Parvati from the mythological drama ‘Devon Ke Dev Mahadev’, yet behind the celestial portrayal, actress Puja Banerjee’s life has mirrored the plot twists of a compelling screenplay. Born into modesty, Puja’s journey through love, heartbreak, and professional triumph has captured the attention of audiences not just on screen but also off it.
At the tender age of 15, a time when most teenagers are navigating high school, Puja Banerjee made a bold, life-altering decision. In 2004, she left her family home to unite in matrimony with her first love, Arunoy Chakraborty. However, akin to a theatrical drama, the initial euphoria of romance gave way to discord and dissonance. The couple who had pledged eternal togetherness diverged onto separate paths, concluding their marital chapter amicably in 2013.
Emerging from the throes of a dissolved marriage, Puja Banerjee channeled her energies into her craft, adopting a laser-focused approach to her career. It was during this period of intense dedication that she earned her breakthrough role as Goddess Parvati in ‘Devon Ke Dev Mahadev’. The show, a spiritual and cultural phenomenon, resonated with viewers and catapulted Puja to new heights of fame.
Despite the professional high, Puja took a sabbatical from the limelight, a quiet spell that preceded her roaring 2022 comeback. She created a buzz with her portrayal of Ritika in the Star Plus serial ‘Anupamaa’ prequel web series ‘Anupama: Namaste America’, reaffirming her acting prowess and versatility.
Simultaneously, as her career graph scaled upwards, Puja Banerjee’s personal life embarked on a redemptive arc. Kunal Verma, also a television actor, entered her life, and romance blossomed anew. The couple went on to solidify their relationship, first with a court marriage in 2020 – a year that also saw them welcome their child – and later with a traditional wedding in Goa in 2021.
Reflecting on the experience of marrying again, Puja Banerjee shared her heartfelt sentiments, noting the novel sense of revitalization that their ceremony brought to their relationship. The institution of marriage, performed with traditional Bengali rituals, reinvigorated their bond. Puja expressed joy at the fresh surge of excitement as they were received by family and friends with the enthusiasm typically reserved for newlyweds – a stark contrast to their earlier, more informal status.
Puja Banerjee’s personal narrative is replete with instances that defy convention and exude sincerity. The course of her life has encompassed dramatic changes, from a youthful elopement to the solemnity of cultural rituals, from the shadows of disappointment to the spotlight of acclaim.
Her experiences bear a testament to resilience, the pursuit of love, and the relentless striving for professional fulfillment. As she gracefully navigates the highs and lows of both her personal and professional spheres, Puja continues to intrigue and inspire her audience, underscoring the message that life, much like the roles she essays, is a blend of varied scripts, each with its own set of trials and triumphs.
While her fans revel in the joy of her on-screen performances, it’s Puja Banerjee’s off-screen resilience and rejuvenation that make her tale so endearing. It’s a narrative emblematic of a modern woman’s journey – replete with challenges, transformed by love, and enlightened by experience.
