The body of the actor Paul Bhattacharjee, who disappeared a week ago, has been found, police have confirmed.
Bhattacharjee, 53, who appeared in the James Bond film Casino Royale and EASTENDERS, had last been seen leaving rehearsals at the Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square, London, on July 10th.
Scotland Yard confirmed that the body of a man matching his description, found near cliffs at Splash Point in Seaford, East Sussex, last Friday, was the actor.
Bhattacharjee, from Redbridge, northeast London, was formally identified and his next of kin have been informed. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
The actor, who also appeared in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, WHITE TEETH, MI-5, THE BILL, DOCTORS and Dirty Pretty Things, had been due to appear this week in the play Talk Show at the Royal Court.
Bhattacharjee played Inzamam Ahmed in EASTENDERS in 2008 and 2010. Inzaman was the brother of Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra).
His friends and family had made pleas for his safe return, including his 24-year-old son Rahul Bhattacharjee-Prashar, who told the Evening Standard the disappearance was “completely out of character”.
The theater world paid tributes to the actor. Director Jamie Lloyd wrote: “Very sad to hear about the death of Paul Bhattacharjee. He was a very fine actor. My thoughts are with his family.”
Muzz Khan, who appeared in "Much Ado About Nothing" alongside the late actor, said: “Rest In Peace, Paul Bhattacharjee. I can't believe you're gone, mate.”
Bhattacharjee was last seen appearing to walk in the direction of a nearby Tube station after leaving the Royal Court.
He said to be in good spirits that evening but after sending his girlfriend a text message at 9pm, no-one heard from him and he was reported missing.
Bend It Like Beckham actress Parminder Nagra, SEX AND THE CITY star Kim Cattrall and Stephen Fry - who went missing for a week in 1995 - all appealed to their followers for information about the actor.
Oh my gosh! In addition to playing Inzaman, I remember Paul from his very impressive voice role of Mushtaq Jilani on the BBC radio soap Silver Street. So sad.
ReplyDeleteAaron, thanks for mentioning SILVER STREET. I had forgotten that one.
ReplyDeleteI realized that I've pretty much seen every film and television role that Mr. Bhattachargee has been in!
ReplyDeleteI was hoping for a good outcome but something told me that that may not happen when I read the initial story on this site.
Sad. Must be devastating for his family.