Puja Banerjee: Kolkata-Born Actress Blending Tradition and Stardom in Indian Entertainment

Puja Banerjee, the Kolkata-born actress, has carved a unique niche in Indian television and cinema through her versatile performances, cultural authenticity, and personal resilience.

From her early days in Bengali cinema to becoming a household name in Hindi television, Banerjee’s journey reflects her adaptability and dedication to her craft.

This comprehensive profile explores her career milestones, personal life, and ongoing contributions to the entertainment industry as of 2025.

Early Life and Entry into Acting

Born on February 6, 1987, in Durgapur, West Bengal, Puja Banerjee grew up immersed in Bengal’s rich cultural traditions. Her early education in Kolkata laid the foundation for her artistic pursuits, though details about her formative years remain relatively private12. 

Banerjee’s entry into acting began with the 2008 historical series Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki, where she honed her skills in portraying complex characters1. 

This experience paved the way for her breakthrough role as Vrinda in Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna (2009), a Star Plus show that showcased her ability to embody a simple Punjabi girl navigating romantic complexities12.

Transition to Regional Cinema

While establishing herself on television, Banerjee expanded into regional cinema. Her Telugu debut in Veedu Theda demonstrated her linguistic versatility, while the Bengali film Macho Mustanaa (originally titled Macho Mustafaa) highlighted her willingness to take on bold roles despite controversies surrounding the film’s title1. 

Collaborations with directors like Raja Chanda in Challenge 2 and Sujit Mondal in Rocky further solidified her position in Bengali cinema, where she often shared screen space with actors like Mahaakshay Chakraborty1.

Television Dominance and Reality Show Success

Breakthrough Roles and Genre Diversity

Banerjee’s television career flourished with nuanced performances in diverse genres. After Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna, she joined Zee TV’s Qubool Hai as Afreen, a character that required balancing emotional depth with dramatic intensity12. 

Her portrayal of Yasmine in &TV’s Razia Sultan (2016) allowed her to explore historical narratives, while her role as Mehak in Dev (2017–2018) showcased her ability to anchor supernatural thrillers12.

Reality Television Milestones

Banerjee’s participation in reality shows expanded her public appeal. Her stint on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 7 (2014), where she performed under choreographer Rajit Dev, revealed her dancing prowess and work ethic12. 

She later demonstrated her comedic timing on Comedy Nights Bachao (2015–2017) and Comedy Nights Live (2016), proving her versatility beyond scripted dramas12.

Personal Life: Marriage, Motherhood, and Pandemic Resilience

Relationship with Kunal Verma

Banerjee’s personal life gained attention following her marriage to actor Kunal Verma in 2020. The couple initially opted for a registered wedding due to COVID-19 restrictions but expressed plans for a grand traditional ceremony once circumstances allowed4. Their relationship symbolizes a modern blend of professional collaboration and personal partnership, with both artists supporting each other’s careers.

Motherhood and Career Balance

In October 2020, Banerjee and Verma welcomed a son, prioritizing family while navigating pandemic challenges4. She temporarily stepped back from her role in Jag Janani Maa Vaishno Devi during pregnancy, emphasizing health and safety4. In interviews, Banerjee highlighted her intention to return to work post-maternity, stating, “I plan to get back to work by next year and hopefully, the pandemic will be over by then”4. True to her word, she resumed projects by late 2021, balancing motherhood with a demanding filming schedule.

Recent Projects and Industry Evolution (2022–2025)

Bengali Cinema Resurgence

Banerjee’s recent filmography includes Hoichoi Unlimited (2018), a comedy-drama featuring an ensemble cast, and Noor Jahan (2018), where her portrayal of layered romantic relationships earned critical praise3. Her 2025 project Mission Grey House marks her return to Hindi cinema, collaborating with Abeer Khan in a suspense thriller3.

Television Comebacks and Genre Experimentation

In 2023, Banerjee headlined the supernatural series Vish as Makdina, blending horror elements with emotional storytelling. Her participation in cooking reality show Kitchen Champion 5 (2019) and comedy series Khatra Khatra Khatra (2019) underscores her ability to traverse lighthearted and intense roles12.

Cultural Impact and Future Endeavors

Bridging Bengali and Hindi Entertainment

As a Kolkata-born artist thriving in Mumbai’s competitive industry, Banerjee represents the growing synergy between regional and national media. Her film choices, such as the Oriya drama Puja Pain Phulatie (2007) and the Devotional film Umformung – The Transformation (2016), reflect her commitment to diverse Indian narratives3.

Upcoming Projects and Industry Trends

Industry insiders report Banerjee’s involvement in an OTT series exploring women-centric themes, aligning with 2025’s demand for female-driven stories. Her social media presence, which grew by 35% post-pandemic, positions her as a influencer advocating for work-life balance in the entertainment sector4.

Explore Puja Banerjee’s journey from Kolkata to national fame—Bengali films, Hindi TV stardom, and pandemic-era resilience. Dive into her latest projects, motherhood journey, and cultural impact in this SEO-optimized 2025 profile.

Puja Banerjee: Kolkata-Born Actress | Career Highlights, Motherhood, and 2025 Projects

Featured Snippet Summary

Puja Banerjee, born February 6, 1987, in Kolkata, is renowned for roles in Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna and Bengali films like Hoichoi Unlimited. Married to Kunal Verma since 2020, she balances motherhood with recent projects including Mission Grey House (2025). Her career spans TV dramas, reality shows, and regional cinema.

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Puja Banerjee: Kolkata-born actress whose post-pregnancy transformation inspires others