Bengali Actress Sumi Har Choudhry, Co-Star of Naseeruddin Shah, Rescued After Being Found Wandering on Streets

In a heart-wrenching incident that casts a somber light on the often-unseen struggles within the entertainment industry, acclaimed Bengali actress Sumi Har Choudhry was found wandering in a disoriented state on the streets of West Bengal’s Purba Bardhaman district. Choudhry, who has shared screen space with veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, was rescued by the police following an alert from local residents and has since been moved to a shelter home.

The actress was discovered on Monday afternoon near Amila Bazar in Purba Bardhaman, sitting by the roadside. Dressed in shorts and a black full-sleeve shirt, she clutched a piece of paper and a pen, muttering incoherently in both Bengali and English. Initially, locals did not recognize her, but upon attempting to converse, she identified herself as an actress.

“I am Sumi Har Choudhry, an actress,” she reportedly told the concerned bystanders. Skeptical at first, some curious individuals searched her name online, revealing her photographs and filmography, which confirmed her identity as an actress. According to local accounts, she appeared to be mentally distressed, repeatedly claiming to have worked in numerous television serials.

Following the locals’ information, the police arrived at the scene and rescued Sumi Har Choudhry. Abhishek Mandal, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Bardhaman Sadar South, confirmed that she was found wandering near the Bardhaman-Arambagh State Highway. She has been placed in a shelter home, and efforts are underway to locate her family. The police have also informed the Behala Police Station in Kolkata, as Choudhry had at times identified herself as a resident of Kolkata and at other times mentioned Bolpur in Birbhum district. Authorities believe she previously resided in Behala and might have spent some time in Bolpur, though it remains unclear how she arrived in Khandaghosh, Purba Bardhaman.

Sumi Har Choudhry has played supporting roles in various Bengali films and television serials. Her notable works include the film ‘Khashi Katha: A Goat Saga,’ starring Naseeruddin Shah, and ‘Dwitiyo Purush,’ directed by Sriram Mukherjee. She has also appeared in popular television serials such as ‘Rupsagore Moner Manush’ and ‘Tumi Ashe Pashe Thakle.’

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by many artists within the entertainment industry, where the glitz and glamour often mask the harsh realities of struggle and anonymity. Sumi Har Choudhry’s story underscores a tragic truth within the artistic community and highlights the need for greater societal empathy and support for such individuals. It is hoped that her family will be contacted soon and that she receives the necessary care and assistance.