Former Bengali Actress Sumi Har Choudhury Found in Distressed State by Roadside in West Bengal

Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal — July 15: A woman found sitting by the roadside near Amila Bazar in Purba Bardhaman district on Monday afternoon has been identified as Sumi Har Choudhury, a former actress known for her work in Bengali film and television. Dressed in shorts and a black full-sleeved shirt, she appeared disoriented and was seen speaking incoherently in a mix of Bengali and English, drawing the attention of local residents.

Initially unrecognised, Choudhury’s identity was confirmed after passersby searched her name online and matched her features with images from her past screen appearances. Local authorities later verified her identity.

According to Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Abhishek Mandal of Bardhaman Sadar South, Choudhury was located near the Bardhaman-Arambagh state highway and has since been transferred to a shelter home. “We are making efforts to trace her family and have informed the Behala police station in Kolkata,” Mandal said.

Choudhury, once active in the Bengali entertainment industry, appeared in films such as Dwitiyo Purush, a crime thriller directed by Srijit Mukherji, and Khashi Katha: A Goat Saga, a bilingual feature that starred veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah. Her television work included supporting roles in serials such as Rupsagore Moner Manush and Tumi Ashe Pashe Thakle.

According to The Indian Express, locals first encountered Choudhury seeking shelter from rain in a rest area near Khandaghosh, a locality within the district. She reportedly introduced herself by stating, “I’m Sumi Har Choudhury, an actress.” Although initial reactions ranged from confusion to disbelief, a quick internet search helped residents confirm her identity through archived images and credits.

“She seemed mentally unwell but kept insisting she had acted in serials,” said a local resident who spoke to media outlets. “We didn’t believe her at first, but then we found her old photos and realised she was telling the truth.”

During conversations with locals and law enforcement, Choudhury reportedly gave inconsistent information about her place of residence—alternating between Kolkata and Bolpur. While records indicate she was originally from Behala in Kolkata, police believe she may have also lived for a period in Bolpur, in the Birbhum district.

At present, the circumstances that led to Choudhury’s apparent decline remain unclear. Authorities are continuing their investigation while working to reconnect her with family or support systems.