'Shocked' friends, industry condole death of Pratyusha

                Mumbai: Expressions of shock and condolences poured in from friends and near ones in the TV industry over the alleged suicide of TV actress Pratyusha Banerjee, who was found dead at her suburban residence today. "Sad sad sad. Nothing's worth ending your one beautiful gift called life for... My heart bleeds for the parents and family...," tweeted 'Bigg Boss 7" winner Gauhar Khan. "The news is absolutely saddening. I know life is tough but why do you need to do this. She was so young, I don't know what happened. Lots of strength to her family during this time," Kushal Tandon, her co-contestant said. The 24-year-old was found hanging from a ceiling fan at her flat in Bangur Nagar in suburban Kandivli, a police officer said. However, no suicide note was found from the flat, he said, adding the exact cause of the death, which occurred around afternoon, will be known only after an autopsy is conducted. "Is it confirmed? It is really sad, I am just shocked and speechless. I can only pray for her family right now," actress Elli Evram, who also participated in the show with Pratyusha, said, adding that "So shocked to hear about Pratyusha Banerjee suicide. Makes me think of Nafisa and Jiah. All beautiful, talented girls. This is heartbreaking," Sophie Choudry tweeted. "Can't believe #pratyushabanerjee is no more. Rip. Have gone numb. She was so young," Ragini Khanna tweeted. "Shocking... can't believe this news. Rip Prayushabanerjee," Sambhavna Seth tweeted. A few fellow actors like Ratan Rajput and Jay Bhanushali said they thought it was an April fool prank, but were shocked when the news was confirmed. "I got to know at around 9 pm when I was shooting for my show. I thought somebody was making April fool joke. Then I checked with our common friend Vikas Gupta and he said it was true. I was shocked. This is unbelievable. I have just reached Kokilaben hospital," Ratan said. "It is really sad. She took such a big step and I don't know why. Initially I thought it must be an April fool's prank but then I got it confirmed through some of my media friends and close associates," Bhanushali said. VJ Andy also said he thought it was a joke after hearing the news on Twitter. "Then I got a call from Tanisha who told me the same. Then my manager too confirmed it. I still cannot believe it. I am shocked."