A tragic car accident in the early hours of Saturday, April 29, cut short the life of model Sonika Chauhan and landed Bengali actor Bikram Chatterjee in hospital. Sonika, who was born and brought up in Kolkata, had graduated from modelling to hosting events and anchoring shows, and had even landed a few acting gigs.
The Bengali entertainment industry has lost a number of artistes to car accidents in recent times. The latest of these was folk singer Kalakaprasad Bhattacharjee, who had died after the car he was travelling in while returning to Kolkata from a show fell in Nayanjuli river after the driver lost control.
The accident
Local reports say Bikram and Sonika were returning to Bikram's house after enjoying some nightlife when it met with an accident on Rashbehari Avenue. Bikram's home was very near the accident spot. Bikram, who was driving the car, reportedly lost control of the car, which then hit the divider and turned turtle.
People from nearby residential areas rushed to the spot and helped extricate Sonika and Bikram from the car. They then rushed both of them to hospital and also called police to the spot. Sonika reportedly breathed her last after being admitted to hospital. Bikram was discharged after initial treatment, but was readmitted to hospital after his condition worsened.
The police are investigating exactly how the accident took place.
Who is Sonika Chauhan?
Born and brought up in Kolkata, Sonika Chauhan had Rajput, Anglo Indian and Chinese blood running in her veins. She had started her career with modelling, but as she began to host events and do some shows in Kolkata, she became a regular in the city's Page 3 circuit.
During this time, her relationship with Bengali actor Saheb Bhattacharya grabbed many headlines and became a steady source of gossip. Although she was in a serious relationship with him — she once described him as "co-host for life" while talking of an event they were hosting — they subsequently broke up. Sonika was recently rumoured to have been in a relationship with Bikram.
