Television stars Puja Banerjee and Kunal Verma have recently opened up about being victims of a heart-wrenching financial fraud perpetrated by someone they trusted deeply—a close friend of over three years. According to the couple, the betrayal wiped out their entire life savings and forced them to “start from zero,” enduring emotional trauma and financial upheaval.
In This Article:
The Fraud That Shattered Their Lives
In a candid interview with ETimes, Puja revealed that the fraud spans the past 2–3 months and was orchestrated by a confidant who had become part of their family. She told media outlets:
“We have been victims of a fraudulent financial scam and we lost a huge amount… Humein wapis zero pe laake khada kar diya hai (We’ve been brought back to zero)”.
Kunal added that the emotional pain has been significant, describing how the betrayal shook him to his core and made it difficult to even open up publicly about the incident.
Forced to Rebuild: Mortgaged Home and Emotional Fallout
The loss was so catastrophic that the couple had to mortgage their house in an attempt to keep afloat—only to have those funds lost as well. Puja spoke of her anguish, especially concerning their young son, expressing fear over losing their home and uncertainty about his future.
Emotionally, the couple has been shattered. Puja admitted it took a long time before they could even publicly discuss their ordeal. Kunal confessed they had hidden the truth from their families, such was the weight of the emotional burden.
A Spiritual Refuge: Seeking Solace at Hanuman Temple
Amid the turmoil, Puja turned to faith. In a deeply moving video, she visited the Icchapurti Hanuman Temple with her son, seeking strength to overcome the crisis. She recalled that this is the same temple where her career found prayers and blessings—and now she returned for courage, not comfort.
With tears in her voice, she offered a heartfelt prayer:
“I’m asking for courage, not comfort… so I can fight this storm and rebuild everything we’ve lost.”
Standing Together: Their Message to Fans
Despite the devastation, Puja and Kunal are determined not to surrender. Puja shared:
“We have to start from zero, and we won’t give up. We don’t want to give up.”.
Kunal echoed the sentiment, saying the healing process has been long and difficult, but they plan to fight this battle together. He also expressed gratitude to fans, pointing out that their livelihood depends on audience support, and asked them to stand by the couple during their recovery.
Industry Community Responds with Support
The stars, known for roles in hit shows like Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna, Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev, Qubool Hai, and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, have received an outpouring of love and support on social media. Many messages emphasized resilience and strength, comforted by the couple’s resolve to rise again.
Legal and Financial Battle Ahead
While public, the couple also acknowledged this will be a long legal battle. They have engaged in the process of recovering their funds and rebuilding their financial foundation. However, they have not disclosed specific details—such as the identity of the friend or the amount involved—preferring to maintain focus on restoring stability .
Background: Their Journey from On-Screen Romance to Real-Life Resilience
Puja Banerjee (born 6 February 1987 in Durgapur, West Bengal) rose to fame with roles in Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Devon Ke Dev–Mahadev, Qubool Hai, and reality shows like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa .
Kunal Verma, similarly esteemed, debuted in Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna and later starred in Havan, Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev, Dream Girl – Ek Ladki Deewani Si, Ek Mutthi Aasmaan, among others.
The two tied the knot in April 2020 and welcomed their son Krishiv in 2021. Their story has resonated deeply with fans who know them as both on-screen partners and off-screen life partners.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Recovery
This shocking scam has forced Puja and Kunal to confront betrayal, loss, and vulnerability on a deeply personal level. Yet, their determination to bounce back, bolstered by faith, family, and fan support, shows remarkable courage. As they tackle legal recourse and rebuild their financial foundation, they are asking not for financial aid, but for audience encouragement—which means everything in their line of work.
This tragedy also shines a light on the emotional toll of financial fraud, especially when victims are public figures trapped between privacy and the necessity of transparency. Puja’s act of sharing her prayers at the Hanuman temple humanizes the struggle and strikes a chord with many who have faced personal hardships.
Final Thoughts
Puja Banerjee and Kunal Verma’s ordeal underscores how trust and betrayal can shake even the most stable foundations—of marriage, finance, and family. Yet their resilience, grounded in shared hardship, spirituality, and unwavering will to work, casts a strong message: true recovery is forged not just with legal action, but with the help of loved ones, audience faith, and the courage to rebuild.
By – Sonali