Television actors Puja Banerjee and Kunal Verma have opened up about a devastating financial setback that they faced recently in a recent interview. She revealed that they were victims of a major financial scam that cost them all their savings. The couple, who have worked extensively in Indian television, shared that they are now starting over from scratch after being deceived by someone they considered close.
In a candid conversation with ETimes, Puja described the emotional and financial turmoil they’ve been facing over the past few months.
“These past 2-3 months have been extremely difficult for us, and we have no idea what will happen next,” she said. “We have been victims of a fraudulent financial scam and we lost a huge amount. We have to start from zero, and we won’t give up. We don’t want to give up. We lost all our savings in this fraud… Humein wapis zero pe laake khada kar diya hai (We’ve been brought back to zero).”
The couple refrained from naming the person behind the scam but revealed that the individual had been close to them for years. Kunal explained, “When you trust someone for the past 3 years… has been with you, became a part of your home and family…”
Puja added, “We are deeply hurt, but we don’t want to give up at this point and come out stronger.” She also shared that the betrayal has taken a significant emotional toll, particularly on Kunal. “It took us a long time to even talk about it,” she admitted.
Kunal emphasised the importance of being transparent with their fans. “We belong to an industry where our livelihood depends entirely on your love and support. If you don’t watch our work, it holds no value. You are like family to us, and that’s why you deserve to know that we were cheated,” he said.
He went on to describe the emotional weight of the experience, noting that the last few months have been incredibly difficult. “We have cried enough behind it,” he said. “The battle to recover the money is going to be long, but we are not giving up.”
The couple, who married in 2020 after meeting on the set of Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna, are parents to a young son, Krishiv, born in 2021. Despite the setback, they say their focus now is on rebuilding their lives and careers with renewed determination.
Puja Banerjee is known for her roles in television dramas like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kasturi, Qubool Hai, and Devon Ke Dev – Mahadev. Kunal Verma has appeared in popular shows including Dil Se Dil Tak, Havan, Jhanak, and Ek Mutthi Aasmaan.
