Police Launch Search for Missing James Bond Actor Paul Bhattacharjee

A police search has been launched after James Bond actor Paul Bhattacharjee went missing from a theatre where he was performing.

Bhattacharjee, 53, was last seen on 10 July at the Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square, where he was appearing in a stage production.

The actor, who appeared in Casino Royale alongside Daniel Craig as a doctor, texted his girlfriend at 9pm on the day he went missing and this was the last anyone heard from him.

CCTV footage showed Bhattacharjee walking from the stage door area of the theatre and up an external alleyway. He then turned left as if he was going towards Sloane Square underground station.

A statement from the Metropolitan Police said his disappearance was "totally out of character".

"Mr Bhattacharjee is an Asian male of slim build and 6ft tall with short grey hair. He was wearing light-coloured trousers, a blue shirt, light coloured shoes and he had a black backpack with him," police said.

Worried sick

The actor also appeared in Dirty Pretty Things, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and EastEnders.

The Royal Court Theatre said: "Our colleague and friend Paul Bhattacharjee has been missing since last Wednesday evening. If you have any info please call Missing Persons.

"He left in good spirits but didn't make it to rehearsals the next day."

Bhattacharjee was one of 14 actors performing in six plays over six weeks. He had appeared in two before he went missing. His character in the next show, Talk Show, has now been recast.

Rahul Bhattacharjee-Prashar, the actor's son, pleaded with his father to return home. He told the Evening Standard: "Dad, wherever you are please, please get in contact.

"We want to know that you are okay and if anyone has seen or heard from him in the last few days please get in contact. Please, we are just worried sick.

"He was doing well in his career and everything seemed to be going okay. I just don't know what has happened."