Iconic Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee dies at 85
The legendary actor, a favourite of Satyajit Ray's, spoke about his life, work and politics in an interview with Lounge in 2016
Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee died on Sunday in Kolkata after over-a-month-long battle with multiple ailments, a statement issued by the hospital, where he was undergoing treatment, said. He was 85.
The actor is survived by wife, son and daughter.
Chatterjee was admitted to the hospital on 6 October after he tested positive for covid-19. He recovered from the infection, but his condition did not improve as he suffered from multiple ailments, including neurological complications.
"We declare with heavy heart that Shri Soumitra Chattopadhyay breathed his last at 12.15 pm at Belle Vue Clinic today (15 November 2020). We pay our homage to his soul," the hospital said in its statement.
Born in 1935, Chatterjee rose into prominence after being cast by Satyajit Ray in some of his most iconic films, including the acclaimed Apu Trilogy, Charulata, Aranyer Din Ratri, Ghare Baire and Ganashatru. He also worked with Mrinal Sen (Akash Kusum), Tapan Sinha (Kshudhita Pashan), Asit Sen (Swaralipi) and other great Bengali directors.
Apart from appearing in movies, Chatterjee was also famous as a stage actor, poet, elocutionist, and a prose writer. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2004, the Officier des Arts et Metiers, the highest award in the arts conferred by the French government, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Italy, among others.
In 2016, Mint Lounge featured a long interview with Chatterjee as a cover story, where he reflected on his life as an actor, writer and cultural figure in Bengal and beyond. Read the interview here.
(With inputs from PTI).
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First Published:15 Nov 2020, 01:00 PM IST
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