The legendary Indian film actor Soumitra Chatterjee, had died aged 85 after testing positive for the coronavirus.
Soumitra Chatterjee starred in over 300 films. He had a 60-year-long career in cinema, and he was best known for the film ‘The World of Apu’, which went on to be a famous three-part trilogy.
Chatterjee was admitted to hospital on October 6th after testing positive for the coronavirus. He was kept in the hospital for the following two weeks before eventually getting the all clear on a follow up test. Despite the negative test, Soumitra’s condition quickly went downhill and soon deteriorated. He was placed on a ventilator in the last days of October.
A statement read “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 Chief Minister of Bengal, Mamata Banerjee travelled to the hospital after hearing of Soumitra’s death. He gave his condolences to family members, and later put a statement on on Twitter which read, “Feluda is no more. ‘Apu’ said goodbye. Farewell, Soumitra (Da) Chatterjee. He has been a legend in his lifetime. International, Indian and Bengali cinema has lost a giant. We will miss him dearly. ‘The film world in Bengal has been orphaned. Best known for his films with Satyajit Ray, Soumitra Da was conferred with Legion of Honor, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Banga Bibhushan, Padma Bhushan and several National Awards. A great loss. Saddened. Condolences to his family, the film fraternity and his admirers across the world.”
Chatterjee starred in more than 300 movies and had a 60 year long career in Bengali language films. He worked with the Oscar winning director, Satyait Ray on ‘Apur Sansar’ which was part of the famous Apu Trilogy. He also starred as the lead role in 14 other of Ray’s films, including Devi, Charulata, Sonar Kella, and Asani Sanket.
His contribution to Bengali language films saw him rise to a legendary status. Despite being given the opportunity, Chatterjee never worked in Bollywood.
Soumitra Chatterjee’s death will be mourned by fans all around the world.
