An archive photo of the fan club’s Soumitra Chatterjee (courtesy soumitrachattopadhyayo)
Strong points
- The actor was admitted to hospital on October 6
- He was admitted a day after testing positive for COVID-19
- He then tested negative but had COVID-19 induced encephalopathy
Legendary actor Soumitra Chatterjee, star of some of the best films in Bengali cinema, has passed away. He was 85 years old. Mr Chatterjee tested positive for COVID-19 last month and was taken to hospital. An official statement read: “We declare with heavy hearts that Shri Soumitra Chattopadhyay took his last breath at 12:15 p.m. at the Belle Vue clinic today (November 15, 2020). West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has arrived in the hospital shortly after Soumitra Chatterjee’s death to be with the actor’s family.
In a series of tweets, she wrote: “Feluda is no more. ‘Apu’ said goodbye. Farewell, Soumitra (Da) Chatterjee. He was a legend during his lifetime. International, Indian and Bengali cinema has lost a giant We The cinema world in Bengal is orphaned Best known for his films with Satyajit Ray, Soumitra Da has received the Legion of Honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke, Banga Bibhushan, Padma Bhushan and several national awards Sad. Condolences to his family, the film fraternity and his admirers around the world “
Best known for his films with Satyajit Ray, Soumitra Da has received the Legion of Honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Banga Bibhushan, Padma Bhushan and several national awards. A great loss. Saddened. Condolences to his family, the cinematic fraternity and his admirers around the world 2/2
– Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 15, 2020
Soumitra Chatterjee was taken to Belle Vue Clinic in Calcutta on October 6, a day after testing positive for coronavirus. His condition at the time was described as stable. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called to inquire about Mr Chatterjee’s health.
Concerned Soumitra Chatterjee’s Health grew over the days, especially the fear of a cancer relapse – the actor had survived prostate cancer. Mr Chatterjee, who received plasma therapy to fight the virus, was followed by a team of 10 doctors from the Belle Vue clinic.
Soumitra Chatterjee, Bengal’s most famous actor, was best known for his many collaborations with filmmaker Satyajit Ray – they made 14 films together. He made his debut in the 1959 Mr. Ray film Apur Sansar, which is part of the famous Pather Panchali trilogy. Mr. Chatterjee was also directed by Satyajit Ray in Charulata, Devi, Teen Kanya, Ghare Baire, Ganashatru and other films. He was the first actor to play the role of Feluda, the detective created by Satyajit Ray. Soumitra Chatterjee played the role of Feluda in two films directed by Mr. Ray – Sonar Kella and Joy Baba Felunath.
Soumitra Chatterjee has also been directed by other big names in Bengali cinema, including Mrinal Sen in Akash Kusum.
His last big screen release was in 2019 Sanjhbati.
Soumitra Chatterjee’s long list of awards and accolades includes the Padma Bhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Tagore Ratna. He received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award – the highest honor in Indian cinema – in 2012. Mr. Chatterjee has won three national awards for his performances in films Antardhan, Dekha and Padokkhep. In 2018, he received the Legion of Honor of France, the country’s highest civilian honor. In 1989, Satyajit Ray had also received the same award.
