Actor Soumitra Chatterjee, one of Bengal's most celebrated actors, died today. He was 85. Mr Chatterjee tested positive for COVID-19 last month and was taken to hospital. Mr Chatterjee is survived by wife, son and daughter.
PM Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and BJP chief JP Nadda were among the leaders who paid their tributes to the actor.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Mr Chatterjee's death is a "colossal loss" to the world of cinema, cultural life of West Bengal and India.
"Shri Soumitra Chatterjee's death is a colossal loss to the world of cinema, cultural life of West Bengal and India. Through his works, he came to embody Bengali sensibilities, emotions and ethos. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," PM Modi tweeted.
Ms Banerjee said that Bengali cinema "has lost a giant."
"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," Ms Banerjee tweeted.
"Best known for his films with Satyajit Ray, Soumitra Da was conferred with Legion of Honor, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Banga Bibhushan, Padma Bhushan & several National Awards. A great loss. Saddened. Condolences to his family, the film fraternity & his admirers across the world," she added.
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 1/2
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 15, 2020
My deepest condolences to family members & friends of #SoumitraChatterjee. One of Bengal's finest actors, synonymous to Satyajit Ray's masterpieces - we will remember 'Apu' through his phenomenal contribution to Indian Cinema. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/tRD7aJdnAv
— Hemant Soren (घर में रहें - सुरक्षित रहें) (@HemantSorenJMM) November 15, 2020
With the passing of Soumitra Chatterjee, Indian cinema has lost one of its legends. He will be specially remembered for the 'Apu' trilogy and other memorable performances in Satyajit Ray's masterpieces. He made immense contribution to the craft of acting.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 15, 2020
It's sad to hear of the demise of Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Shri Soumitra Chatterjee, an actor par excellence who the nation has revered over the years.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 15, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/XsbNmfF5AI
Deeply pained by the passing away of legendary Bengali actor, Shri Soumitra Chatterjee. He has a long illustrious career & won many accolades for his acting prowess. He will continue to inspire young generations. My condolences to his family and followers. Om Shanti.
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) November 15, 2020
Shri Soumitra Chatterjee's death is a colossal loss to the world of cinema, cultural life of West Bengal and India. Through his works, he came to embody Bengali sensibilities, emotions and ethos. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 15, 2020
Soumitra Chatterjee was admitted to the hospital on October 6, just a day after he tested positive for COVID-19. The actor tested negative a little after a week on October 14 but he remained admitted because of health complications, especially COVID-19 induced encephalopathy.
Within a few days after Mr Chatterjee tested negative, the doctors said he was recovering and would be able to walk in a few days. However on October 25, Dr Arindam Kar, who was leading the medical team treating Mr Chatterjee, said: "You all know he is not keeping well. His consciousness, despite all our efforts, is not improving. Rather it has gone down."
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