Legendary actor Soumitra Chatterjee has died at the age of 85 after a prolonged illness. The star of several iconic Bengali films died weeks after testing positive for COVID-19. He was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kolkata. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted saying that ‘Feluda’ is no more. ‘Apu’ said goodbye.’
Banerjee’s tweet 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.”
Her subsequent tweet read, “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.”
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
The Dada Saheb Phalke awardee was on life support for several weeks after testing positive for COVID-19 in October. He had undergone the first plasmapheresis on Thursday and tracheostomy on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweet, “Soumitra Chatterjee’s death is a huge loss to the world cinema as well as the Indian and Bengali film industry. Condolences to the family and his fans. ”
Chatterjee made his acting debut with Satyajit Ray’s globally acclaimed film Apur Sansar. He went on to act in 14 more films with Satyajit Ray.
