Legendary Director Basu Chatterjee, Best Known For Baton Baton Mein, Khatta Meetha, Rajinigandha, Dies At 90

Basu Chatterjee died at his residence on Thursday (courtesy DirectorsIFTDA)

Celebrated filmmaker Basu Chatterjee, best known for directing classics such as Rajinigandha, Khatta Meetha, Chitchor, Chhoti Si Baat and Shaukeen, died at his residence in Mumbai on Thursday because of age-related issues, reported news agency PTI. He was 90. Ashoke Pandit, President of The Indian Film And Television Directors' Association (IFTDA), told PTI that Basu Chatterjee was suffering from age related ailments: "He passed away peacefully in his sleep in the morning. He wasn't keeping well for quite some time due to old age and died at his residence. It's a great loss to the film industry." Basu Chatterjee's last rites will be held at Santacruz Crematorium today afternoon, Ashoke Pandit said in a tweet.

I am extremely grieved to inform you all of the demise of Legendary Filmmaker #BasuChatterjee ji. His last rites will be performed today at Santacruz West (Opp Police station )crematorium at 3 pm.

It's a great loss to the industry. Will miss you Sir. #RIPBasuChaterjeepic.twitter.com/2Jlu3AqdVX

— Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) June 4, 2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the late filmmaker in a tweet: "Sad to hear of the demise of Shri Basu Chatterjee. His works are brilliant and sensitive. It touched people's hearts and represented the simple and complex emotions, as well as struggles of people. Condolences to his family and innumerable fans. Om Shanti." West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee mourned the legendary filmmaker in a tweet of condolence: "Saddened at the demise of legendary film director and screenwriter Basu Chatterjee. He gave us gems like Chhoti Si Baat, Chitchor, Rajanigandha, Byomkesh Bakshi, Rajni among others. Condolences to his family, friends, fans and the entire film fraternity." Mamata Banerjee had wished Basu Chatterjee on his birthday in January earlier this year.

Sad to hear of the demise of Shri Basu Chatterjee. His works are brilliant and sensitive. It touched people's hearts and represented the simple and complex emotions, as well as struggles of people. Condolences to his family and innumerable fans. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2020

Saddened at the demise of legendary film director and screenwriter Basu Chatterjee. He gave us gems like 'Chhoti Si Baat', 'Chitchor', 'Rajanigandha', 'Byomkesh Bakshi', 'Rajni' among others. Condolences to his family, friends, fans & the entire film fraternity

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 4, 2020

The Indian Film And Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) mourned Basu Chatterjee in a tweet: "IFTDA mourns the demise of legendary Filmmaker Basu Chatterjee. A Master of Humour who delved into social and moral issues through his films. We pray to the almighty to bless his noble soul and give courage to his family to bear the irreplaceable loss." Tributes for Basu Chatterjee also poured in from the likes of Shabana Azmi, who worked with him in 1977 film Swami, Apne Paraye and Jeena Yahan, and also Shoojit Sircar, who worked as an Assistant Director with the late filmmaker.

Deeply saddened to hear about Basu Chatterjee's passing away.A prolific filmaker, he was the pioneer of what came to be regarded as middle of the road cinema. I was fortunate to have done 3 lovely films with him Swami Apne Paraye and Jeena Yahan. All lifelike characters .RIP pic.twitter.com/tAN5vaTZiY

— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) June 4, 2020

My 1st job as an assistant director was with Basu Chatterjee for a Bengali tv serial shot in CR park, New Delhi.. May his soul Rest In Peace.

— Shoojit Sircar (@ShoojitSircar) June 4, 2020

IFTDA mourns the demise of Legendary Filmmaker Basu Chatterjee.A Master of Humour who delved into social and moral issues through his films.We pray to the almighty to bless his noble soul & give courage to his family to bear the irreplaceable loss. pic.twitter.com/SS946bnpbp

— Iftda India (@DirectorsIFTDA) June 4, 2020

Basu Chatterjee's career began as a cartoonist and illustrator for a Mumbai tabloid. After almost two decades, he switched to filmmaking and worked as an assisted Basu Bhattacharya during the filming of 1966 movie Teesri Kasam, which later won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. Basu Chatterjee made his debut as a director three years later with 1969 movie Sara Akash. Piya Ka Ghar, Us Paar, Swami, Priyatama, Chakravyuha, Jeena Yahan, Apne Paraye and Ek Ruka Hua Faisla are some of his other critically acclaimed films. Mr Chatterjee sported many hats - he was also an award-winning screenplay writer and dialogue writer, and produced a few of his films.

During his career as a filmmaker, Mr Chatterjee worked with stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra, Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra and Hema Malini, among others. Basu Chatterjee also directed Bengali movies such as Hothat Shei Din, Hothat Brishti and Hochcheta Ki.

Basu Chatterjee directed some popular TV shows in the Eighties and Nineties - Rajani, Darpan, Kakaji Kahin are a few of them. Basu Chatterjee helmed two seasons of Doordarshan's Byomkesh Bakshi, directing as many as 34 episodes.

During his illustrious career, Basu Chatterjee won several awards - he received the National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare in 1992 for his film Durga.