Soumitra Chatterjee died today in Kolkata.
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. "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 hospital said in its statement.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was among a host of host of leaders who paid their tributes to the actor.
"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
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."
