End of an era: Soumitra Chatterjee dies, celebs mourn the iconic actor’s demise

New Delhi: Legendary Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee, known for his collaborations with Oscar-winning film director Satyajit Ray, died in Kolkata on Sunday. He was 85. 

The Dadasaheb Phalke awardee was hospitalised over 40 days ago in Kolkata after testing positive for coronavirus. He later tested negative for the virus, but the condition of the veteran actor had remained a matter of concern owing to co-morbidities and advanced age. His key problem was Covid-19 encephalopathy. His consciousness level had went down significantly since Friday. 

The iconic actor’s death is being mourned by celebs across the country. 

Manoj Bajpayee tweeted to say, “Tragic loss!! Rest in peace Sir!! Your contribution to the Indian Cinema will always be remembered and inspire the generations to come !!

Richa Chadha shared a photo of Soumitra Chatterjee with Satyajit Ray and wrote that his death comes as a “big loss to the world of cinema and art.”

RIP Soumitra Chatterjee! You live on through your work for eternity! Thank you for the movies. A big, big loss to the world of cinema and art. An era has indeed ended with no one in sight to fill the void. pic.twitter.com/ysXiACW6ex

— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) November 15, 2020

“I grew up watching his films day after day. So working with him in #15ParkAvenue was surreal. He answered all my questions on how it was to work with #SatyajitRay with generosity and warmth. It’s been a privilege, Soumitrada. Rest in peace,” tweeted Rahul Bose. 

I grew up watching his films day after day. So working with him in #15ParkAvenue was surreal. He answered all my questions on how it was to work with #SatyajitRay with generosity and warmth. It’s been a privilege, Soumitrada. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/cZsjAxsSEC

— Rahul Bose (@RahulBose1) November 15, 2020

Bengali actor Parambrata has requested the media to not call him for a “reaction”. He said,  “This pain, is too personal. This loss doesn’t belong to words, belongs to me alone.”

request friends in the media to not call and ask for a ‘reaction’. This pain, is too personal. This loss doesn’t belong to words, belongs to me alone. #SoumitraChatterjee

— parambrata (@paramspeak) November 15, 2020

Filmmaker Prosit Roy also paid his tribute to Soumita Chatterjee.

pic.twitter.com/fC1ZoXt8ku

— Prosit (@prosit_roy) November 15, 2020

For filmmaker Onir, it’s the “end of era for Bengali cinema.” 

End of an Era for Bengali Cinema.There are too many performances of this amazing artists that has enriched our lives for decades to mention a few. World Cinema will celebrate this beautiful man & his art for eternity. Rest in peace. You r Loved and Cherished. #SoumitraChatterjee pic.twitter.com/SE2Z506k6i

—  Onir (@IamOnir) November 15, 2020

Soumitra Chatterjee’s last rites will take place later today with full state honours, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has said.