Kolkata, Nov 15(UNI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her grief on the sad demise of legendary actor Soumitra Chatterjee.
Mamata stated, "I express my deepest condolences on behalf of all the people of Bengal on the demise of Soumitra Chatterjee, the legendary actor of Bengal and India. He breathed his last in Calcutta today. He was 85 years old. Soumitra Chatterjee was one of the most talented artists Bengal was was ever represented by in the world.
"He has acted in more than two hundred films, including 14 films by legendary Satyajit Ray. Notable films he has acted in are Apur Sansar, Charulata, Abhijan, Aranyer Din Ratri, Ashani Sanket, Sonar Kella, Joy Baba Felunath, Hirak Rajar Deshe, Ghawre Bairey, Ganashatru, Ganadevata, Jhinder Bondi, Tin Bhubaner Pare, Khudhito Pashan, Koni etc."
Mamata furher said, "A man of many talents, Soumitra Chatterjee was simultaneously a legendary film and stage actor, as well as an outstanding elocutionist, poet, writer, playwright and director."
"The Government of West Bengal awarded him the Film Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2012, the Tele Academy Award (Hall of Fame) in 2015 and the 'Bangabibhushan' in 2016," she added.
The chief minister further said, "He also received various awards including Padma Bhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, BFJA Award, Filmfare Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Tagore Ratna Award for his outstanding performance."
The French government awarded Sri Chattopadhyay their highest honour in 2017 - the Legion of d'Honneur, she said.
"I had a special respect and friendship with Soumitra Chatterjee. At our invitation, he has joined us at the Nazrul Mancha to receive the Bangabibhushan Award, as well as at the opening ceremony of the Calcutta International Film Festival at the Netaji Indoor Stadium.
"His death created an irreplaceable void in the entire life of Bengal.
"I extend my sincere condolences to the family and many fans of Soumitra Chatterjee," she concluded.
Mamata Banerjee is now in Belle Vue Clinic with Chatterjee family and already announced that government will pay a gun salute at around 6.30 pm, before the legends last rites on Keoratala crematorium.
UNI XC-AND