Kolkata, India - Veteran Bengali actor Kalyan Chatterjee has passed away at the age of 81, following a prolonged battle with illness. The actor breathed his last on Sunday night at MR Bangur Super Speciality Hospital in Kolkata, where he was being treated for typhoid and age-related ailments.
Born in 1942 in Berhampore, Murshidabad, Chatterjee was a prominent figure in both Bengali and Hindi cinema, with a career spanning over five decades. He was known for his portrayal of the everyday Bengali man, bringing authenticity and emotional depth to his roles. Chatterjee's natural acting skills earned him acclaim from viewers and made him a favorite of directors like Tapan Sinha and Arabinda Mukhopadhyay.
Chatterjee made his acting debut in the 1968 film "Apanjan". Throughout his career, he appeared in over 400 films, primarily in supporting roles. Some of his most memorable performances include roles in "Dhanyee Meye," "Dui Prithibi," "Sabuj Dwiper Raja," and "Baishe Srabon". He also had the opportunity to work with legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray in the 1970 film "Pratidwandi". Beyond Bengali cinema, Chatterjee also made his mark in Hindi films, including Sujoy Ghosh's thriller "Kahaani".
The West Bengal Motion Picture Artists Forum expressed their condolences, acknowledging Chatterjee's significant impact on the film industry. In a statement, the forum remembered him as "one of our most valued members" and expressed deep shock over his passing. Colleagues, co-stars, and fans have also paid tribute to the actor, lauding his ability to emotionally connect with audiences through his performances.
Chatterjee's filmography includes a wide range of roles in films such as "Sagina Mahato," "Ek Je Chhilo Desh," "Safed Haathi," "Antarjali Jatra," "Agni Kanya," "Byomkesh Bakshi," and "The Waiting City", among many others. He worked alongside some of Bengali cinema's most prominent figures, including Uttam Kumar, Soumitra Chatterjee, and Ranjit Mallick. Chatterjee also appeared in several television and OTT shows, such as "Ek Akasher Niche" and "Tansener Tanpura".
According to sources, Chatterjee had been bedridden for a long time due to persistent health complications and had been away from acting for several years. His last rites were completed at the Keoratala crematorium. The news of his demise has cast a shadow of grief over the entertainment industry.
