West Bengal CM, governor pay homage to Soumitra Chatterjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Goverr Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday paid hom to legendary Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee who died at a city hospital after a prolonged battle with multiple ailments.

Banerjee said actor was a "fighter" who will be celebrated for his works and his death has delivered an irreparable blow to film fraternity of country.

Dhankhar said Chatterjee's death has left a deep void and is a colossal loss to world of cinema.

Chatterjee died after a 40-day battle with multiple ailments, a statement issued by hospital, where he was undergoing treatment, said. He was 85.

spian is survived by wife Deepa Chatterjee, daughter Poulomi Basu and son Sougata Chatterjee.

Banerjee, who rushed to private hospital where actor bread his last, said it is a s day for Bengal and his fans across globe.

"He was a fighter who will be celebrated and remembered for his works. It is a s day for Bengal and his fans across globe," she said.

"I h spoken to him (Soumitra Chatterjee) over phone when he was mitted on October 6 after testing positive for COVID-19. He was very confident. Although he passed away, COVID-19 could t defeat him as he h alrey recovered from dely disease," Banerjee told reporters here.

Chatterjee's daughter Poulomi Basu, who was present re, thanked actor's followers and fans for ir support for last 40 days when he was in hospital.

Condoling death of celebrated actor, Dhankhar tweeted, "Deeply grieved at passing of veteran actor Soumitra Chattophyay. Heartfelt condolences. A void is difficult to fill." "Soumitra da encapsulated and epitomised essence of pristine Bengali sensibilities, emotions, culture and ethos. His rich legacy will be ever cherished and would inspire and motivate millions," goverr said in a condolence mess.

Dhankhar said Chatterjee was much beyond hours and recognitions he got in his life.

"He was first Indian film personality conferred with Ordre des Arts et des Lettres France's highest award for artists; also winner of Dasaheb Phalke Award," goverr said.

state be a tearful ieu to iconic actor as thousands of people walked following a flower-bedecked hearse which carried his body to a crematorium where his mortal remains were consigned to flames with full state hours here.

Banerjee, along with her ministerial colleagues and a host of film personalities, walked in procession with ors singing Rabindranath Tagore's song, "Aguner parashmoni chhoao praane" ( touchstone of fire will turn us pure).

"Feluda' ( role that Chatterjee played in two mystery films by Satyajit Ray) is more. 'Apu' (of Ray's immortal 'Apur Sansar') 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," she said in a statement.

" film world in Bengal has been orphaned. Best kwn for his films with Satyajit Ray, Soumitra Da was conferred with Legion of Hor, Dasaheb Phalke Award, Banga Bibhushan, Pma Bhushan and several National Awards.

Condolences to his family, film fraternity and his mirers across world," Banerjee said.

Senior BJP leer Swapan Dasgupta said Chatterjee epitomised Bangla films and Bengali character.

"Soumitra Chatterjee was a Bengali legend. He epitomised Bangla films & Bengali character. He will live on in our imagination. cultural life of Bengal will be a little poorer without him," he said on Twitter.

Chatterjee was mitted to hospital on October 6 after he tested positive for COVID-19. He h recovered from dely disease, but his condition did t improve as he suffered from multiple ailments, including neurological complications.

(Im credit: PTI)