Soumitra Chatterjee's death mourned by Ambassador of France, country that honoured veteran

Words like ‘legend’, ‘icon’ and more flowed in the tributes for Soumitra Chatterjeee, who passed away on Sunday. Apart from his acclaimed body of work, the veteran actor was honoured with numerous awards during his career, and this was not just restricted to India. One of the countries that had honoured him was France, and the condolence message from the Ambassador of France to India once again highlighted the impact that the thespian created.

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France Ambassador to India pays respects to Soumitra Chatterjee  

Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain, expressed his grief on the death of Soumitra Chatterjee and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to his family and fans.

Terming him as a ‘legendary actor.’ and ‘versatile artist’, Lenain wrote that the star had ‘earned the world’s admiration’ and many awards. Lenain also highlighted the two awards bestowed on the Charulatha actor, the Order of Arts and Letters & Legion of Honour by France.

Deeply saddened to learn legendary actor Soumitra Chatterjee has passed away. A versatile artist, he earned the world’s admiration and many awards, including 🇫🇷 Order of Arts and Letters & Legion of Honour. My heartfelt condolences to his family and fans. pic.twitter.com/cuRW3REF3k

— Emmanuel Lenain (@FranceinIndia) November 15, 2020

Soumitra Chatterjee had been felicitated with the  Ordre des Arts et des Lettres or the Order of France by the Government of France in 1999. In 2018, the French government also bestowed on him the Legion of Honour.

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As far as Indian awards were concerned, Soumitra Chatterjee won three National Awards, the Padma Bhushan, Banga Bibhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke award and numerous others in a glittering career. 

Soumitra Chatterjee passes away

Soumitra Chatterjee breathed his last at a private hospital in Kolkata on Sunday. He had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalised since October 6. Despite recovering from the disease, his health kept fluctuating, and finally succumbed to multi-organ failure.

Soumitra Chatterjee started his career with legendary director Satyajit Ray and went on to work with him in 14 films. In a career spanning six decades, he featured in over 200 Bengali films, many of them top directors. 

He was cremated with state honours on Sunday, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in attendance. 

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