After a long battle with COVID-19, veteran Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee passed away at Bellevue Nursing Home in Kolkata. The legendary actor was in the hospital for over a month. He was tested positive for the novel Coronavirus on October 6. The senior actor was later tested negative and was shifted to a non-COVID ITU. However, COVID- 19 encephalopathy set in and other complications surfaced.
An official statement was issued confirming the demise of the thespian. "We declare with heavy heart that Shri Soumitra Chattopadhyay breathed his last at 12-15 pm at Belle Vue Clinic today (15 November 2020). We pay our homage to his soul," the statement read.
Mr. Chatterjee's daughter Poulami Bose, on Facebook, broke the unfortunate news. "With deep grief I must inform you that my beloved father ... my Bapi left us this morning. As a family, we are devastated. Please say a prayer for his soul. I humbly and earnestly request you all please do not come over to our place right now ...my mother and my sons health is fragile at best... please do not put them at risk... PLEASE KEEP THE PANDEMIC IN MIND AND PRAY FROM THE SAFETY OF YOUR HOMES... If you all are truly concerned please respect what my father would have wanted... please do not call me or text me... I will speak to everyone when I'm ready... please give me the space and the privacy that I so desperately need right now... If anyone wishes to meet my mother or my brother please call them... Please please dont contact me now," she wrote.
According to reports, the legendary actor suffered from prostate cancer, for which he underwent treatment a few years ago. He also had chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.
Mr. Chatterjee was conferred with the Dada Saheb Phalke Award and Padma Bhushan Award. He also received France's highest civilian award, the Legion of Honour, in 2018. He collaborated with Oscar-winner Satyajit Ray and immortalised the role of Feluda in his films. His acclaimed films include Ashani Sanket, Ghare Baire, Aranyer Din Ratri, Charulata, Shakha Proshakha, Jhinder Bandi, Saat Pake Bandha and many others.
(Source: Facebook)
