Soumitra Chatterjee was an Indian actor and playwright who is best known for his roles in the films “Apu Trilogy,” “Charulata,” and “Shadows of Time.” His work in Bengali cinema brought him international acclaim and many awards throughout his long career.
Personal and Family Life
Soumitra Chatterjee was born on January 19, 1935, in Calcutta, British India. He married Deepa Chatterjee in 1960, and they had two children together. Soumitra’s family played an important role in his life, providing him with support as he pursued his passion for acting and the arts.
Career Highlights
Chatterjee acted in 15 out of the 34 films directed by the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, which significantly impacted the Bengali film industry. He was awarded India’s highest film honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, in 2012 and received the prestigious Legion of Honor from the French government in 2018. Over his career, he became known not just as an actor but also as a poet and playwright, gaining respect and admiration globally.
Death and Legacy
Soumitra Chatterjee passed away on November 15, 2020, in Kolkata, India, due to complications from COVID-19. He was 85 years old at the time of his death. His legacy lives on through his extensive body of work, which continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and actors.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| অপুর সংসার | 1959-05-01 | Apurba “Apu” Kumar Ray |
| চারুলতা | 1964-04-17 | Amal |
| অরণ্যের দিনরাত্রি | 1970-01-16 | Asim |
| Shadows of Time | 2005-11-06 | Ravi (Old) |
| অশনি সংকেত | 1973-08-16 | Gangacharan Chakravarti |
| কাপুরুষ | 1965-05-07 | Amitabha Roy |
| হীরক রাজার দেশে | 1980-12-18 | Udayan Pandit |
| সুকুমার রায় | 1987-06-19 | Himself – Narrator |
| বাক্স বদল | 1970-01-02 | Dr. Pratul Bhattacharjee |
| দেবী | 1960-02-19 | Umaprasad |
| তিন কন্যা | 1961-05-05 | Amulya (segment “The Conclusion”) |