"We are deeply shocked."
Kalyan Chatterjee, a towering presence in Bengali cinema for over five decades, passed away in Kolkata, leaving the industry mourning.
His death was confirmed by the West Bengal Motion Picture Artists Forum.
The forum stated that he had been receiving treatment for typhoid and age-related complications at MR Bangur Super Speciality Hospital.
Family members said the veteran actor had been confined to his bed for an extended period, a decline that distanced him from sets where he once worked.
His body was moved directly from the hospital to the Keoratala crematorium, where his final rites were performed in the presence of close relatives.
Born in Berhampore in 1942, Chatterjee grew up with an early fascination for the stage, eventually joining the Film and Television Institute of India to refine his craft.
His formal training led to his debut in Tapan Sinha’s Apanjan, which introduced him to audiences as an actor capable of depth rather than glamour.
That first role marked the beginning of a career spanning more than four hundred films, reflecting an extraordinary adaptability that kept him relevant across eras.
He became widely recognised for roles in Dhonyi Meye and Sagina Mahato, while also earning praise for appearances in Dui Prithibi and Sabuj Dwiper Raja.
His performance in Baishe Srabon further strengthened his stature, while Safed Haathi brought him national attention through its acclaimed reception.
One of his most admired performances came in Satyajit Ray’s Pratidwandi, where he blended seamlessly into the world of parallel cinema.
Chatterjee’s strength lay in his ability to portray ordinary individuals with authenticity.
This allowed him to transition effortlessly between humour and emotion.
Directors trusted his instincts, pairing him in films with celebrated actors such as Uttam Kumar and Soumitra Chatterjee.
As Bengali cinema shifted its storytelling style, he continued to adapt, maintaining his presence in an industry that rarely preserves continuity.
His work extended into Hindi cinema with Sujoy Ghosh’s Kahaani, where he contributed to a film that redefined thrillers for a new generation.
He later embraced television and digital platforms, appearing in Ek Akasher Niche and Tansener Tanpura, bringing the same grounded energy to smaller formats.
The Artists Forum mourned his loss, saying:
“One of our most valued members, Kalyan Chatterjee, has left us. We are deeply shocked.”
Colleagues echoed this sentiment, recognising that Kalyan Chatterjee’s passing marks the end of a generation of performers who strengthened stories without dominating them.
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