The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of celebrated Bengali filmmaker Utpalendu Chakrabarty, who passed away at the age of 76. He suffered a heart attack at his residence in Regent Park, leaving behind his wife, Satarupa Sanyal, a film producer, and two daughters, Ritabhari and Chitrangada.
Utpalendu Chakrabarty was a towering figure in Bengali cinema, known for his impactful films that left a lasting impression on audiences. His film Chokh (1983) won the National Award for Best Feature Film and Best Director, showcasing his exceptional talent. His debut film, Moyna Tadanta (1980), won the Indira Gandhi Award for Best First Film of a Director, marking the beginning of an illustrious career. He directed several acclaimed films like Chandaneer (1989), Phansi (1988), and Debshishu (1987).
A graduate of Scottish Church College and the University of Calcutta, Utpalendu was also known for his work on documentaries about legendary figures like Satyajit Ray, Rabindra Sangeet, and Debabrata Biswas.
For the past few years, he had been battling Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). His death is a significant loss to the Indian film industry, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressing her condolences, noting that his passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. The Cine Central Film Club also mourned his loss, acknowledging the indelible mark he left on cinema.
