Veteran Bengali Actor Basanti Chatterjee Dies At 88 After Long Battle with Cancer
The Bengali entertainment industry is mourning the loss of veteran actress Basanti Chatterjee, who passed away at her Kolkata home on Tuesday night. She was 88 years old. Chatterjee had been battling cancer for several years and spent her final months under home care following a prolonged hospital stay. Her family confirmed the sad news, marking the end of an era for Bengali film, television, and theatre.
Basanti Chatterjee's career stretched over five decades, during which she appeared in more than 100 films. Her performances in classics such as Thagini, Manjari Opera, and Alo remain etched in the memories of audiences. On television, she became a household name through serials like Bhutu, Boron, and Durga Durgeshwari, where her nuanced performances drew widespread admiration. Before making her mark on screen, Chatterjee honed her craft on stage, performing in countless theatre productions.
In the months before her death, Chatterjee spent time in the ICCU of a hospital due to her health condition. On medical advice, she later continued treatment at home with professional nursing care. Her last appearance on screen was in the television series Gita LLB, during which she fell seriously ill but continued to display her commitment to her craft.
Colleagues and fans have expressed deep sorrow over her passing. Actor Bhaswar Chatterjee said, 'She had been experiencing a lot of physical pain lately. Despite falling health and advanced age, her craft was irreplaceable." Her colleagues remember her not only for her talent but also for her warmth, humility, and passion for the arts.
Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) handle, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee expressed, 'I am deeply saddened by the passing of veteran television actress Basanti Chattopadhyay. Her death is an irreparable loss to our world of art and entertainment. I extend my condolences to her family, friends, and fans."
After her discharge from the hospital last year, the veteran actress told Anandabazar Online, 'I am better now, but still weak. I want to start shooting, but I have problems walking in my house. I don't have much strength in my legs. I will come to the floor after I get better."
May her soul rest in peace!
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