DECCA, 16 November 2020, (TON): SoumitraChatterjee, one of the legendary Bangalifilm performers  died on 15^th September 2020 at 85. We have lost the artistic icon of Bangla in the battle of COVID19. He acted in more than 200 Bengali-language films forSix decades. Soumitra was best known for his work with Satyajit Ray, one of the world's most influential Oscar-winning directors. He worked in Ray's 14 films, including the Apu Trilogy series.

SoumIta became the first Indian and Bangalifilm personality who achieved the Ordredes Arts et des Lettres, the highest French award for artists in 1999. He was honored with the Padma Bhusan(2004), National Film Awards(2006), DadasahebPhalke Award(2012), Filmmaker Lifetime Achievement Award South(1994). In 2017, after the thirty years of the demise, Satyajit Ray was honored with France's highest civilian award- The coveted Chevalier of Legion of Honor. As the most dominant figure of Ray's films, Soumitraalso received the prestigious award.

He won global recognition for his movies,ApurSansar, Charulata, Aranyer Din Ratri, GhareBaire and Ganashatru. His iconic artistry and film performancesmade him immortal amidst the Bangali culture and art. He never joined Bollywood, which reflected his dedication and love for the Bangla language and culture.

He is a poet, thespian, writer, playwright, play director, reciter, painter, and core occupation filmography. Soumitr was positive for COVID19 in early October, and yesterday, he died in the hospital.

Bangla people of Bangladesh and Kolkata are deeply mourned with his demise as the be loving fans of Soumitra Chatterjee.