Veteran Bengali Director Utpalendu Chakraborty Passes Away at 76

Veteran Bengali director Utpalendu Chakraborty, famed for his arthouse films and Left-wing activism, passed away at the age of 76. He succumbed to a cardiac arrest at home. He is survived by his daughters, wife, and remembered for his significant contributions to Indian cinema.

Veteran Bengali director Utpalendu Chakraborty, known for his arthouse films such as Chokh, passed away on Tuesday evening at his home, according to his family.

Chakraborty, aged 76, succumbed to a cardiac arrest at his residence in Regent Park around 6 pm. He is survived by his daughters, actors Ritabhari and Chitrangada, and his wife Satarupa Sanyal, also a filmmaker.

Chakraborty was celebrated for his works including National Award-winning Chokh. He was a prominent figure in Indian arthouse cinema, with films like Moynatadanto, Chandaneer, Phaansi, and Debsishu.

The director, educated at Scottish Church College and Calcutta University, was involved in Left-wing activism and made documentaries on Satyajit Ray's music and Rabindra Sangeet exponent Debabrata Biswas. Despite recent health challenges, including surgery and COPD, Chakraborty's death leaves a void in the film industry, mourned by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and organizations like Cine Central.

(With inputs from agencies.)