Veteran Indian actor Manoj Mitra, best known for his remarkable contribution to Bengali cinema, has passed away. He died on Tuesday morning at a hospital in Kolkata’s Salt Lake due to age-related ailments. He was in his 80s. After learning about Manoj Mitra’s demise, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee spoke to X and offered her heartfelt condolences.
This morning’s demise of the renowned actor, director, and playwright, ‘Banga Bibhushan’ Manoj Mitra, saddens us. He has been a leading personality in our theatre and film worlds, and his contributions have been immense. I convey my condolences to his family, friends, and admirers,” she wrote. Mitra’s most famous project is Tapan Sinha’s Banchharamer Bagan, adapted from his play Sajano Bagaan.
He also starred in legendary director Satyajit Ray’s films Ghare Baire and Ganashatru and appeared in films by eminent directors, including Basu Chatterjee, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, and Tarun Majumdar. Among many other accolades, Mitra received the Sangeet Natak Akademy Award for Best Playwright in 1985.