Renowned actress Anjana Bhowmick, a luminary of the Bengali film industry from the '60s to the '80s, breathed her last on Saturday at the age of 79. The veteran actor, who had been ailing for some time, passed away at a private hospital in Kolkata at approximately 10:30 am.
Admitted to the hospital on February 16 due to respiratory issues, Anjana Bhowmick's demise marks the end of an era in Bengali cinema. She is survived by her daughters Nilanjana Sengupta and Chandana Bhowmick.
Anjana Bhowmick, born in Coochbehar and later making Kolkata her home during graduation, left an indelible mark on Bengali cinema with her stellar performances in timeless classics. Despite facing health challenges and being bedridden in recent months due to geriatric problems, her cinematic legacy continues to resonate with audiences.
Stepping into the world of cinema at the tender age of 20, Anjana gained recognition with her role in the 1964 film 'Anustup Chhanda,' adopting the screen name Anjana from her original name, Arati. The turning point in her career came in 1965 with 'Thana theke aschhi' (Coming from the Police Station), propelling her into the league of leading actors in Bengali cinema.
Anjana Bhowmick's on-screen chemistry, particularly with matinee idol Uttam Kumar in films like 'Thana theke aschhi,' 'Chowringhee,' 'Nayika Sangbad,' and 'Kakhono Megh,' captured the hearts of audiences. Her versatile performances, including notable roles opposite Soumitra Chatterjee in 'Mahasweta,' earned her widespread acclaim.
The actress's contribution to iconic Bengali films like 'Kakhono Megh' (Cloud After Sunshine), 'Pratham Basanta' (First Spring), and 'Chowringhee' solidified her position as a distinguished artist in the industry.