Sharing the screen with Soumitra Chatterjee was a life-time achievement: Ridhish Chowdhury and Debopriyo Mukherjee

Actor par excellence Soumitra Chatterjee breathed his last today (November 15), at 12.15pm after battling life for 40 days. His demise has left the film lovers and his admirers mourning.
It was his remarkable acting and impeccable talent that made him a true legend across generations. Having worked with the eminent filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Tapan Sinha, Soumitra Chatterjee left his enigmatic presence felt every time he appeared in front of the camera.His love for acting couldn’t keep him away from theatre and television. He played a meaty role in Prosenjit Chatterjee produced television show ‘Aloukik Na Loukik’ in the episode ‘Jatiswar’.
Other than his passion for work and eagerness to learn even at this age; he sued to bring a zeal which used to inspire the young actors on the set. It was the zest and never-say-never kind of attitude that made the 20 something actors wonder.
“It was a life-time experience for us to share the screen with a legendary actor. Before the shot, we all were extremely nervous and reading our lines continuously. None of us wanted to make any mistake,” says actor Debopriyo Mukherjee, who played Bhombol's character in ‘Aloukik Na Loukik’.
“Soumitra Jethu sensed our nervousness. He came to the set and spoke to us. He watched the scenes and encouraged us. Soumitra Jethu made us feel comfortable. Besides one of the finest actors of Indian Cinema, he was a great human being. He was full of energy and used to bring the same on the shooting set. His demise is an irreparable loss for all of us,” he added.
Actor Ridhish Chowdhury used to play Bikram’s character in ‘Aloukik Na Loukik’. The actor wasn’t aware of the news. When he learned about the news, he kept quiet for a few seconds and then slowly added, “Arindam Da used to play my dad in Aloukik Na Loukik. He is playing my dad in an upcoming show too. During the shoot, whenever we met, we used to spoke about Soumitra Jethu. We used to discuss that he will recover soon and comeback to the shooting set where his heart lies.”
Ridhish recalled, how he sat on the floor and touched the feet of the veteran actor. “I sat down on the floor, touched his feet and asked, what should I practise to improve my acting skills. Soumitra Jethu kept his hands on my head and asked what I practise. I told him I rehearse the lines until I deliver it best. He told me, that’s the way. I don’t know what will I achieve in the future, but the opportunity of sharing the screen with him is a life-time achievement for me.” Ridhish said with a heavy voice.
Speaking about the legendary actor, Debopriyo recalled how he met legendary actor. His father Mrinal Mukherjee was one of the finest actors of the entertainment industry and shared a good bond with Soumitra. Debopriyo met him for the first time while his dad was shooting with Soumitra.
After the demise of his father, Debopriyo went to meet Soumitra and request him to attend the ritual. “Two years back, I went to meet Soumitra Jethu and request him to attend shraddha. He wasn’t keeping well that time and doctor was examining his health. I was sitting near him. He looked at me and said how much it causes him pain seeing the people he knew passing away,” Debopriyo took a pause and then added, “Loss makes you numb.”