Filmmaker
Basu Chatterjee passed away today (June 4) in Mumbai. He wasn’t keeping well due to geriatric issues, sources suggest. He was 93.
The news has left Bengali entertainment industry and film lovers in grief. Actor
Jeetu Kamal, who is an avid cinema lover in real life, shared how the news left him saddened. “It is an irreversible loss for us. He started his career assisting legends like
Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Bashu Bhattacharya in the film Teesri Kasam. The film starring Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman was a masterpiece. He was equally eloquent as a screenplay writer and director. No wonder, he has been honoured with National Award and Filmfare awards. He has directed
Chith Chor
, Dillagi, Choti Si Baat and many other movies. And as I close my eyes, I can still remember the scenes from these movies with which I have many beautiful memories.”
Jeetu also shared that he watched TV Series
Byomkesh Bakshi
and ‘Rajani’ on Doordarshan directed by the director. “Many people are not aware that he directed the Byomkesh Series for Doordarshan. Today, we are remaking it on big screen and webseries but the masterpiece he made, no can match it up,” Jeetu added.
Terming his demise as a great loss, actor Gourab Roy Chowdhury said, “He was one of the pioneers of Hindi 'middle-of-the-road' cinema. It is a great loss for us.” Gourab, who is quite passionate about filmmaking, shared how these legendary directors have always inspired people with creative minds across the globe. “Cinema has a special language. It can cast a spell. And how this magic could be created can be learned from these legends,” he added.