GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 12th Nov. Famous Bengali theatre personality and playwright Manoj Mitra, renowned for his farces and fantasy works addressing social and political issues, passed away at the age of 86 on Tuesday due to old-age related ailments. Family sources confirmed that Mitra breathed his last at around 8:50 am at a hospital, where he had been admitted on November 3 following deteriorating health. He had previously been hospitalized in September for breathing issues and an imbalance of sodium and potassium.
Mitra’s death has left the Bengali cinema and theatre world mourning. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her sorrow, calling his passing an “irreplaceable loss” to the industry. “He was a leading personality in our theatre and film worlds, and his contributions have been immense,” she wrote on X, extending condolences to his family, friends, and admirers.
Fellow theatre personalities also paid tribute, with actor and director Bratya Basu recalling Mitra’s illustrious career and versatile contributions to both theatre and film. Veteran playwright Arun Mukhopadhyay praised Mitra’s unique genre of theatre, which combined entertainment with strong social messages. “Manoj was versatile, and such people are leaving us without their places being filled,” he said.
Young theatre actor Sohini Sengupta remembered the many moments spent with Mitra, noting his enduring impact on theatre despite occasional creative differences. “Such a stalwart will never come back again,” she said, reflecting the collective loss felt by the theatre community.
Mitra, born in Satkhira (Bangladesh), had a celebrated career in both theatre and film. He is best known for his role in Tapan Sinha’s “Banchharamer Bagan” and his work in Satyajit Ray’s “Ghare Baire” and “Ganashatru.” His comedy and antagonist roles have left an indelible mark on Bengali cinema.
Mitra’s body will be kept at Rabindra Sadan from 3 pm onwards for public homage, as announced by the West Bengal government’s Information and Cultural Affairs department.
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