Manoj Mitra, a veteran Bengali actor, passes away

Prominent West Bengali theater personality At the age of 86, Manoj Mitra passed away on Tuesday morning following a protracted age-related illness. in 8.50 am, he passed away in a private hospital in Kolkata. The news was confirmed by his writer and brother, Amar Mitra. Beginning at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, the remains will be taken to Rabindra Sadan for final respects. Manoj Mitra was well-known in the movie industry as well. Bengali audiences still recall his portrayal in Bancharamer Bagan (1980) with fondness.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over Mitra’s death. She took to X and said: “Saddened by the demise of the famous actor, director, and playwright, “Banga Bibhushan” Manoj Mitra today morning. He had 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.”

Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari also wrote on X: “I am deeply saddened to learn that veteran actor and renowned theatre personality Shri Manoj Mitra passed away due to age-related health issues. A notable film and theatre artiste, he will be remembered for his evergreen performances in Tapan Sinha’s Banchharamer Bagan and Satyajit Ray’s classics Ghare Baire and Ganashatru. A prolific playwright, Mitra wrote over 100 plays and received numerous awards, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Best Playwright. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family members, friends, innumerous fans (sic), and admirers. May his soul attain eternal peace. Om Shanti…”

On December 22, 1938, in the then-undivided Bengali village of Dhulihar in the Satkhira district, Manoj Mitra was born. In 1958, he received his degree in philosophy from Scottish Church College. With the support of his friends Rudraprasad Sengupta and Badal Sarkar, he developed a strong interest in play while attending this college. After graduating from Calcutta University with a Master of Philosophy, Mitra started his research.

In 1957, Mitra began acting in play, and in 1979, she began appearing in films. Prior to becoming the Head of the Department of Drama at Rabindra Bharati University, he also taught philosophy at a number of other colleges. “Mrityur Chokhe Jal,” his debut play, was written in 1959. However, in 1972, Bivas Chakraborty’s play “Chak Bhanga Madhu” catapulted him to popularity and renown.