Veteran filmmaker and screenwriter Basu Chatterjee breathed his last on Thursday morning in Mumbai. The filmmaker, who was 93-years-old, was suffering from age-related complications.
The Indian Film & TV Directors’ Association (IFTDA) had confirmed the news of his demise on its official Twitter handle. The tweet read, “IFTDA mourns the demise of Legendary Filmmaker Basu Chatterjee. A Master of Humour who delved into social and moral issues through his films. We pray to the almighty to bless his noble soul & give courage to his family to bear the irreplaceable loss.”
Basu Chatterjee, who helmed cult movies like Rajnigandha, Chitchor, Chhoti Si Baat begun his career as an illustrator for a Mumbai based magazine called Blitz. He made his debut as a director with celebrated movie Sara Akash in 1969. He was not only a successful film director but also helmed TV serials like Byomkesh Bakshi.
Filmmaker Shoojit Sarkar remembering him told the netizens that his first-ever job as an assistant director was with the late director.
Have a look at his tweet:
My 1st job as an assistant director was with Basu Chatterjee for a Bengali tv serial shot in CR park, New Delhi.. May his soul Rest In Peace.
— Shoojit Sircar (@ShoojitSircar) June 4, 2020
Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan remembered the late filmmaker as “A quiet, soft-spoken, gentle human”.
T 3552 – Prayers and Condolences on the passing of Basu Chatterjee .. a quiet, soft spoken, gentle human .. his films reflected the lives of middle India .. did ‘MANZIL’ with him .. a sad loss .. 🙏
.. in these climes often remembered for ‘rim jhim gire saawan’— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) June 4, 2020
Anil Kapoor , who starred in the director’s movie Chameli Ki Shaadi, tweeted —
A director who was always ahead of his time.. Basu Chatterjee will be truly missed. He was an effortless genius and an amazing human being. May he rest in peace 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/QShAojouPJ
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) June 4, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to his Twitter to pay his condolences.
Sad to hear of the demise of Shri Basu Chatterjee. His works are brilliant and sensitive. It touched people’s hearts and represented the simple and complex emotions, as well as struggles of people. Condolences to his family and innumerable fans. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2020
The filmmaker will always be remembered for his great contribution in the field of entertainment. May his soul rest in peace.