November 12, 2024: Renowned Bengali actor and theatre personality Manoj Mitra passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 85. He breathed his last at a hospital in Salt Lake, Kolkata, around 8:50 AM, following complications from breathing difficulties and other age-related health issues.

Mitra, a stalwart of Bengali cinema and theatre, had been admitted to the hospital earlier this week due to his deteriorating health. His passing has left a deep void in the cultural landscape of Bengal, where he was celebrated for his versatile contributions to both stage and screen.

A gifted performer, Manoj Mitra was widely admired for his roles in iconic films such as Tapan Sinha's Banchharamer Bagan, and Satyajit Ray's Ghare Baire and Ganashatru. He also collaborated with other eminent filmmakers like Basu Chatterjee, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, and Tarun Majumdar, enriching Bengali cinema with his nuanced performances. His presence on screen was as powerful as his contributions to the stage, where he made an indelible mark as a writer, director, and actor.

Mitra was a prolific playwright, with over 100 plays to his name. His significant works earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademy Award for Best Playwright in 1985. His theatre productions were known for their sharp social commentary, compelling narratives, and deep humanism.

Throughout his illustrious career, Mitra's artistry transcended boundaries, earning him the admiration of audiences and critics alike. His death marks the end of an era in Bengali theatre and cinema, and he will be remembered as a giant of the cultural world.