Veteran filmmaker Basu Chatterjee, known for his middle-of-the-road cinema and films such as Chhoti Si Baat and Rajnigandha, died on Thursday from age related health issues. He was 93.
Basu died in his sleep at his Santacruz residence.
“He passed away peacefully in his sleep in the morning. He wasn’t keeping well for quite some time due to old age and died at his residence. It’s a great loss to the film industry,” Ashoke Pandit, president of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), told a news agency.
Pandit said the filmmaker’s last rites will be performed at Santacruz crematorium.
Some of his best-known works are “Us Paar”, “Chitchor”, “Piya Ka Ghar”, “Khatta Meetha” and “Baton Baton Mein”.
Saddened at the demise of legendary film director and screenwriter Basu Chatterjee. He gave us gems like 'Chhoti Si Baat', 'Chitchor', 'Rajanigandha', 'Byomkesh Bakshi', 'Rajni' among others. Condolences to his family, friends, fans & the entire film fraternity
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 4, 2020
We are saddened to learn about the passing away of Filmmaker-screenwriter, Basu Chatterjee — one of the pioneers of the 'middle of the road cinema' and known for his films like Choti Si Baat, Rajnigandha, Baaton Baaton Mein.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/9OqevmiCz3
— All India Mahila Congress (@MahilaCongress) June 4, 2020
Deeply pained at demise of legendary filmmaker & screenwriter Basu Chatterjee Ji, who was himself an “institution of art” and “sea of culture”. His demise is an irreparable loss to film industry and art. My heartfelt condolences with his family, friends and fans. RIP. Om shanti pic.twitter.com/hyB7Us4J28
— Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (@naqvimukhtar) June 4, 2020
My heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of legendary filmmaker #BasuChatterjee. Basu Da is gone and with him an era ends. ॐ शांति pic.twitter.com/w49pWGI6CL
— Manoj Joshi (@actormanojjoshi) June 4, 2020
RIP director #BasuChatterjee ji… One of the finest storytellers… Basu Da, you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/wv1eBvcFlF
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) June 4, 2020
As the news of his demise spread, condolences started pouring in from the film fraternity as well as cinema lovers.
