Who is Manoj Mitra? Veteran Bengali actor and 'star of Satyajit Ray films' who passed away at 86

Veteran Bengali actor and dramatist Manoj Mitra left for his heavenly abode on November 12th at 8:50 am. The actor was admitted to a Kolkata hospital following breathing difficulties and imbalances in sodium and potassium levels. He breathed his last majorly due to age-related health issues. Fans of his work have started pouring their love on social media with many labelling it as a ‘personal loss’.

Who is Manoj Mitra?

Born on December 22, Mitra was a widely acclaimed Indian theatre, film and television actor, director and playwright. He has written over a hundred plays including Sajano Bagaan, Chokhe Angul Dada, Kaalbihongo, Parabas, Alokanandar Putra Kanya, Narak Guljar, Aswathama, Chakbhanga Madhu, Mesh O Rakhash, Noisho Bhoj, Chhayar Prashad, and Ja Nei Bharatey.

Manoj Mitra’s Satyajit Ray connection

While the 86-year-old stepped in the shoes of several characters over time, he was lovingly known as the ‘Star of Satyajit Ray films’. He immortalised himself by being a part of filmmaker’s critically acclaimed movies like Ghare Baire and Ganashatru. His character of Banchharam in Tapan Sinha's 1980 film Banchharamer Bagan also shaped a new wave of acting as a craft.

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Other than this, Mitra worked with several other renowned directors including Buddhadeb Dasgupta, Basu Chatterjee, Tarun Majumdar, Shakti Samanta and Goutam Ghose.??

Awards and accolades won by Manoj Mitra

The departed soul is a proud recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademy Award for Best Playwright (1985) alongside many other accolades like Calcutta University Award for Best Playwright (1986), West Bengal State Government Award for Best Playwright (1983 & 1989), Asiatic Society's Gold Medal (2005), Filmfare Award East for Best Actor (1980), Munir Chowdhury Award from Bangladesh Theatre Society (2011) and Dinabandhu Puraskar (2012).

Mamata Banerjee mourns the loss of Manoj Mitra

The West Bengal CM took to her X handle and wrote, “Saddened by the demise of the famous actor, director and playwright, 'Banga Bibhushan' Manoj Mitra today morning. He has 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.”

Having played hundreds of?comedy and antagonist roles in Bengali cinema, Manoj Mitra also served as the president of the Paschim Banga Natya Akademi until 2019.?

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