Filmmaker Ayan Mukerji¡¯s father and veteran actor Deb Mukherjee passes away at 83

Bollywood has bid farewell to yet another legend. Veteran actor Deb Mukherjee, father of renowned filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, passed away at the age of 83 on March 14. The actor had been unwell and was under medical care before taking his last breath at 9:30 AM. His final rites are scheduled for today at Pawan Hans, Mumbai, at 4 PM.

While he may not have been the loudest name in the industry, Deb Mukherjee¡¯s impact on Indian cinema was undeniable. From classic hits like Abhinetri and Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool to modern favorites like Kaminey and King Uncle, he carved his own path in Bollywood. Though often overshadowed by his contemporaries, his filmography reflects the evolution of Indian cinema over decades.

#SalmanaKhan Kali Pujo day! Kajol and her uncle Deb Mukerji (director Ayan Mukerji¡¯s dad) spotted at their family's pandal! ? #Kajol #Bollywood pic.twitter.com/hEQdD5huK4

¡ª Filmyape (@Filmyape) November 12, 2023

Final goodbye to Deb Mukherjee

Deb Mukherjee wasn¡¯t just an actor; he was Bollywood royalty. Born on November 22, 1941, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, he was part of the illustrious Mukherjee-Samarth family, a dynasty that has shaped Hindi cinema since the 1930s. His father, Sashadhar Mukherjee, was the owner of Filmalaya Studios and the producer behind hits like Love in Simla (1960). His mother, Satidevi Mukherjee, was the sister of legendary actors Ashok Kumar, Anup Kumar, and Kishore Kumar¡ªyes, that Kishore Kumar.

His family tree reads like a who¡¯s who of Bollywood

Brothers: The charming Joy Mukherjee, a leading man of the 1960s, and Shomu Mukherjee, filmmaker and husband of actress Tanuja.
Nieces: Bollywood queens Kajol and Rani Mukerji.

Daughter: Sunita Gowariker, married to acclaimed director Ashutosh Gowariker. Son, Ayan Mukerji, the creative genius behind Wake Up Sid, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and Brahm¨¡stra: Part One ¨C Shiva.

A life rooted in tradition and family

Despite his fame, Deb Mukherjee remained deeply connected to his Bengali roots and family traditions. Just last year, he was seen actively celebrating Durga Puja with Kajol and Rani Mukerji, a testament to his love for culture and togetherness.

The end of an era

With his passing, Bollywood loses not just an actor but a bridge between its golden past and evolving present. As his family and fans prepare to say their final goodbyes, one thing is clear: Deb Mukherjee¡¯s cinematic spirit will forever live on through his family and films.