Mumbai: Veteran filmmaker Basu Chatterjee, who gave us light entertainers such as ‘Chhoti Si Baat’, ‘Rajnigandha, ‘Baaton Baaton Mein’, ‘Ek Ruka Hua Faisla’ and ‘Chameli Ki Shaadi’ died on Thursday from age-related health issues. He was 93.
He 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), said. The filmmaker’s last rites will be performed at Santacruz crematorium.
What Amitabh Bachchan was to Prakash Mehra, Amol Palekar was to Basu Chatterjee, having collaborated with the actor in ‘Rajnigandha’, ‘Choti Si Baat’ and ‘Chitchor’.
Not to say that he did not work with superstars. He did ‘Manzil’ with Amitabh Bachchan, ‘Chakravyuh’ with Rajesh Khanna, ‘Man Pasand’ with Dev Anand and Mithun Chakraborty in ‘Shaukeen’ and ‘Pasand Apni Apni’.
Basuda trivia:
- ‘Ek Ruka Hua Faisla’ made in 1986 was an Indian adaptation of the ‘Twelve Angry Men’.
- He made two hit TV serials – ‘Byomkesh Bakshi’ and ‘Rajani’.
- He was awarded National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare for his film ‘Durga’.
Here is what Bollywood celebrities said while mourning Basu Chatterjee.
Madhur Bhandarkar on Twitter, “Sad to hear the demise of Veteran Filmmaker Shri.Basu Chatterjee. Will be always remembered for his Light Hearted comedies & Simplistic Films. #OmShanti BouquetFolded hands”
Director Ashwini Chaudhary on Twitter, “Rest in peace Basu Da #Basuchatterjee . Prayers and strength to the family @guharupali @PintooGuha”
Suparn S Varma posted on Twitter, “A master passed away today. An institution of filmmaking. RIP #BasuChatterjee thank you sir”
