Legendary actor Soumitra Chatterjee dies

India: Iconic Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee died at 12.15 pm on Sunday after an over-a-month-long battle with multiple ailments, a statement issued by the hospital, where he was undergoing treatment, said. He was 85.

The thespian is survived by wife Deepa Chatterjee, daughter Poulomi Basu and son Sougata Chatterjee.

The actor was admitted to the hospital on October 6 after he tested positive for the infection. He was later shifted to ICU as COVID encephalopathy set in, affecting his central nervous system and causing renal dysfunction.

Soumitra Chatterjee was under expert medical care with a special team set up to monitor his health but was suffering from secondary infections due to Covid-19 repercussions.

In fact, Soumitra Chatterjee had secondary pneumonia and there were increasing chances of aspersions, members of the medical board decided to protect his airway through ‘Endotracheal Intubation’ and ventilation support.

Soumitra Chatterjee’s condition had deteriorated over the past few days and he was on ventilator, leading to his death on Sunday.

“We declare with heavy heart that Shri Soumitra Chattopadhyay breathed his last at 12-15 pm at Belle Vue Clinic today (15 November 2020). We pay our homage to his soul,” a statement released after his death said.

Soumitra Chatterjee was conferred with several accolades including the Dada Saheb Phalke Award and Padma Bhushan Award. He was bestowed with France’s highest civilian award, the Legion of Honour, in 2018.