National award-winning Bengali filmmaker Utpalendu Chakrabarty dies at 76

Father of Bengali film actress Ritabhari Chakrabarty and ex-husband of director-activist Satarupa Sanyal, Utpalendu Chakrabarty was famous for his contributions to arthouse films like 'Chokh' in the 80s .

His long-time associate Argya Mukhopadhyay told Anandabazar Online that the noted filmmaker had his usual evening tea and suddenly felt sick. Doctors said Chakrabarty suffered heart failure.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the demise of Chakraborty.

"Sad at the demise of eminent Film Director Utpalendu Chakrabarty. His films were critically acclaimed and received distinguished awards. His demise will create void in our film industry. My condolences to his family and friends," she posted on X.

While studying at the Scottish Church College, of the University of Calcutta, Chakrabarty was involved in politics in his student life and spent time in Purulia among the tribals.

Although he started as a teacher, his passion was cinema. He made several documentaries and films.

His most noted film was 'Chokh' (The Eyes) in 1983 starring Om Puri, Anil Chatterjee, Shyamanand Jalan, and Sreela Majumdar in lead roles.

The film was set in 1975 about the oppression and exploitation of Jute mill workers in Kolkata.

At the 30th National Film Awards, the film won the awards for Best Feature Film as well as Best Direction award.

His other feature films included 'Prasab', 'Chandaneer', 'Phaansi', 'Debshishu', and 'Maina Tadanta'.

Chakrabarty also made several documentaries like The Music of Satyajit Ray in 1984, Debrata Biswas in 1983, Mukti Chai in 1977, and Sunilo Sagore (On The Life of Sunil Gangopadhyay).

Chakrabarty married Indrani Chakraborty and later got divorced.

He then married director-activist Satarupa Sanyal and was separated in 2000. His daughters Chitrangada Satarupa and Ritabhari Chakraborty revealed that they had no connection with their biological father.