Uma Dasgupta, the celebrated Bengali actress who brought the character of Durga to life in Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali (1955), passed away on Monday, November 18, at a private hospital in Kolkata. She was 84 years old and had been battling cancer for several years. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her daughter and actor-politician Chiranjit Chakraborty, who shared that Uma Dasgupta had been under medical care but succumbed to her illness early in the morning.
Uma Dasgupta's Legacy Cemented in Cinema
Dasgupta’s portrayal of Durga in Pather Panchali, an adaptation of Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's 1929 novel, remains one of the most cherished performances in Indian cinema. Her role as the free-spirited elder sister of Apu, portrayed by Subir Banerjee, left an indelible mark on audiences. Iconic scenes, such as Durga and Apu running through fields to witness a passing train, continue to resonate with viewers worldwide.
Despite the acclaim she received for the film, Dasgupta chose to step away from mainstream cinema, appearing in only a few other art films. Instead, she pursued a quiet life, dedicating herself to teaching. Satyajit Ray had discovered her talent during a school stage performance and convinced her family to allow her to act in his debut feature film.
Health Struggles
As per PTI, Dasgupta had been battling cancer for several years and had shown signs of recovery during treatment. However, her condition deteriorated recently, leading to hospitalization in Kolkata. She passed away at 8:15 AM, surrounded by loved ones.
Earlier this year, false rumors of her demise circulated on social media, which were later clarified by her family. Sadly, this time, the news of her passing was confirmed by multiple sources, including her daughter and close acquaintances.
Tributes Pour In For Uma Dasgupta
Tributes flooded social media as fans and notable figures remembered Uma Dasgupta’s contribution to cinema. Trinamool Congress MP and author Kunal Ghosh expressed his condolences on Facebook, writing in Bengali, “Durga from Pather Panchali is now really gone.”
Actor Chiranjit Chakraborty also shared his grief, saying, “Uma di’s daughter informed me about her passing. She had been battling cancer for a long time.”
Pather Panchali was not just a film but a cultural milestone. It was the first installment of Ray’s renowned Apu Trilogy, followed by Aparajito (1956) and Apur Sansar (1959). The film received widespread international acclaim and is often hailed as one of the greatest films ever made.
Martin Scorsese, the legendary American filmmaker, once recounted the profound impact Pather Panchali had on him. He said, “It introduced me to another culture, another way of thinking, and the universality of human experiences.”
Though she stepped away from the limelight, Dasgupta’s legacy lives on through her unforgettable performance. Her role as Durga captured the essence of childhood innocence and the harsh realities of rural life, leaving an everlasting impression on Indian and global cinema.
The film community and fans mourn the loss of Uma Dasgupta, who will always be remembered as the heart and soul of Pather Panchali.
Uma Dasgupta's Legacy Cemented in Cinema
Dasgupta’s portrayal of Durga in Pather Panchali, an adaptation of Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's 1929 novel, remains one of the most cherished performances in Indian cinema. Her role as the free-spirited elder sister of Apu, portrayed by Subir Banerjee, left an indelible mark on audiences. Iconic scenes, such as Durga and Apu running through fields to witness a passing train, continue to resonate with viewers worldwide.
Despite the acclaim she received for the film, Dasgupta chose to step away from mainstream cinema, appearing in only a few other art films. Instead, she pursued a quiet life, dedicating herself to teaching. Satyajit Ray had discovered her talent during a school stage performance and convinced her family to allow her to act in his debut feature film.
Health Struggles
As per PTI, Dasgupta had been battling cancer for several years and had shown signs of recovery during treatment. However, her condition deteriorated recently, leading to hospitalization in Kolkata. She passed away at 8:15 AM, surrounded by loved ones.
Earlier this year, false rumors of her demise circulated on social media, which were later clarified by her family. Sadly, this time, the news of her passing was confirmed by multiple sources, including her daughter and close acquaintances.
Tributes Pour In For Uma Dasgupta
Tributes flooded social media as fans and notable figures remembered Uma Dasgupta’s contribution to cinema. Trinamool Congress MP and author Kunal Ghosh expressed his condolences on Facebook, writing in Bengali, “Durga from Pather Panchali is now really gone.”
Actor Chiranjit Chakraborty also shared his grief, saying, “Uma di’s daughter informed me about her passing. She had been battling cancer for a long time.”
Pather Panchali was not just a film but a cultural milestone. It was the first installment of Ray’s renowned Apu Trilogy, followed by Aparajito (1956) and Apur Sansar (1959). The film received widespread international acclaim and is often hailed as one of the greatest films ever made.
Martin Scorsese, the legendary American filmmaker, once recounted the profound impact Pather Panchali had on him. He said, “It introduced me to another culture, another way of thinking, and the universality of human experiences.”
Though she stepped away from the limelight, Dasgupta’s legacy lives on through her unforgettable performance. Her role as Durga captured the essence of childhood innocence and the harsh realities of rural life, leaving an everlasting impression on Indian and global cinema.
The film community and fans mourn the loss of Uma Dasgupta, who will always be remembered as the heart and soul of Pather Panchali.
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