Veteran actress Uma Dasgupta, iconic Durga of Pather Panchali, dies at 84 after cancer battle

Uma Dasgupta, the renowned Bengali actress known for her portrayal of Durga in Satyajit Ray's classic Pather Panchali, passed away on November 18, 2024, at the age of 84, after a long battle with cancer. She breathed her last at around 8 AM in a hospital in Kolkata, where she had been receiving treatment after the recurrence of her illness. Dasgupta had been diagnosed with cancer several years ago, undergoing medical treatment, and had initially responded well. However, the disease resurfaced, and she was later admitted to the hospital, where she passed away.

Uma Dasgupta’s career was defined by her role in Pather Panchali, Ray’s debut film, released in 1955. The film, an adaptation of Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay’s 1929 Bengali novel, is one of the most celebrated works in Indian cinema. The film’s portrayal of the struggles of a poor Bengali family was groundbreaking for its emotional depth and realism. Dasgupta played Durga, the elder sister of Apu, a role that would become iconic in the history of Indian cinema. Her performance as the lively yet vulnerable Durga remains etched in the memories of audiences worldwide.

Despite the global recognition that came with her role in Pather Panchali, Uma Dasgupta chose to stay away from mainstream cinema. After the film’s success, she appeared in only a few films and largely focused on theatre. She had a deep connection to the stage, having been involved in theatre from a young age. Her entry into Pather Panchali came through her school’s headmaster, who was a friend of Satyajit Ray, leading to her casting in the role of Durga.

Apart from Pather Panchali, Uma's filmography remained sparse. Her choice to not pursue a career in commercial cinema made her a distinctive figure in Bengali cinema. However, her limited filmography does not diminish the monumental impact her performance in Pather Panchali had on both the film industry and the cultural landscape. Her portrayal of Durga, an innocent young girl who dies from a fever after playing in the first rains of the season, continues to be one of the most powerful performances in Indian cinema.

In her personal life, Uma Dasgupta's family, including her daughter, were a significant part of her support system during her illness. Although she had expressed reluctance about entering films due to her father's opposition, she later received his approval and went on to be part of a film that would change the trajectory of Indian cinema. After Pather Panchali, she did not engage in any high-profile roles and lived a quieter life. She will be remembered not only for her unforgettable performance in Pather Panchali but also for her contributions to the art of acting, particularly in the realm of theatre, which she cherished deeply.

Uma Dasgupta’s death marks the end of an era in Bengali cinema. Her portrayal of Durga in Pather Panchali remains a timeless achievement in Indian film history, and her legacy will continue to be celebrated by film lovers and scholars for generations to come. The film’s influence and its powerful depiction of family, poverty, and human resilience would not have been the same without her heartfelt performance.