Veteran Bengali actor theatre personality Manoj Mitra passes away at the age of 85

Manoj Mitra, the eminent Bengali actor and theatre personality, passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 85 in Kolkata’s Salt Lake region. He died at around 8:50 AM following a prolonged battle with age-related health complications. Mitra was admitted to the hospital on November 3, struggling with breathing difficulties and a range of other health issues that had deteriorated in recent weeks.

Mitra’s contributions to Bengali cinema and theatre were groundbreaking, spanning over six decades. He was widely known for his roles in critically acclaimed films, including Satyajit Ray’s Ghare Baire (1984) and Ganashatru (1990), where he played important supporting roles. His performance in Tapan Sinha’s Banchharamer Bagan (1980), based on his own play Sajano Bagaan, remains a milestone in Bengali cinema. Mitra’s films were characterized by his ability to play both comical and serious characters, reflecting the complexity and depth of his acting range.

Mitra’s career was not confined to film; his impact on Bengali theatre was equally profound. Over his lifetime, he wrote and directed more than 100 plays, including many farces, fantasies, and serious social commentaries. His works often highlighted political and social issues, blending humor and satire with poignant observations of contemporary society. In recognition of his significant contributions to theatre, Mitra was honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Best Playwright in 1985, along with numerous other accolades throughout his career.

Mitra’s health had been fragile for the past few months. He was first hospitalized on September 20 with issues related to breathing, an imbalance of sodium and potassium, and other age-related health problems. After being discharged in late September, his condition worsened in early November, leading to his re-admission on November 3. Doctors had been monitoring his deteriorating condition, which ultimately led to his passing.

In his career, Mitra worked with some of the most respected directors in the Bengali film and theatre industry, including Basu Chatterjee, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, Tarun Majumdar, Shakti Samanta, and Goutam Ghose. His versatility in roles made him a beloved figure in both the theatre and cinema worlds. Apart from acting, Mitra was instrumental in the promotion and growth of Bengali theatre, constantly seeking new forms of expression and incorporating social realism into his works.

Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from across Bengal. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences, describing Mitra as one of the leading figures in Bengali theatre and cinema. She called his contributions "immense" and conveyed her sympathies to his family, friends, and admirers.