The veteran actor was admitted in hospital on September 20, he was facing many health issues with imbalance of sodium and potassium.
Famous Bengali theatre personality Manoj Mitra, known for directing farces and fantasies and writing to highlight social and political issues, died at a hospital here on Tuesday due to old-age related ailments, family sources said.
He was 86. Mitra breathed his last at around 8:50 am on Tuesday, according to doctors.
“He was admitted to the hospital on November 3 due to multiple health issues. Despite medical efforts, his condition worsened, and he passed away at approximately 8:50 am today,” the doctor informed.
“Saddened by the passing of renowned actor, director, and playwright, ‘Banga Bibhushan’ Manoj Mitra, who left us this morning,” she shared on X.
Who was Manoj Mitra?
Manoj Mitra was born on December 22, 1938, in the village of Chokkamokkai, located in Satkhira, Khulna. His early education was at home due to his father, Ashok Kumar Mitra, having a transferable job. Although Mitra was captivated by Jatras and plays, which were staged during Durga Puja in their courtyard, his family discouraged his involvement. His formal schooling began after the Partition, when he attended Dandirhat N.K.U.S. Niketan near Basirhat. Mitra later pursued higher education at Scottish Church College, where he studied philosophy and graduated in 1958. Additionally, he had a passion for writing short stories, many of which were published in various magazines.
Manoj Mitra’s Iconic Career in Bengali Cinema
Director | Notable Films | Role(s) Played |
---|---|---|
Tapan Sinha | Banchharamer Bagan (based on Sajano Bagaan – The Arranged Garden) | Lead role |
Satyajit Ray | Ghare Baire, Ganashatru | Various roles, including key supporting characters |
Buddhadeb Dasgupta | Title(s) unknown | Featured roles in dramas |
Basu Chatterjee | Title(s) unknown | Diverse roles, comedic and serious |
Tarun Majumdar | Title(s) unknown | Multiple roles, often in family-oriented films |
Shakti Samanta | Title(s) unknown | Various supporting roles |
Goutam Ghose | Title(s) unknown | Character roles |
Mitra’s contributions spanned a wide range of genres, and he was especially known for both comedic and antagonist roles in Bengali cinema. He is most celebrated for his work in Banchharamer Bagan, Ghare Baire, and Ganashatru.
Award/Honor |
Year |
---|---|
Sangeet Natak Akademy Award for Best Playwright | 1985 |
Calcutta University Award for Best Playwright | 1986 |
West Bengal State Government Award for Best Playwright | 1983 & 1989 |
Asiatic Society’s Gold Medal | 2005 |
Filmfare Award East for Best Actor | 1980 |
Munir Chowdhury Award from Bangladesh Theatre Society | 2011 |
Dinabandhu Puraskar | May 25, 2012 |
Kalakar Awards | [Year] |