Iconic actor Soumitra Chatterjee in hospital with COVID-19

Legendary actor Soumitra Chatterjee tested positive for COVID-19 this morning and was admitted to Kolkata's Belle Vue hospital. His condition has been described as stable with a mild fever but no other symptoms. 

The 85-year-old thespian took a test for the coronavirus on Monday. The decision to admit Soumitra Chatterjee to hospital was taken after he received the positive result this morning. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee called to enquire after Mr Chatterjee's health.

Soumitra Chatterjee, Bengal's most celebrated actor, is best-known for his many collaborations with filmmaker Satyajit Ray - they made 14 movies together. He made his debut in Mr Ray's 1959 film Apur Sansar, part of the acclaimed Pather Panchali trilogy.

Mr Chatterjee was also directed by Satyajit Ray in Charulata, Devi, Teen Kanya, Ghare Baire, Ganashatru and other films. He is also the first actor to play the role of Feluda, the detective created by Satyajit Ray. Soumitra Chatterjee starred as Feluda in two films directed by Mr Ray - Sonar Kella and Joy Baba Felunath.

Soumitra Chatterjee has also been directed by other Bengali cinematic greats, including Mrinal Sen in Akash Kusum.

His last big screen outing was 2019's Sanjhbati.

Soumitra Chatterjee's extensive list of awards and honours includes the Padma Bhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Tagore Ratna. He received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award - India's top film honour - in 2012. Mr Chatterjee is also the winner of three National Awards for his performances in the films Antardhan, Dekha and Padokkhep.

In 2018, he received the Legion of Honour by France, the country's top civilian award. In 1989, Satyajit Ray had also received the same award.