Soumitra cremated with full state honours in Kolkata

Legendary Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee was cremated with full state honours and a gun salute in Kolkata on Sunday evening. After a prolonged battle with Covid-19, Soumitra Chatterjee died at Belle Vue Clinic in the West Bengal capital today afternoon, reports The Statesman. 

The veteran actor's mortal remains were kept at Rabindra Sadan from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm today so that his fans and followers could pay their last respects. 

Hundreds of followers, artistes, members of the film fraternity joined Soumitra Chatterjee's funeral procession. 

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended the funeral. She walked the entire distance from Rabindra Sadan to Keoratala crematorium. 

Thereafter, the actor was cremated at the Keoratala crematorium with full state honours. He was honoured with gun salute by the Kolkata Police.

WHAT HAPPENED TO SOUMITRA CHATTERJEE?

Soumitra Chatterjee was under expert medical care with a special team set up to monitor his health but was suffering from secondary infections due to Covid-19 repercussions. Over the past few days, Soumitra Chatterjee's medical condition deteriorated, leading to his death on Sunday.

"We declare with heavy heart that Shri Soumitra Chattopadhyay breathed his last at 12-15 pm at Belle Vue Clinic today (15 November 2020). We pay our homage to his soul," a statement released after his death said.

WHO IS SOUMITRA CHATTERJEE?

Soumitra Chatterjee, a celebrated actor, was acclaimed for his films with Satyajit Ray including Apu'r Sangshar or The World Of Apu. He also appeared in the films Praktan, Bela Seshe and Posto.

Soumitra Chatterjee is also the recipient of several accolades including the Dada Saheb Phalke Award and Padma Bhushan Award. He was bestowed with France's highest civilian award, the Legion of Honour, in 2018.