Eminent actor of Bengali film and television, Supriya Choudhury passed away after prolonged illness on Friday morning in her south Kolkata residence. She was 83.
Ms. Choudhury was one of the most prolific actors of her time and was active till recently.
She was a hugely successful actor of Bengali commercial cinema, pairing with her partner, Uttam Kumar, the late superstar of Bengali cinema.
She is often remembered for her performance in foremost Bengali film maker Ritwik Ghatak’s Meghe Dhaka Tara ( The Cloud-Capped Star) , on the impact of Partition on lower income Bengali household.
The film, made in 1960, traveled across the world and got the “Masterpiece” award in Pusan Film Festival and Ms. Choudhuri, the protagonist, emerged as a major all seasons star of Bengal.
She eventually made her Bollywood debut opposite Dharmendra in 1963 in Begaana.
Ms. Chaudhury, who was often compared with Hollywood actor Sophia Loren owing to her looks, regretted that Satyajit Ray never cast her in any of his films.
She received Padmashri and highest civilian award in West Bengal, the Banga Vibhushan.
In her condolence message Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that she was “saddened at the passing of legendary actress of Bengal.”
“We will fondly remember her through her films. Condolences to her family and fans, Ms. Banerjee said.
