Elated with the news that he had been selected for the Dadasahaeb Phalke Award, eminent actor Soumitra Chatterjee said here on Wednesday that he was particularly pleased as this was an honour that was not marred by controversies or politics.
He said the award, whose recipients have been “deserving persons,” “vindicates the faith that my countrymen have placed in me.”
Madhabi Mukherjee, who co-starred with him in one of Satyajit Ray's most critically acclaimed work, Charulata, invoked the relationship they portrayed on the silver screen saying: “If Amal were to win an award, won't Charulata be thrilled?”
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Mr. Chatterjee made his film debut with Satyajit Ray in Apur Sansar, to go on to become a central actor in the noted filmmaker's team. He has also worked with several other well-known directors.
“I knew he would get it,” said filmmaker Mrinal Sen, who was also happy that a person from West Bengal had won the award after several years.