'Soumitra Chatterjee’s death colossal loss to world of cinema': PM Modi

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condoled the death of Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee, saying it’s a colossal loss to the world of cinema.

"Shri Soumitra Chatterjee’s death is a colossal loss to the world of cinema, cultural life of West Bengal and India. Through his works, he came to embody Bengali sensibilities, emotions and ethos. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," the prime minister tweeted.

President Ram Nath Kovind also condoled the death of Mr Chatterjee and said he will be remembered for the 'Apu' triology and other memorable performances. 

“With the passing of Soumitra Chatterjee, Indian cinema has lost one of its legends. He will be specially remembered for the ‘Apu’ trilogy and other memorable performances in Satyajit Ray’s masterpieces. He made immense contribution to the craft of acting,” he said.

The 85-year-old took his last breath at Belle Vue Hospital in Kolkata.

“We declare with a heavy heart that Shri Soumitra Chattopadhyay breathed his last at 12:15 pm at Belle Vue Clinic today (November 15 2020). We pay our homage to his soul,” the hospital said in a statement.

The actor was admitted to the hospital on October 6 after he tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19). He was later shifted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as Covid encephalopathy set in, affecting his central nervous system and causing renal dysfunction.