The sudden demise of the Bengali hero, Mr. Soumitra Chattopadhyay had not just left a huge impact upon the people of Bengal but beyond. His contribution to Bengali cinema is way more than the mainstream. He has not only taken the Bengali film industry to its heights but has inspired many youngsters through his work. His contributions are recognized by every single person living in the city and trying to raise their voice; a voice of conscience, a voice to battle through the hurdles of living.

Chattopadhyay started his career, holding the hand of Satyajit Ray, with Apur Sansar in 1959. Here, he played the role of an unemployed graduate in the city whose dreams remained unfulfilled, and life eventually taking him to an unexpected track. He went on to portray the various disparities in society and the simultaneous life conditions with his roles. One such example is the Jhinder Bandi in 1961 where he played the role of a villain.

His roles in Charulata in 1964, Aranyer Din Ratri in 1969,  Sonar Kella in 1974, Joi Baba Felunath in 1978, Hirak Rajar Deshe in 1980, Ghare Baire in 1984, Ganashatru in 1989, and many others have critically depicted his firm voice towards the living conditions of the society, thereby generating confidence to take a stand and shrug off fear among numerous people.

Besides, his ideological and political inclination towards the left never really remained subdued or a secret. His approach to hold his political views in the roles he played made him a symbol of ‘the alternative’ that people would want to see more of in Bengali cinema. He has refused to take Padma Sri, and National Award in 2001 but received Padma Bhushan later in 2004, Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2012, Legion of Honour in 2018.

In the year 2019, Soumitra Chattopadhyay was seen to be vehemently opposing the ‘Citizenship Amendment Act’ and ‘National Register of Citizens’, stating its obstruction to the interest of the people.

After his departure on 15^th of November, 2020, his daughter, Poulami Basu, while giving an interview to a Press media outlet, clearly says, “I have not just lost my father, but my comrade, my friend…”

Yes, his departure has made all the voices cry and pledge to take a firm stand every time it is needed. That is how our Hero, Soumitra Chattopadhyay will be remembered always.

A man who always raised his voice!