Demise of Basu Chatterjee: Huge Loss for B-town!

The man who made middle-class love stories endearing and enigmatic at the same time through the ’70s and ’80s in India is no more. Basu Chatterjee, the director behind cult films like ‘Rajnigandha’ and ‘Chitchor’, passed away on Thursday due to age-related ailments. He was 93.

The veteran film-maker and screenwriter’s last rites will be performed later this afternoon at the Santacruz crematorium. Basu Chatterjee’s long career included critically-acclaimed films like ‘Chhoti Si Baat.

The film fraternity mourned the loss of one of its legends, Basu Chatterjee, who passed away on Thursday. Here are some of the tweets dedicated to this great film director and screenwriter:

T 3552 – Prayers and Condolences on the passing of Basu Chatterjee .. a quiet, soft spoken, gentle human .. his films reflected the lives of middle India .. did 'MANZIL' with him .. a sad loss .. 🙏
.. in these climes often remembered for 'rim jhim gire saawan'

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) June 4, 2020

Deeply saddened to hear about Basu Chatterjee’s passing away.A prolific filmaker, he was the pioneer of what came to be regarded as middle of the road cinema. I was fortunate to have done 3 lovely films with him Swami Apne Paraye and Jeena Yahan. All lifelike characters .RIP pic.twitter.com/tAN5vaTZiY

— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) June 4, 2020

In the passing of Shri Basu Chatterjee, the world of entertainment has lost a living legend. He will be remembered for his masterpieces like 'Khatta Meetha', 'Rajnigandha', 'Byomkesh Bakshi', 'Rajani' among others. My condolences to his family and friends.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 4, 2020

बासू दा आपकी बहुत याद आएगी।We will miss you Basu Da! Your simplicity in your persona and in your cinema. Om Shanti. 🙏🙏🙏 #BasuChatterjee pic.twitter.com/5anKo6lLnR

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) June 4, 2020

Awards won by Basu Chatterjee in his lifetime:

• 2007: IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award
• 1992: National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare – Durga
• 1991: Filmfare Best Screenplay Award – Kamla Ki Maut
• 1980: Filmfare Critics Award for Best Movie – Jeena Yahan
• 1978: Filmfare Best Director Award – Swami
• 1977: Filmfare Best Screenplay Award – Chitchor Nominee
• 1976: Filmfare Best Screenplay Award – Chhoti Si Baat
• 1975: Filmfare Critics Award for Best Movie – Rajnigandha
• 1972: Filmfare Best Screenplay Award – Sara Akash