Bengali film icon Partha Mukhopadhyay passes away at 70

Iconic Bengali actor Partha Mukhopadhyay died of cardiac arrest at a city hospital on Monday morning. He was 70.

Mukhopadhyay portrayed a number of memorable roles in the 1960s after getting a break as a child artiste in the film 'Maa' directed by Chitto Basu in 1958.

Born on September 21, 1947, the actor got wide recognition for his role in Tapan Sinha's 'Atithi' and even participated in the Venice Film Festival for the movie, but missed the 'Best Actor' award with just a few votes.

Later in his career, he did some memorable roles in 'Balika Bodhu' (1967), 'Dhonnimeye' (1971), 'Agnishwar' (1975) and 'Amar Prithibi' (1985). He had even made his mark on the small screen.

He was also a good singer and got married to music director Ashima Bhattacharya.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shared heartfelt condolences for the icon.

She wrote, "Saddened at the passing away of veteran actor Partha Mukherjee. My deepest condolences to his family and fans."

The state government had conferred Mukhopadhyay with a special award for his contribution to Bengali films. 

-ANI