Uma Dasgupta, the actress who portrayed Durga in Oscar winner Satyajit Ray's film ‘Pather Panchali’ has passed away after a prolonged illness.
She was 84.
Uma breathed her last around 8:00 am today (November 18) at a private hospital in Kolkata.
Actor Chiranjeet Chakraborty confirmed the news to Anandabazar.
According to the Indian media outlet, Uma Dasgupta had been diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. Although she initially recovered, the illness returned, and her health had been deteriorating in recent months. She was admitted to the hospital, where she eventually passed away.
Chiranjeet, who lived in the same building as Uma Dasgupta, shared, "I met her daughter this morning, and she informed me of Uma di's passing. She had fought cancer bravely a few years ago."
Uma Dasgupta's portrayal of Durga in Satyajit Ray's ‘Pather Panchali’ (1955) remains her only cinematic role.
In the film, she played Apu's elder sister, capturing the innocence and vibrancy of adolescence. Despite appearing in just one movie, her performance earned worldwide acclaim. Uma Dasgupta was a schoolteacher by profession.
Acting was a part of Uma's life from a young age. She was involved in theatre during her school days, and it was her school headmaster, who had a close relationship with Satyajit Ray, who introduced her to the filmmaker. Impressed by her natural talent, Ray cast her as Durga in ‘Pather Panchali’.
bd-pratidin/GR
