Legendary Bengali filmmaker and poet  Buddhadeb Dasgupta passed away in Kolkata on Thursday morning. He was 77.

Buddhadeb was battling kidney and age-related ailments for a while and seeking treatment. He is known for his National Award-winning films like Uttara, Bagh Bahadur, Swapner Din, Charachar and Tahader Katha. He had directed the 1984 Hindi film Andhi Gali, starring Deepti Naval and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. 

His 2013 film, Sniffer (Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa), starring Nawazzudin Siddiqui as a private detective, was released on Eros Now last year. 

In a 2020 interview with Cinema Express, Buddhadeb had reflected on his failing health. “Filmmaking, as we know, is a physically demanding craft.” he had said. “But I’ve been going steady so far. A director never retires.”

Several personalities paid tribute to Dasgupta on Twitter.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: Anguished by the demise of Shri Buddhadeb Dasgupta. His diverse works struck a chord with all sections of society. He was also an eminent thinker and poet. My thoughts are with his family and several admirers in this time of grief. Om Shanti."
 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted: "Saddened at the passing away of eminent filmmaker Buddhadeb Dasgupta. Through his works, he infused lyricism into the language of cinema. His death comes as a great loss for the film fraternity. Condolences to his family, colleagues and admirers."
 

Director Vivek Agnihotri wrote, “5 times national award winning filmmaker and poet Buddhadeb Dasgupta may have left his body but his creativity remains with us. Artists never die. Om Shanti.”
 

Bengali filmmaker Raj Chakrabarty tweeted, “Recipient of numerous National and International honours, legendary filmmaker and renowned poet, #BuddhadebDasgupta has passed away. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.”