Supriya Devi no more but the cloud-capped star shines eternally

Kolkata: With the death of Supriya Devi on January 26, a golden chapter in Bengali cinema came to an end.

The legendary actress died of a massive heart attack at the age of 83 years and is survived by her only daughter Soma.

Condoling her death, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted: "Very saddened at the passing of legendary actress of Bengal, Supriya Chowdhury (Debi). We will fondly remember her through her films. Condolences to her family and fans." She was cremated at the Keoratala crematorium with full state honour in presence of the Chief Minister and her Cabinet colleagues.

Several Tollywood stars were present and bade a tearful farewell. With her death, the Uttam-Suchitra-Supriya era comes to an end.

Born in a conservative family in Burma (now Myanmar) on January 8, 1933, Supriya Devi will be remembered for many decades for her exceptional role as Neeta in Meghe Dhaka Tara, directed by Ritwik Ghatak in 1960. Her last dialogue in the movie "Dada ami banchte chai (Brother, I want to live) made her famous. Next in 1961, she again appeared in Ghatak's Komol Gandhar.

Supriya Devi first co-starred with Uttam Kumar in Basu Parivar (1952). In the same year, two other films Prarthana and Shyamali directed by Pranab Roy and Benoy Bandyopadhyay gave her permanent place in Tollywood.

Again she partnered with Uttam Kumar in Sonar Harin (1959) and Shuno Baranari (1960).

Her acting with Uttam Kumar in Chowringhee, Mon Niye, Sudhu Ekti Bachar, Kal Tumi Aleya, Sabarmati, Surya Sikha, Bilambito Laya, Chirodiner, Sabyasachi and Sanyashi Raja will be remembered for many years. She had acted opposite Dharmendra in Begaana (1963).

She got the Filmfare Award and BFJA award twice. In 2011, she was conferred Banga Vibhusan award by Mamata Banerjee.

Another close aide of Uttam Kumar, Shambhu Bhattacharya died in the city on January 26 after a brief illness.

A student of Mr Universe Monotosh Roy, Bhattacharya was a body builder.

His role as Netai in Sanyashi Raja had touched the hearts of thousands.