Legendary filmmaker Basu Chatterjee dies at 93

Veteran filmmaker and screenplay writer Basu Chatterjee - who brought stories and emotions of the middle-class people to screen - passed away in Mumbai on Thursday.

Rajinigandha, featuring Amol Palekar, Dinesh Thakur, Vidya Sinha was one of his memorable films and often referred to in cinema schools.

Then comes Chhoti Si Baat, in which Amol Palekar and Vidya Sinha paired again and the roles to ''Dadamuni' Ashok Kumar and Asrani takes the film to a different level. In both the films, he tells the story of 'aam aadmi'.

Chatterjee was 93 and was suffering from old-age related issues. He is survived by two daughters.

He was best known for his films Us Paar, Chhoti Si Baat , Chitchor, Rajnigandha, Piya Ka Ghar, Khatta Meetha , Chakravyuha, Baton Baton Mein Manzil, Priyatama, Man Pasand, Hamari Bahu Alka, Shaukeen, and Chameli Ki Shaadi.

For Doordarshan, Basu Chatterjee made hit TV serials – Byomkesh Bakshi and Rajani. The character of Byomkesh Bakshi essayed by Rajit Kapoor went on to become the Indian version of Sherlock Holmes.

Actress Priya Tendulkar, who essayed the role of Rajani and became famous and role-model for houswives, passed away few years ago.

Basu Da, as he was popularly known, got attracted to the middle-of-the-road cinema, with filmmakers such as Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Bhattacharya, whom he assisted in Teesri Kasam (1966) and then went on to make Ek Ruka Hua Faisla (1986) and Kamla Ki Maut (1989).

"I am extremely grieved to inform you all the demise of legendary Filmmaker Basu Chatterjee ji . His last rites will be performed today at Santacruz creamation at 2 pm.
It’s a great loss to the industry. Will miss you Sir. #RIPBasuChaterjee," tweeted filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, the president of Indian Film and TV Directors Association, announcing the death of the legend.

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan tweeted: "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'."

"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," added Shabana Azmi.

"We will miss you Basu Da! Your simplicity in your persona and in your cinema. Om Shanti," said Anupam Kher.

"A master storyteller passed away today!! Learned the meaning of simple storytelling with fine nuances!! Thank you Basu Da for all the great stories!! Rest in peace sir!! #BasuChatterjee," said actor Manoj Bajpayee.