SUPRIYA DEVI passes away

West Bengal suffered a tragic loss with the passing of veteran actor Supriya Devi yesterday (January 26). The “Meghe Dhaka Tara” star suffered a cardiac arrest at her residence at age 85. She is survived by her daughter.

The government of West Bengal bid Supriya Devi a ceremonious farewell yesterday evening by creating an opportunity for locals to have a last glimpse of the beloved actor at Rabindra Sadan, before carrying out her last rites at Keoratola, accompanied by a gun salute from the Guards of Honour.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was present at the late actor's home, where she declared to the gathered media that Supriya Devi was the “Shorno Shilpi” of Bangla cinema. The Chief Minister had to cut her duties short at the Republic Day celebrations at Red Road, before reaching Supriya Devi's home at Baliganj Circular at 11am, where the Minister of Public Works Aroop Biswas accompanied her.

“Her death marked the passing of Uttam Kumar's entire generation, a tragedy that can never be replaced,” she added in her speech.

Supriya Devi's passing sparked mournful responses from fellow actors in West Bengal. “I have lost a friend of 80 years,” shared Soumitra Chatterjee, “I am gripped by the memories of all the times we have spent together.”

Popular West Bengal film actor Prosenjit Chatterjee wished her soul a peaceful afterlife, saying, “She was never short of motherly love, and always looked after us. We have truly lost a great icon, and a loving figure.”

Veteran actors Sandhya Roy and Sabitri Chatterjee too expressed their grief at Supriya Devi's passing. “There are some deaths which leave a gaping void, filling the rest of your life with suffering. This is one of those losses,” stated Sandhya Roy.

“I don't have words for the grief I feel. I pray for her soul's eternal peace,” added Sabitri Chatterjee.