His devotion was unparalleled

To me, Soumitra Chatterjee was a guiding light.

I had the privilege of working with him in 1972 when I was about 15. Only two of my films had been released at the time. Being on the set with two legends, Satyajit Ray and Soumitra, made me anxious and excited at the same time.

There was no word in the first shot of Ashani Sanket. After the shot was over, he praised me in a way that made me forgot all my worries.

We were filming during Eid once. I was feeling down being away from friends and family. He noticed that I was trying to hold back my tears. A huge feast, with lots of firecrackers and delicious food, was what he had in store for me that evening.

I met Shoumitra every time I visited Kolkata. He was my friend, confidante and guardian angel. He will continue to hold a special place in my heart.