Bengali writer, journalist Nimai Bhattacharya no more

Renowned Bengali writer and journalist Nimai Bhattacharya passed away in Kolkata of India's West Bengal at the age of 89.

Bhattacharya died in his flat in Tollygunge area at 12.10pm on Thursday due to old age-related complications, Indian media reports say quoting family sources.

He is survived by two sons and three daughters. His wife had passed away earlier.

Bhattacharya was born in Magura district in 1931.

He penned over 150 books including ''Memsaheb'', ''Diplomat'', ''Minibus'', ''Inquilab'' and ''Imon Kalyan'' during his lifetime, reports PTI.

''Memsaheb'' was adapted into a commercially-hit movie starring Uttam Kumar in the lead role.

Bhattacharya was also a renowned journalist who had reported political developments in Kolkata and Delhi before taking a plunge into fulltime writing in the 60s.

Condoling his death, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a statement, "I am deeply saddened by the demise of eminent writer Nimai Bhattacharya whose death has created a big void in the literary world."

"Though he had started his career as journalist, Bhattacharya later got deeply involved in literary pursuits. I am deeply pained on getting the news of his death. I had known him for years," she said.

Banerjee said the state government feels immensely proud to have bestowed upon him the Banga Bibhushan honour, PTI reports.