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Kolkata: In a tragic incident, acclaimed veteran Bengali actress Sreela Majumdar, who has worked with esteemed filmmakers such as Mrinal Sen, Shyam Benegal, and Prakash Jha, passed away at the age 65 after losing her battle against cancer, on Saturday afternoon. The actress is survived by her husband S.N.M. Abdi, a journalist and columnist, and their son Sohail Abdi.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a condolence message on Sreela’s demise, praising her as a powerful actor with outstanding roles in significant Indian films. “It is a big loss for Bengal film industry and we shall miss her stellar presence. My condolences to her family,” Banerjee said.
Saddened by the news of the demise of film actress Sreela Majumdar today afternoon. Sreela was a noted and powerful actress who played outstanding roles in several significant Indian films.
It is a big loss for Bengal film industry and we shall miss her stellar presence. My…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 27, 2024
Her husband told sources that Majumdar was suffering from cancer for the last three years and was admitted to a hospital earlier this month. However, she was brought back home where she breathed her last on Saturday.
She commenced her acting career at 16 in Sen’s ‘Parashuram’ in 1980. Later, she appeared in several unique Indian films alongside big names like Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, and the late Smita Patil. She played pivotal roles in Shyam Benegal’s Mandi (Market Place, 1983), Prakash Jha’s Damul (Bonded Until Death, 1985), and Utpalendu Chakraborty’s Chokh (Eye, 1983).
Those who unversed, her final film, Palan by Kaushik Ganguly, a sequel to Ekdin Pratidin, received widespread acclaim last year. In total, she contributed to 43 films. Majumdar was also recognized for her delicate voice dubbing for Aishwarya Rai in Rituparno Ghosh’s film Chokher Bali (A Passion Play, 2003).
Condoling her death, the industry’s younger colleague Rituparna Sengupta said, “She had delivered so many memorable performances under the direction of filmmakers like Mrinal Sen and others. She could have been utilised more by the industry.”
