Legendary film-maker Basu Chatterjee passes away at 93

CHRONICLER OF COMMON FOLK Was known for making Durga, Rajnigandha, Chhoti Si Baat

At a time when a majority of Hindi film heroes were happily showcasing their machismo and heroines were largely stuck in a damsel-in-distress mode, late filmmaker Basu Chatterjee, who passed away in Mumbai on Thursday at 93 owing to age-related ailments, took a nuanced look at the middle class and everyday “ordinary” concerns, instead of focusing his lens on anything “extraordinary” or over-the-top.

Armed with his “commonman” sensibilities, Basuda – as he was fondly known as – was happy to have his middle class heroes/heroines travel and romance in buses, local trains; and meet at office canteens or non-descript coffee shops. The result was a number of memorable of films – laced seamlessly with a slice of everyday life – such as Rajnigandha, Piya Ka Ghar, Choti Si Baat, Chitchor, Khatta Meetha, Ek Ruka Hua Faisla, Kamla Ki Maut, Baton Baton Mein, Chameli Ki Shaadi and Shaukeen, among others.

Through the ’70s and ’80s, along with contemporaries such as Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Bhattacharya, Basu became an integral part of what’s now commonly known as middle-of-the-road cinema.

Born in Ajmer, Chatterjee started his career as an illustrator and cartoonist with weekly tabloid Blitz. Eighteen years later, he shifted to filmmaking when he assisted Basu Bhattacharya

of the demise of Shri Basu Chatterjee. His works are brilliant and sensitive. It touched people's hearts and represented the simple and complex emotions, as well as struggles of people. Condolences to his family and innumerable fans. Om Shanti.”

of legendary film director and screenwriter Basu Chatterjee. He gave us gems like 'Chhoti Si Baat', 'Chitchor', 'Rajanigandha', 'Byomkesh Bakshi', 'Rajnigandha' among others. Condolences to his family, friends, fans & the entire film fraternity.”

in the Raj Kapoor- Waheeda Rehman starrer Teesri Kasam (1966). In 1969, he made his directorial debut with Sara Akash.

Chatterjee, who admitted to have been influenced by films such as Bicycle Thieves and Billy

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'.”

about Basu Chatterjee's passing away. A prolific filmmaker, 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. RIP."

Wilder’s socio-romantic comedies, also directed several Bengali films such as Hothat Brishti, Hochcheta Ki and Hothat Shei Din, besides helming hit TV shows such as Byomkesh Bakshi and Rajani (TV series) for Doordarshan. Besides several popular will be truly missed. He was an effortless genius and an amazing human being. May he rest in peace.” an assistant director was with Basu Chatterjee for a Bengali tv serial shot in CR park, New Delhi.. May his soul Rest In Peace.”

awards through his career, Chatterjee was awarded the National Film Award in 1992 for Best Film on Family Welfare for his film, Durga.

He is survived by his two daughters, Sonali Bhattacharya and Rupali Guha.