Veteran film director Basu Chatterjee passed away today (4th June) in Bombay due to age-related issues. He was 90.
Basu-da, as he was respectfully called, had directed films mainly in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Among his successful and better-known films were Rajnigandha, Baton Baton Mein, Chitchor, Ek Ruka Hua Faisla, Piya Ka Ghar, Swami, Priyatama, Khatta Meetha, Dillagi, Man Pasand, Apne Paraye, Shaukeen, Hamari Bahu Alka, Chameli Ki Shaadi and Prem Vivah. His first film as director was Sara Akash. The maverick filmmaker was known for his slice-of-life films which, in those days, were referred to as middle-of-the-road cinema. The heroes and leading ladies of his films were shown as ordinary mortals rather than the larger-than-life characters of masala entertainers. They romanced at public places like public transport etc. His films rarely boasted of ostentatious sets or flashy costumes.
Basu Chatterjee’s last rites will be performed today at 2 p.m. at the Santacruz crematorium.
Basu Chatterjee started his career as an illustrator and cartoonist as he had a great sense of humour which was also evident in most of his films.