In a somber development for the Indian entertainment industry, especially Bengali cinema, esteemed actor Partha Sarathi Deb breathed his last at the age of 68. The actor, known for his prolific work in television serials, cinema, and theatre, succumbed to his ailments in a hospital in Kolkata where he had been receiving treatment.
The news of Deb’s passing was confirmed by his family members on Saturday. It was a distressing Friday night, as Deb passed away at 11:50 pm, closing the curtains on a life dedicated to the arts. Deb had been grappling with complex health issues stemming from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which had seen him hospitalized in the government-run M R Bangur hospital for a month. The actor’s health took a turn for the worse over the last week, ultimately leading to his admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Mourning the loss of a beloved colleague and a valued member of the West Bengal Artists’ Forum (WBAF), many from the industry took to social media to express their grief. Messages of condolence and tributes poured in, highlighting his significant contribution to Bengali cinema and the void his departure has created. A tweet from a fellow artist encapsulated the communal sorrow: “Sad to know we lost our colleague and WBAF committee member. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family & friends… #RestInPeace #ParthaSarathiDeb Om shanti.”
With a career spanning several decades, Partha Sarathi Deb was no stranger to neither the stage nor the screen. His passion for performance led him to a diverse and expansive body of work that included more than 200 projects, from theatre productions to television serials, feature films, and web series. His recent appearance in the film ‘Raktabeej’ is just one of the many testaments to his versatility and unwaning appeal as an actor. Aside from his exhaustive portfolio, Deb held the esteemed position of vice-president at the West Bengal Motion Picture Artists Forum, a platform for the welfare and representation of artists in the region.
The WBAF has expressed its deep sorrow over Deb’s demise and has joined the artistic community in mourning one of its most revered actors. The forum released a statement paying homage to Deb’s memorable journey and announced that his body would be taken to Technician Studio, a place that he frequently visited and considered almost a second home.
As the Indian cinema, especially the Bengali faction, reels from the loss, it is not just an individual that is being mourned but an era of art that he represented. Partha Sarathi Deb has left behind a legacy not only in terms of the characters he brought to life but also in the path he paved for future actors. His dedication to his craft and the monumental impact he had on Bengali cinema will be remembered and cherished.
Deb’s demise leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. Standing as a testament to his love for performance arts, his works will continue to inspire and entertain generations. As the final curtain falls on Partha Sarathi Deb’s stage, the lights dim in the world of Bengali cinema, marking the end of an illustrious chapter. His memory, however, will continue to flicker brightly within the hearts of many.
