Bengali Actress Uma Dasgupta Passes Away at 70 After Battling Cancer

Renowned Bengali actress Uma Dasgupta, best known for her portrayal of young Durga in Satyajit Ray's iconic film Pather Panchali, has passed away at the age of 70. She succumbed to a prolonged battle with cancer in a Kolkata hospital on the morning of Monday, November 18. Reports indicate that she breathed her last around 8 AM.

The news of her demise was confirmed by her relative, actor and politician Chiranjeet Chakraborty, via Anandabazar Patrika. Speaking to the publication, Chiranjeet said, “Uma di's daughter informed me that she is no more. She was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago.” Despite initially responding well to medical treatment, the cancer returned, leading to her hospitalization and eventual demise.

Uma Dasgupta's contribution to Indian cinema is immortalized through her performance in Pather Panchali, Satyajit Ray’s debut feature film and an adaptation of Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's 1929 Bengali novel of the same name. One of the most memorable images from the film is the scene where Apu and Durga run through a field to see a train for the first time, a moment etched in the history of Indian cinema.

Uma Dasgupta’s entry into the world of acting was serendipitous. As a young girl, she was actively involved in theatre, and her school headmaster, a friend of Satyajit Ray, introduced her to the director. Although her father was initially hesitant about her pursuing an acting career, he eventually gave his consent, paving the way for her role in Pather Panchali. Beyond her debut, she appeared in only a few other films before stepping away from the limelight.

In Pather Panchali, Uma portrayed Durga, a spirited young girl who tragically dies of high fever after reveling in the first monsoon rains. The film, released in 1955, received global acclaim and remains one of the greatest cinematic works of all time.

Uma Dasgupta’s legacy lives on, not only in the annals of Indian cinema but also in the hearts of audiences who continue to cherish her performance in Pather Panchali.