The Bengali film industry mourns the loss of Joy Banerjee, a beloved actor and former political figure, who passed away at the age of 63 in a Kolkata hospital on Monday. Banerjee, a matinee idol of the 1980s and 1990s, succumbed to complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a condition that had plagued him for years. Admitted to a private hospital on August 15 due to severe respiratory distress, his health deteriorated rapidly, requiring ventilator support in his final days. He breathed his last at 11:35 AM, leaving behind his wife, mother, and a legacy that shaped Tollywood’s golden era.
Banerjee rose to fame with a string of blockbuster films, including Nagmati (1983), Milan Tithi (1985), Chopper (1986), and Hirak Jayanti (1990). Known for his charismatic screen presence and versatility, Chopper earned critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling, cementing Banerjee’s status as a household name. His performances resonated with audiences, blending emotional depth with commercial appeal, making him a defining figure in Bengali cinema.
Beyond the silver screen, Banerjee ventured into politics, contesting the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Birbhum and the 2019 elections from Uluberia as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate. Despite his efforts, he faced electoral setbacks and eventually stepped away from politics in November 2021, choosing to focus on his personal life and health.
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Tributes poured in from colleagues and admirers. TMC MP and actress Satabdi Roy, who shared the screen with Banerjee in several films, expressed her grief, stating, “I am shattered. Joy was not just a co-star but a dear friend. We were all hoping for his recovery, but fate had other plans.” Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar also mourned the loss, describing Banerjee as “a gem of Tollywood whose contributions will never be forgotten.”
Banerjee’s death marks the end of an era for Bengali cinema, where his films continue to inspire generations. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time, as fans and industry peers gather to honor his memory through screenings and memorials across Kolkata.
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