Kalyan Chatterjee Passes Away at 81; Actor Worked With Satyajit Ray, Appeared in 400 Films

December 8, 2025, proved to be a very sad day for Indian regional cinema, specifically the Bengali film industry. One of the most experienced actors, Kalyan Chatterjee, who enchanted people with his acting skills since more than four decades, died on Monday morning at the age of 81 years. The actor had been suffering due to a long illness and took his last breath in a government hospital in Kolkata. The news of his death has thrown the entire Bengali, Bollywood, and theatre world into mourning.

Kalyan Chatterjee was among the few actors who also created a strong identity as a supporting actor. He worked in over 400 films, sometimes playing comedic and sometimes sensitive roles, winning the hearts of audiences. His journey, which began with his debut film, "Apanjan," released in 1968, led to several iconic films.

Kalyan Chatterjee was one of the few actors who had the opportunity to work with the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray. Satyajit Ray's film "Pratibandhan" established him as a powerful performer. His subsequent roles in films like "Dhanyani Maye," "Dui Prithibi," "Sabuj Dweeper Raja," and "Baishe Shrabon" remain etched in audiences' memories. Beyond Bengali cinema, he also made his presence felt in Hindi films. Audiences still remember his small but impactful role in Sujoy Ghosh's popular thriller "Kahaani."

Kalyan Chatterjee didn't limit his acting career to films. He also showcased his talent in TV serials, web series, and theater. He trained at the Pune Film Institute, where he mastered the nuances of acting and successfully translated them into the world of cinema.

For the past few months, he had been battling various health issues and was hospitalized. Age-related complications and typhoid fever worsened his condition. He finally breathed his last late Sunday night. His family said his last rites were performed at the Kewdatala crematorium in Kolkata.