Haradhan Banerjee


Haradhan Bandopadhyay was a Bengali Indian actor of television and films. He made his debut in the 1948 Bengali film Devdut, directed by Atanu Bandopadhyay. He worked with some of the most prominent directors of Bengali cinema, like Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen.

Early life

Bandopadhyay started his schooling from Kushtia Municipal School in East Bengal, now Bangladesh. He passed matriculation in 1944. In 1946, he finished his IA exam from City College, Kolkata, an affiliate of the University of Calcutta. He worked in Gun & Shell factory. In 1946, he joined The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, and he continued there until his retirement. He was even sent to jail for his involvement in the freedom struggle movement of India.

Career

He made his debut in director Atanu Bandopadhay's film Devdut in 1948. He was a celebrated stage artiste who acted in hundreds of plays, working with famous names like Ahindra Choudhury, Chhabi Biswas and Utpal Dutt.

Death

Bandopadhyay died on 5 January 2013 at the age of 86. He had developed pneumonia and was admitted to hospital 15 days before his death. Bandopadhyay is survived by his wife and two sons. After his death, Bengali film actors Paran Bandopadhyay and Soumitra Chatterjee said that his death was a great loss for the Bengali film industry. Another Bengali director, Srijit Mukherji, stated: "I'm devastated by his death... The embodiment of affection passes away."

Selected filmography