Kolkata: Veteran Bengali film actress Supriya Devi, best known for her portrayal of Neeta in Ritwik Ghatak's 'Meghe Dhaka Tara' (The Cloud-Capped Star), died on Friday of heart attack.
She was 85, and is survived by a daughter.
Born in 1933, Supriya Devi's acting career spanned over five decades during which she featured in classics like 'Chowringhee' and 'Bagh Bandi Khela'.
A recipient of Padma Shri and West Bengal government's highest civilian award Banga Vibhushan, besides the Filmfare East Lifetime Achievement Award, she made her debut in Uttam Kumar-starrer 'Basu Parivar' in 1952. She never looked back after acting opposite Bengali film industry's superstar Uttam Kumar in 'Sonar Harin' in 1959.
One of the most beautiful actresses of the Bengali film industry of her time, she won accolades for her performance in Ghatak's 'Meghe Dhaka Tara'.
Supriya Devi portrayed Neeta, the protagonist of the film set in post-Partition Calcutta. Neeta, a self-sacrificing young girl, is repeatedly struck by personal tragedies.
"Very saddened at the passing of legendary actress of Bengal, Supriya Chowdhury (Debi). We will fondly remember her through her films. Condolences to her family and fans," West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, mourning her death.
Expressing grief at the demise of Supriya Devi, Bengali film legend actor Soumitra Chatterjee, who acted with her in 'Jodi Jantem' and several other movies, remembered their long association.
"I cannot believe this news. We regularly talked over phone," said her contemporary and veteran actress Sabitri Chattopadhyay.
West Bengal power minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay visited Supriya Devi's residence to pay tributes and said arrangements were being made by the state government for her last rites.
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