Kolkata: Veteran actress Uma Das Gupta, who immortalized the character of Durga in Satyajit Ray’s iconic film Pather Panchali, has passed away at the age of 84. Uma had been battling cancer for a long time and succumbed to the illness at the hospital earlier this morning.
Uma Das Gupta had been actively involved in theater since her childhood, and it was her stage performances that caught the attention of Satyajit Ray, who selected her for the role of Durga in his film. In addition to Pather Panchali, Uma appeared in other notable films such as Kaushik Ganguly’s Apur Panchali (2015) and Lokhi Chele (2022). However, she did not pursue a mainstream film career.
Uma Das Gupta became a beloved figure in the world of cinema through her portrayal of Durga, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. The tragic scene in which Durga dies after suffering from a fever during a rainstorm remains a deeply emotional and unforgettable moment for film lovers.
Pather Panchali tells the story of a rural Bengali family, with the central relationship being that between Durga and her younger brother Apu. The film was based on the Bengali novel of the same name written by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay in 1929. The film marked the beginning of a cinematic trilogy, followed by Aparajito (1956) and Apur Sansar (1959), collectively known as the Apu Trilogy, which brought Indian cinema to global attention.
After her career in cinema, Uma Das Gupta worked as a teacher. She is survived by her daughter.
