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Filmmaker Anik Dutta dies, cops probe cicrumstances into death

Anik Dutta died on Wednesday after allegedly falling from the terrace of his multi-storey residence in South Kolkata.

Anik DuttaAnik Dutta diest at 69.

Acclaimed Bengali filmmaker Anik Dutta passed away on Wednesday. He was 66. He was rushed to a private hospital after he allegedly fell from the rooftop of his former wife’s house in South Kolkata’s Hindustan Park area, said police, where he was declared dead. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, among other political leaders, and the state’s film fraternity condoled Dutta’s death, and remembered his contribution to Bengali cinema.

Saikat Ghosh, Deputy Commissioner, East Division, Kolkata Police, said that an investigation has been launched into the death.  “An unnatural death case has been filed and an investigation has been initiated. Our expert team collected some samples. We have sent the body for postmortem. We have got an alleged suicide note but the contents of the note are under probe. We will be recording statements for the investigation,” he said.  The body was taken to SSKM Hospital for postmortem, said officers.

Dutta had injuries on his head, shoulders, and chest, said sources in the private hospital. As the news of the death broke, many from the film fraternity, including producer Firdausul Hassan, directors Arindam Sil and Srijit Mukherji, actors Abir Chatterjee and Jeetu Kamalm, gathered at the hospital.

Actor Badshah Maitra described Dutta’s death as “a social loss” besides a loss to cinema. Others said they were still trying to process the shock.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister wrote, “Saddened by the untimely demise of renowned filmmaker Shri Anik Dutta. His contributions towards Bengali Cinema is priceless. Heartfelt Condolences to his family & friends. I trust @KolkataPolice will investigate & unearth the mysterious circumstances shrouding his sudden death.”

Dutta, who celebrated his 66th birthday recently on May 22, had started his career in the advertising world — he was associated with the industry for about two decades.  He was the grandson of Narendra Chandra Dutta, the founder of United Bank of India.

He shot to fame in 2012 with ‘Bhooter Bhabishyat’, his movie that had political and social satire at the heart of it like most of his other films.

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‘Ashchorjyo Prodip,’ ‘Meghnad Badh Rahasya,’ ‘Bhobishyoter Bhoot,’ ‘Barunbabur Bandhu,’ and ‘Aparajito’ were among other movies by the filmmaker. He left a mark even as he directed just eight movies during his nearly decade-long career as a filmmaker.

Many of his movies, including the last one — ‘Jot Kando Kolkatatei’ — had sparked spirited public discussions and debates.

He was also known for his strong and Left-leaning political views, including his sharp criticism of the Mamata Banerjee administration.

A section of the Bengali film industry believes that his long experience in the advertising industry enriched his cinematic language.

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DISCLAIMER: This report covers a sensitive and tragic incident involving the sudden demise of a public figure. While the official police investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances, we urge our readers to approach such news with sensitivity.

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Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain. Experience  Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express. Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news. Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions. Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal. Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla. Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent. Education Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting. Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More

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