Veteran Bengali actress Uma Dasgupta, best known for her unforgettable role as Durga Roy in Satyajit Ray’s 1955 masterpiece Pather Panchali, passed away on Monday after a prolonged illness. She had been hospitalized for several days before her demise, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in Indian cinematic history.
Fans and celebrities have been paying heartfelt tributes to the actress, recognizing her pivotal contribution to Indian cinema. Trinamool Congress MP and author Kunal Ghosh took to Facebook to express his sorrow, poignantly stating, *“Durga from *Pather Panchali* is now really gone.”* Actor Chiranjit Chakraborty confirmed the news, revealing that he received the update from Uma Dasgupta’s daughter.
Uma Dasgupta’s portrayal of Durga in Pather Panchali remains one of the most iconic performances in Indian cinema. The film, Satyajit Ray’s directorial debut, was an adaptation of Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay’s 1929 Bengali novel. It marked the beginning of The Apu Trilogy, a series of films that revolutionized Indian filmmaking and gained worldwide acclaim.
Pather Panchali tells the tender yet tragic story of Apu and his elder sister Durga, set in a poverty-stricken Bengal village. Uma’s heartfelt performance as Durga, filled with innocence and resilience, left an indelible mark on audiences. Despite her remarkable debut, Uma Dasgupta chose not to pursue mainstream cinema, focusing instead on other aspects of her life.
The film’s success paved the way for its sequels, Aparajito (1956) and Apur Sansar (1959), which chronicled Apu’s journey into adulthood. Pather Panchali has been celebrated globally as a cornerstone of Indian cinema.
Uma Dasgupta’s passing marks the end of an era. Her portrayal of Durga, etched in the annals of cinematic history, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. As tributes pour in, her contribution to Indian cinema remains an enduring legacy.
