Multifaceted artiste Ruma Guha Thakurta passes away at 84

Veteran actress and singer Ruma Guha Thakurta died at her own place in Kolkata at around 6:30 am on Monday. The 84-year-old, known for her work in both Bengali and Hindi films, passed away in her sleep.

Guha Thakurta is survived by her sons Amit Kumar, Ayan Guha Thakurta and daughter Sromona Guha Thakurta.

The multifaceted artiste mostly spent her time with son Amit Kumar. She was not suffering from any disease and died due to old age. Her last rites will be performed by Amit Kumar, once he reaches Kolkata this evening.

Guha Thakurta was closely related to Satyajit Ray and made her debut in the Hindi film Jwar Bhata (1944), directed by Amiya Chakraborty. She acted in Ray’s Abhijaan (1962) as well as Ganashatru (1990) and was part of many acclaimed films, including Nirjan Saikate (1963), Balika Badhu (1967), Arogyaniketan (1969), Dadar Kirti (1980), 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981) and Amrita Kumbher Sandhaney (1982).

Ruma Guha Thakurta was also one of the founders of the Calcutta Youth Choir along with Salil Chowdhury and Satyajit Ray. She is mostly remembered for her renditions of the songs 'Bistirno Dupare' and 'Bharatbarsha Surjer Ak Naams'. She also lent her voice for various film songs, including 'Tumi Akash Akhon Jodi Hote' from Ashite Asio Na (1967).

She was last seen on screen in Mira Nair's The Namesake (2007) as Irrfan Khan's mother.