Who Was Uma Dasgupta? Satyajit Ray's Durga Roy From Pather Panchali Dies

Bengali actor Uma Dasgupta passed away on Monday, November 18 after battling a prolonged illness. She had been hospitalised for several days before her death. Best remembered for her role as Durga Roy in the classic 1955 film Pather Panchali, directed by Satyajit Ray, her passing has drawn heartfelt tributes from numerous public figures. 

Who Was Uma Dasgupta? Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali's Durga Roy Dies

The news of Uma Dasgupta’s death was first shared by actor Chiranjit Chakraborty. After being hospitalised for a few days due to illness, she passed away early in the morning. Chiranjit confirmed that he learned of the sad news from Dasgupta’s daughter.

Actor Chiranjit Chakraborty confirmed the sad news. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and author Kunal Ghosh paid homage with a post in Bengali on Facebook that translated to, “Durga from Pather Panchali is now really gone.”

Uma Dasgupta, who passed away at 84 after a long battle with cancer, is survived by her daughter. Earlier this year, false reports about the actress’s death circulated widely on social media, causing concern. However, it was clarified later that she was in good health at the time.

Dasgupta was just 14 when she made her debut with Satyajit Ray’s iconic film Pather Panchali, adapted from Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay’s novel. Ray discovered Dasgupta at a school event and cast her in the memorable role of Durga, the elder sister of Apu. The character of Apu later was immortalised by the late Soumitra Chatterjee, another legend in Bengali cinema. 

The film, which also starred Subir Banerjee, Kanu Banerjee, Karuna Banerjee, Pinaki Sengupta, and Chunibala Devi, became a milestone in Indian cinema for its compelling storytelling and depiction of rural life. Choosing a different path, Dasgupta became a teacher, but her contribution to Indian cinema remains significant, leaving behind a unique and enduring legacy.

The timeless roles of Apu and Durga from the black-and-white film era continue to resonate with audiences, remaining vivid and beloved even after decades.