Bengal film industry shocked at Rituparna Ghosh's death

Shocked and saddened at the untimely demise of multiple National Film Award winning filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh Thursday here, Bengal entertainment industry condoled the genius storyeteller's death, saying it is difficult to fill the void left by his death.

Actor Riya Sen, granddaughter of eminent Bengali film actress Suchitra Sen, said, "To the best director in the world... May his soul RIP."

Director of "Murder" and "Life... In A Metro", Anurag Basu said it is difficult to fill the void left by his death.

"He took our cinema to international audience," Basu said.

On a similar note, noted Bengali actor Sabyasachi Chakraborty of "Feluda" fame lauded the ace lensman's efforts to bring Bengali culture to the world.

"He took Bengali culture to the world. It is a loss not only to the film fraternity but to us personally as he was associated with us in a personal way," said Chakraborty.

Eminent danseuse Mamata Shankar told a TV channel that "It is unthinkable."

Actor Parambrata Chatterjee said Ghosh was "an inspiration" to young actors.

"He was a man of books. There aren't many who are into books these days. It is a loss for us youngsters," he said.

Composer Debajyoti Mishra said his all-pervading persona extended beyond films.

"He was much beyond a genius," said a teary eyed Mishra.

Ghosh made films like "Chokher Bali", "Unishe April" and "Raincoat", died here Thursday. He was 49.

Ghosh, who was suffering from pancreatitis, passed away at his residence around 7.30 a.m., his colleague Gautam Ghosh told reporters.

Shocked colleagues and friends gathered at the home of the much awarded filmmaker as news of the death spread.