Soumitra Chatterjee (1935-2020) was an Indian actor, director, and writer, an iconic figure of Bengali cinema, best known for his prolific collaboration with director Satyajit Ray.

He debuted in the celebrated *Apur Sansar* (1959), the final installment of The Apu Trilogy, becoming Ray's regular leading actor. Their partnership produced 14 iconic films, including *Charulata* (1964), where he portrayed the cultured and sensitive Amal, *Devi* (1960), *Aranyer Din Ratri* (1970), and *Ghare Baire* (1984).

Chatterjee was a master at portraying complex and introspective characters: the intellectual, the reflective common man, the romantic hero—often archetypes of the Bengali bourgeoisie. His career extended well beyond Ray, encompassing over 300 films and a lasting legacy. He received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2012.