Subhendu Chatterjee was an Indian actor who was primarily active in Bengali films and television. He was seen playing the role of second hero in many films. However, with time he gradually shifted his focus to character roles. Being a versatile actor, he had portrayed diverse roles. His charming persona and accomplished acting skills established him as one of the most famed actors of Bengali film industry. In the year 1998 he was honoured with Anandalok Award for Best Actor for his film Lal Darja.

Early Life of Subhendu Chatterjee
Subhendu Chatterjee was born on 29th November 1936 to Shailendra Chattopadhay and Manimala Devi. He joined Calcutta Medical College in the year 1953. He completed his M.B.B.S. in 1960 and came a doctor. He initially worked in Civil Defence and later joined Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Subhendu Chatterjee was associated with amateur theatre under the guidance of Jnanesh Mukherjee who was a stalwart of Bengali theatre and films. While working in theatres he also began trying his luck on the silver screen.

Career of Subhendu Chatterjee
Subhendu Chatterjee began his career as an actor in the year 1965 with Mrinal Sen`s Akash Kusum. His restrained portrayal of an honest friend who fails to prevent his friend (essayed by Soumitra Chatterjee) from walking on the path of falsehood leading to utter humiliation was much appreciated. He worked with eminent director Satyajit Ray in the Bengali flick Chiriyakhana in which he shared screen with Uttam Kumar for the first time. In 1969 he starred in Aranyer Din Ratri alongside Soumitra garnering national as well as international fame. His portrayal of Sankar in Chowringhee alongside Uttam Kumar has been unforgettable and earned him huge applause. He also succeeded in carving a distinct niche for himself in celluloid.

Subhendu Chatterjee had appeared in the lead roles in films like Nayikar Bhumikay, Arogya Niketon, Panchasar, Hansa Mithun etc. Other prominent films in which he acted include Lal Darwajaa, Ganasatru, Amrito Kumbher Sandhane, Bahurupi, Jibon Rahasya, Kuheli, Pratham Kadam Phool, Aandhar Periye and many more. In the year 2003 he acted in the sequel of Aranyer Din Ratri titled Abar Aranye, directed by Gautam Ghose. Subhendu Chatterjee had also been a noted thespian. His play Bilkish Begum staged in 1980s gathered huge success. He also appeared in a prominent role in another successful play titled Amar Kantak. He had also been a part of several tele films among which Dr. Munshi`s diary, in which he essayed the role of Dr. Munshi, was notable. It was based on a short story by Satyajit Ray. Chatterjee was also an accomplished singer and had recorded a few songs composed by Hemanta Mukhopadhyay. Subhendu Chatterjee was also associated with Indian People`s Theatre Association (IPTA).

Personal Life and Death of Subhendu Chatterjee
Subhendu Chatterjee had two sons. The elder son, Saswata Chatterjee is a Bengali actor and his younger son is based in USA. Subhendu Chatterjee died on 5th July 2007 from respiratory tract complications.

Selected Filmography of Subhendu Chatterjee