Devaraj Rai, renowned Bengali actor and news reader, dies at 73

Devaraj Rai, a prominent figure in Bengali cinema and theater, passed away on Thursday night at the age of 73 due to complications from kidney disease. His death has sent shockwaves through the artistic community, leaving fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a beloved talent who made significant contributions to the industry.

Born on December 9, 1950, in Kolkata, Devaraj began his acting journey with Satyajit Ray's critically acclaimed film Pratidwandi in 1970. His performance in this film marked the beginning of a distinguished career. In 1971, he gained widespread recognition for his role in Mrinal Sen's Kolkata 71, a film that not only showcased his acting prowess but also captured the socio-political landscape of the time.

Throughout his career, Devaraj collaborated with several legendary directors, including Tapan Sinha, Tarun Majumdar, and Vibhuti Laha. His work in Tapan Sinha's film Raja remains unforgettable, as does his performance alongside Mithu Mukherjee in the 1973 film Marjina Abdullah, directed by Dinen Gupta. The chemistry between the two actors and Manna Dey's popular song from the film have left a lasting impression on audiences.

In addition to his film career, Devaraj was a well-known face on Doordarshan, where he served as a news reader, captivating viewers with his distinctive voice and authoritative presence. His ability to convey news effectively made him a household name during the era of limited television programming.

Devaraj married fellow actress Anuradha Rai in 1976, and together they became influential figures in the Bengali entertainment industry. Despite facing health challenges in recent years that kept him away from public appearances, his legacy endures in the hearts of fans and within the industry.

Tributes have poured in from various quarters, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who expressed her condolences and praised his contributions to the Bengali film industry. His funeral is set to take place today, where family, friends, and fans will gather to pay their final respects to a remarkable artist whose impact will be felt for generations.