Renowned Bengali director Arun Roy passes away at 56 due to lung infection

Acclaimed Bengali director Arun Roy, known for his impactful films like Bagha Jatin and Hiralal, passed away on Thursday at the age of 56. He succumbed to a severe lung infection while being treated at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Roy had been battling esophageal cancer for over a year, and his condition had deteriorated significantly in recent weeks.

Arun Roy, whose real name was Arunava Raychaudhuri, had been admitted to the hospital following worsening health. Initially placed in the ICU and supported by a BiPAP system, his condition worsened further, requiring ventilation. Despite the best efforts of his medical team, including Dr. Kinjal Nanda, he breathed his last early Thursday morning.

Dr. Nanda, who is also an actor and shared a personal bond with Roy, confirmed the news of his demise. In an emotional tribute posted on Facebook, Nanda wrote, “Stay in peace, my Hiralal, just like the original Hiralal.” This poignant message highlighted the close relationship they shared, especially since Nanda played the titular role in Roy’s debut film, Hiralal.

Roy’s body will be taken to his Haridevpur residence on Thursday afternoon, following which it will be placed at Technicians’ Studio. This will allow fans, friends, and colleagues to pay their last respects to the celebrated filmmaker.

Arun Roy rose to fame with Hiralal, a biographical drama that won critical acclaim for its storytelling and performances. His career reached new heights with the 2023 film Bagha Jatin, which depicted the life of revolutionary Jatindranath Mukherjee. The film, starring Dev in the lead role, was a significant achievement but also marked the time when Roy was diagnosed with cancer.

The Tollywood industry mourns the loss of a visionary director who made a lasting impact with his dedication to storytelling and historical narratives. Tributes from fans and industry colleagues continue to pour in as the Bengali film community bids farewell to a beloved artist.