Saswata Chatterjee's paternal lineage can be traced back to his father, Shailendra Chattopadhyay, and his mother, Manimala Devi. In the year 1953, Saswata embarked on a journey of academic pursuit by enrolling himself into Calcutta Medical College. Following a period of seven years, he successfully completed his Master's in Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and became a licensed medical practitioner in the year 1960.
After completing his education, Saswata chose to utilize his skills in the field of medicine by working for Civil Defence. His dedication and expertise soon caught the attention of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, which subsequently employed him.
Apart from his medical profession, Saswata also has a strong affinity for the world of theatre. Under the guidance of the renowned Bengali theatre and film personality, Jnanesh Mukherjee, Saswata began to explore his passion for amateur theatre. This marked the beginning of his foray into the world of acting, which ultimately led him to venture onto the silver screen.
Throughout his career, Saswata has been actively involved with the Indian People's Theatre Association, a prominent cultural organization in the country. His two sons, both of whom have followed in their father's footsteps, are notable figures in the entertainment industry. The elder son, Saswata Chatterjee, is a well-established Bengali actor, while the younger son is based in the United States.