Swatilekha Sengupta, born Swatilekha Chatterjee on May 22, 1950, was a renowned Bengali actress who left an indelible mark on Indian theatre and cinema.
With a career spanning over five decades, Sengupta began her theatrical journey in the early 1970s in Allahabad, acting in productions under the direction of A.C. Banerjee. She received guidance from notable theatre personalities, including B.V. Karanth, Tapas Sen, and Khaled Chowdhury.
In the late 1970s, Sengupta moved to Kolkata and joined the esteemed theatre group Nandikar in 1978. Under the direction of Rudraprasad Sengupta, whom she later married, she honed her craft and made a name for herself in the Bengali theatre scene.
One of her most notable roles was as the lead female protagonist in Satyajit Ray's 1985 film Ghare Baire, alongside Victor Banerjee and Soumitra Chatterjee. Based on the novel of the same name by Rabindranath Tagore, the film is a timeless classic that showcases Sengupta's exceptional acting skills.
Throughout her illustrious career, Sengupta has acted in numerous films, including Chauranga, Bela Seshe, Dharmajuddha, and Bela Shuru. Her contributions to Indian theatre and cinema have been recognized with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
Tragically, Sengupta passed away on June 16, 2021, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of actors and theatre enthusiasts.
