Deb Mukherjee, the renowned actor and father of filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, has passed away at the age of 83. After battling an illness, he breathed his last in the hospital at 9:30 am today, March 14 (Friday). The actor’s funeral will take place later today at 4 pm at Pawan Hans, Mumbai.
Deb Mukherjee’s legacy in Indian cinema, though not as widely celebrated as some of his peers, remains impressive. His acting career spanned decades, with him appearing in several films such as Abhinetri, Ek Baar Muskurado, Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool, King Uncle, Kaminey, and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki. Each of these films reflected his versatility and the distinct mark he left on the industry.
Despite his relatively low profile in the later years of his career, Deb Mukherjee was deeply connected to his roots and family traditions. Just last year, he actively participated in the Durga Puja celebrations with his nieces, actresses Kajol and Rani Mukerji, reflecting his continuous bond with family and cultural practices.
Deb's personal life was equally remarkable, marked by two marriages. From his first marriage, he had a daughter, Sunita, who is married to celebrated director Ashutosh Gowariker. His second marriage resulted in the birth of his son, Ayan Mukerji, whose directorial works such as Wake Up Sid, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva have earned him widespread acclaim in Bollywood.
Born on November 22, 1941, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Deb Mukherjee was part of the illustrious Mukherjee-Samarth family, whose influence on Indian cinema dates back to the 1930s. His father, Sashadhar Mukherjee, was a prominent producer and the owner of Filmalaya Studios, with films like Love in Simla (1960) to his credit. His mother, Satidevi Mukherjee, was the sister of legendary actors Ashok Kumar, Anup Kumar, and Kishore Kumar, making Deb Mukherjee a part of one of Bollywood's most respected dynasties. His brothers included actor Joy Mukherjee, known for his work in the 1960s, and Shomu Mukherjee, who was married to actress Tanuja.
Deb Mukherjee’s passing marks the end of an era for the Mukherjee-Samarth family, but his contributions to Indian cinema will always be cherished. His family, especially his son Ayan, will continue to carry forward the rich legacy of the Mukherjee family in the world of cinema.