Renowned Bengali filmmaker Anik Dutta died on Wednesday after reportedly falling from the rooftop of a residential building in South Kolkata. He was 63.
According to sources at Gariahat Police Station, the director was taken to a private hospital in South Kolkata on Wednesday morning, where doctors declared him dead. During the preliminary investigation, police recovered a suicide note from the scene. Officials said the handwriting in the note is being matched with samples of Dutta’s handwriting. No individual has been named in the letter.
Incident took place at wife’s Hindustan Park flat
Police sources said Anik Dutta lived in an apartment complex near Gariahat. However, on Wednesday, he had reportedly visited the Hindustan Park residence of his wife, Sandhi Dutta. Authorities informed the hospital that the filmmaker died after falling from the rooftop of that building.
Investigators are still trying to determine why he had gone to the terrace before the incident.
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When contacted by Ei Samay Online, Sandhi Dutta said she was at the hospital and did not wish to comment on the matter.
Police probe underway, homicide team reaches spot
The area around the residence has been cordoned off by officers from Gariahat Police Station. The homicide department also reached the spot as part of the investigation.
Preliminary information suggests that the filmmaker had been dealing with health-related issues for a long time. There were also reports that he had been experiencing depression in recent years. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of suicide at this stage.
Several members of the Bengali film industry visited the hospital after news of the incident spread. Filmmaker Srijit Mukherji, actor Jeetu Kamal, music director Debojyoti Mishra and producer Firdausul Hasan were among those seen there.
Post-mortem likely on Thursday
Sources said Anik Dutta’s post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted on Thursday. His last rites are likely to take place after his daughter arrives in Kolkata.
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Anik Dutta’s contribution to Bengali cinema
Before entering films, Anik Dutta spent nearly two decades working in the advertising industry. He rose to fame in 2012 with the critically acclaimed Bengali film Bhooter Bhabishyat, which became widely popular for its mix of satire, humour and social commentary rooted in Kolkata’s changing urban landscape.
Over the years, he directed several notable films, including Ashchorjyo Prodeep, based on a story by Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay, Meghnad Badh Rahasya, Bhobishyoter Bhoot, Borunbabur Bondhu and Aparajito.
His work earned recognition for blending social themes with humour and distinctive storytelling in contemporary Bengali cinema.
