The Kolkata Maidan witnessed an emotional and unforgettable farewell as renowned businessman and former Mohun Bagan Super Giant president Swapansadhan Basu, popularly known as Tutu Basu, passed away after suffering a heart attack on May 12. His death has left a massive void in Bengal football and club culture, with supporters, politicians, sports personalities and close associates gathering in large numbers to pay tribute to one of the most influential figures associated with Mohun Bagan.
His body was first taken from Bellevue Nursing Home to his Ballygunge residence on Wednesday morning before being brought to Bhowanipore Club and later to the Mohun Bagan tent. Emotional scenes unfolded throughout the day as people from different walks of life came together to remember the man many considered the guardian of the Maidan.
A leader who built Mohun Bagan’s future
After paying his respects at Mohun Bagan Club, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari called Tutu Basu’s death a huge loss for the club and Bengal football. He said Basu played a major role in strengthening Mohun Bagan and preparing future generations to carry the club forward. According to him, Tutu Basu possessed remarkable vision and worked tirelessly for the institution’s long-term growth.
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Several notable personalities visited Basu’s Ballygunge residence, including Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, actress Munmun Sen, actress Raima Sen, legendary footballer Subrata Bhattacharya and Mohun Bagan president Debashis Dutta.
Tutu Bose has passed away. May his soul rest in peace. Sometimes controversial, he was immensely quotable in media & much of Mohun Bagan's success of 1990s & 2000s was due to his financial backing. He changed Mohun Bagan's tradition of not recruiting foreigners #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/kg5xIgMU3S
— IndianFootball_History (@IndianfootballH) May 13, 2026
Memories, emotions and one final journey
Tutu Basu’s grandson Arinjoy Basu remembered him as a larger-than-life personality who protected both family and club like a king. He revealed that Basu had spent his final afternoon following his normal routine, eating paratha and payesh before resting peacefully.
One touching detail stood out during the mourning at Mohun Bagan Club, supporters crowding the canteen for Kajuda’s famous egg devil, known to be Tutu Basu’s favourite snack. Kajuda recalled that Basu always preferred tea in a glass with egg devil and toast sprinkled with pepper. His final rites will take place at Keoratala crematorium, marking the end of an unforgettable era in Kolkata football.
