Popular Bengali actor Abhishek Chatterjee died in the early hours of Thursday at his residence here following a massive cardiac arrest, family members said.
Chatterjee, 58, had complained of uneasiness in the stomach on Wednesday during the shooting of a non-fiction show and was later administered saline at his Prince Anwar Shah Road residence, they said.
He is survived by a wife and a daughter.
Chatterjee had debuted in Tarun Majumder's Bengali film 'Pathbhola' in 1986 and proved his mettle in several hits in the years that followed, including Rituparno Ghosh's 'Dahan' and 'Bariwali' and Majumder's 'Alo'.
He was also a known face in Bengali tele-serials.
Condoling his death, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted: "Sad to know of the untimely demise of our young actor Abhishek Chatterjee. Abhishek was talented and versatile in his performances, and we shall miss him. It is a great loss for TV serials and our film industry. My condolences to his family and friends".
Chatterjee's co-actor in several movies like 'Sujansakhi', 'Lathi', 'Sankha Sidurer Dibbi', Rituparna Sengupta, said he had set a new benchmark in commercial films and will always remain in the hearts of audiences.
"Acting was his life. He lived with lights, cameras, action. Abhishek Chatterjee left after shooting on Wednesday. He was 56 years old," Bharat Kal told Anandabazar Online.
In Bharat's words, '' Abhishek first fell ill on Tuesday due to food poisoning. He was taken home after shooting for a while in that condition. He also came to shoot the reality show 'Smart Pair' of Star Jalsa on Wednesday. His blood pressure suddenly dropped to 60. He was immediately given black coffee. We sent him back around 2.30 pm. That was our last meeting."
