Soumitra Chatterjee tests positive for COVID-19

Eminent Indian film actor and elocutionist Soumitra Chatterjee tested positive for the coronavirus and was admitted to a nursing home in South Kolkata after his test reports came this morning.

The 86-year-old actor Soumitra, winner of India's highest film award named after Dada Saheb Phalke, had been ill for the past few days, following which a Covid-19 test was advised by a doctor.

Soumitra's daughter Poulami Bose said condition of her father is stable now.

"The only symptom that he had was fever. He had a low-grade temperature for two days. We admitted him to a private hospital today after his positive report a day earlier. Right now, his temperature is normal," Poulami informed media.

Pradeep Tandon of Belle Vueue Nursing Home said, "At 10:30am, the actor got admitted to the hospital. Yes, he is Covid-19 positive. We can't divulge any further details."

Soumitra Chatterjee  had resumed shooting for a new film "Abhihaan" a few days ago. Actor Parambrata Chattopadhyay, who is directing the film, completed the shooting and Jisshu Sengupta will be seen playing the role of a young Soumitra in it. Soumitra himself plays his older self in the film.

Soumitra, the favourite actor of master director Satyajit Ray, has featured in several films by the latter, including Apu'r Sangshar, Ashani Sanket along with Babita of Bangladesh, Ghare Baire, Aranyer Din Ratri, Charulata, Shakha Proshakha, Sonar Kella and Joi Baba Felunath.

Some of his others films are Jhinder Bandi, Saat Pake Bandha and Basanta Bilap.