Kolkata/IBNS: Veteran Bengali actor and playwright Manoj Mitra passed away on Tuesday. He was 85.

Mitra died at a hospital in Kolkata's Salt Lake at 8:50 am.

He was admitted to the hospital with age-related health issues.

Mitra, who got into theatre while studying at Kolkata's Scottish Church College, is known for working with directors like Satyajit Ray, Tapan Sinha, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, Basu Chatterjee, Tarun Majumdar et al.

He is widely known for the lead role in Tapan Sinha's Banchharamer Bagan, which was based on Mitra's play Sajano Bagan.

Mitra has featured in Ray's Ghare Baire and Ganashatru.

He has written over 100 plays. His first play Bogol Dhiman had won the first prize at a statewide competition.

Mourning his demise, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on X, "Saddened by the demise of the famous actor, director and playwright, 'Banga Bibhushan' Manoj Mitra today morning.

"He had been a leading personality in our theatre and film worlds and his contributions have been immense. I convey my condolences to his family, friends and admirers."