Uday Shankar Paul, fondly remembered as the beloved "Atmaram" from Anik Dutta's cult classic "Bhooter Bhabishyat," bid farewell to the world after a prolonged struggle with cancer. The veteran actor passed away on Monday evening at Bangur Hospital in South Kolkata. He was 76 years old at the time of his demise, leaving behind a legacy cherished by the entire Tollywood industry.
Paul's journey in the world of acting was marked by resilience and dedication, starting his career on the stage at a young age. Over the span of almost three decades, he graced the Bengali silver screen with his remarkable performances, becoming a household name through iconic roles in films like "Royal Bengal Rahashya," "Chotushkone," "Professor Shanku O El Dorado," "Ashchorjyo Prodeep," and "Shajarur Kanta," among others.
Despite his immense contribution to Bengali cinema, Paul remained unmarried, finding solace within his extended family in Howrah. His on-screen chemistry with co-star Sumit Samaddar in "Bhooter Bhobishyot" left an indelible mark on audiences, creating cherished memories for fans of the film.
Director Abhijit Pal recently shared insights into Paul's health struggles, revealing the actor's battle against cancer. Initial attempts at treatment began at a nursing home in Howrah, but the aggressive nature of the disease posed significant challenges. Efforts were made to transfer him to Bangur Hospital under the initiative of the artist forum, but sadly, the battle against cancer proved insurmountable.
Actress and filmmaker Manasi Sinha expressed her condolences on social media, urging Paul to rest in peace and highlighting his pivotal role in her cinematic journey. Director Anik Dutta echoed these sentiments, lamenting the loss of a talented artist and friend and emphasising the futile attempts to combat the relentless disease.
Dutta reminisced about their shared experiences and unfinished projects, acknowledging Paul's unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. Despite their collective efforts, Paul ultimately succumbed to the ravages of cancer, leaving behind a void in the hearts of his admirers and colleagues alike. Uday Shankar Paul's demise marks the end of an era in Bengali cinema, leaving behind a rich legacy of unforgettable performances and timeless memories.