Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 14: Veteran actor and filmmaker Deb Mukherjee, father of director Ayan Mukerji, passed away on Friday morning at his suburban Mumbai residence after a prolonged illness. He was 83.

“We are deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of Debu Mukherjee, an actor and driving force of the North Bombay Durga Puja. He left us this morning,” a statement from his representative read.

Mukherjee’s last rites were performed at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Juhu, attended by close family and friends.

A prominent name in the 1960s and 70s, Mukherjee played supporting roles in films like Tu Hi Meri Zindagi, Abhinetri, Do Aankhen, Baton Baton Mein, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, King Uncle, and Kaminey. He also directed and produced the 1983 film Karate, starring Mithun Chakraborty, Kaajal Kiran, and Yogeeta Bali.

Belonging to the illustrious Samarth-Mukherjee family, Mukherjee was the brother of actor-filmmaker Joy Mukherjee and filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee, who was married to actress Tanuja, making him the uncle of Bollywood stars Kajol and Rani Mukerji. His mother, Satidevi, was the sister of legendary actors Ashok Kumar, Anup Kumar, and singer Kishore Kumar.

He was married twice; his daughter Sunita, from his first marriage, is married to filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, while Ayan is his son from his second marriage.

Several celebrities, including Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Jaya Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Hrithik Roshan, paid their last respects to the veteran artiste.