Veteran filmmaker Basu Chatterjee, known for his middle-of-the-road cinema and films such as “Chhoti Si Baat” and “Rajnigandha”, died on Thursday from age related health issues. He was 93. Mr. Basu died in his sleep at his Santacruz residence.


“He passed away peacefully in his sleep in the morning. He wasn’t keeping well for quite some time due to old age and died at his residence. It’s a great loss to the film industry,” Ashoke Pandit, president of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), said.


Films are often a reflection of our society but they also hold a mirror to us. It is no wonder then that the good ones go on to show the tragedy and triumph of the human life, thereby influencing all of us in some way. We've handpicked these 5 movies of Basu Chatterjee that show the tenacity, passion and undying spirit of its characters which all writers and Poets can relate to.

  • Manzil (Basu Chatterjee, 1979): The film follows the ambition of an unemployed young man who has dreams of starting his own company. He starts a galvanometer business but the company fails due to competition in the market, eventually burdening him with huge debts. He had proposed marriage to his girlfriend by lying to her, whose father, a lawyer, now sues him for business fraud. The protagonist mends his ways and eventually emerges a winner. The film teaches us to be ambitious, and follow our dreams, no matter what our economic background and circumstances are. More importantly it teaches us to accept mistakes and failure and learn to move on.
  • Ek Ruka Hua Faisla (Basu Chatterjee, 1986) : The Hindi remake of Sidney Lumet's ‘12 Angry Men’, the film follows 12 members of a jury who gather in an enclosed room to deliberate their decision on a charge of murder against a young man who has been accused of killing his father. Except the film's protagonist, everyone is convinced of the young man's guilt. The protagonist goes on to convince everyone of the possible innocence of the young man. The film's greatest triumph is to depict how personal prejudices and biases often affect our decision making. The protagonist's stand against all odds is inspiring and reminds us of the great heroic stories we have always heard – only this time, he seems to be on the wrong side. As the film progresses, we understand subjectivity and learn the importance of conversation and debate in the astonishing human ability of factual decision making.
  • Chhoti Si Baat (Basu Chatterjee, 1976): One of the finest romantic comedies ever created, Chhoti Si Baat was the movie that brought to light Amol Palekar's seemingly innate ability to portray self-effacing characters. The movie is a brilliant example of Chatterjee's genius where he managed to elevate an extremely simple, predictable story, to a timeless classic that leaves you smiling, every single time. Also, what an amazing soundtrack!
  • Baton Baton Mein (Basu Chatterjee, 1979): Amol Palekar and Tina Munim starred in this romantic comedy about two lovers battling every-day problems, commitment issues, and interfering parents. The movie, that is also remembered fondly for its melodious (and still popular) soundtrack, falls into the category of one of those classics where sappy endings and smiles are guaranteed.
  • Piya Ka Ghar (Basu Chatterjee, 1972): A remake of the Marathi film Mumbaicha Jawai, Piya Ka Ghar was a comic-drama that exposed the struggles of a family trying to make a living in the 'city of dreams'. Starring Jaya Bachchan and Anil Dhawan, the movie painted an accurate picture of Mumbai - the city that helps you achieve your dream, but also lands you in countless struggles. The movie's theme song, Yeh Jeevan Hai, is one of Bollywood's most famous melodies to date.