Kolkata, Feb 20 (V7N) — Renowned Bengali writer Mani Shankar Mukherjee, popularly known by his pen name Shankar, has passed away at a private hospital in Kolkata on Friday afternoon. He was 92.

Family sources said the celebrated author had been suffering from a brain tumor. His death marks the end of an era in Bengali literature, where he remained a towering figure for decades.

A Literary Journey Spanning Seven Decades

Shankar’s first book was published in 1955, beginning a prolific career that produced some of the most widely read works in modern Bengali literature.

Among his most famous creations is the novel Chowrangi, which later inspired a film adaptation by legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, featuring iconic actor Uttam Kumar.

He also wrote extensively on Swami Vivekananda, with acclaimed titles such as Ahaare Anaharare Vivekananda and Ajana Vivekananda, which were widely appreciated by readers.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Shankar received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award and the Bankim Award, recognizing his immense contribution to literature.

Tributes Pour In

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow over his passing, calling it an “irreparable loss to our cultural world” and saying that a bright star of Bengali literature had fallen.

Roots in Jessore

Mani Shankar Mukherjee was born on December 7, 1933, in Jessore (now in Bangladesh). His father later moved the family to Kolkata before World War II, where Shankar grew up in Howrah and began his literary journey.

His death leaves behind a vast literary legacy that will continue to inspire generations of readers across Bengal and beyond.

END/SMA/AJ