Sreela Majumdar, favourite actor of directors like Mrinal Sen, dies at 65
Kolkata (PTI): Sreela Majumdar, a favourite actor of serious filmmakers such as Mrinal Sen, Shyam Benegal and Prakash Jha, died at her Kolkata residence on Saturday, her family said.
Majumdar, who was suffering from cancer for the past three years, was 65. She left behind her husband and son.
Condoling her death, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Sreela was a powerful actor who played outstanding roles in several significant Indian films.
"It is a big loss for Bengal film industry and we shall miss her stellar presence. My condolences to her family," Banerjee said.
Majumdar's portrayal of characters in Mrinal Sen's Ekdin Pratidin' (And Quiet Rolls the Dawn, 1980), Kharij' (The Case is Closed, 1982) and Akaler Sandhane' (In Search of Famine; 1981), have been critically acclaimed.
She acted in crucial roles in Shyam Benegal's Mandi' (Market Place, 1983), Prakash Jha's Damul' (Bonded Until Death, 1985) and Utpalendu Chakraborty's Chokh' (Eye, 1983).
Her last film Palan' by Kaushik Ganguly, a sequel of Ekdin Pratidin', was also acclaimed widely last year.
She worked in altogether 43 films.
Majumdar was also known for her sensitive voice dubbing for Aishwarya Rai in the film Chokher Bali' (A Passion Play, 2003) by Rituparno Ghosh.
Condoling her death, the industry's younger colleague Rituparna Sengupta said, "She had delivered so many memorable performances under the direction of filmmakers like Mrinal Sen and others. She could have been utilised more by the industry."
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Karnataka: Home Department asks motorists to drive on highways with caution to avoid robbery
Belagavi: The Home Department has advised motorists to stay alert while travelling on national and state highways, warning that gangs involved in robbery and extortion have been active in several stretches. It said people should be extra cautious if anyone tries to stop their vehicle in isolated areas.
Replying to an unstarred question on Thursday, the department said Karnataka has recorded 403 highway robbery cases in the past three years. According to the data, national highways saw 81 extortion and 23 robbery cases in 2023, followed by 66 extortion and 16 robbery cases in 2024. Until November 15 this year, 51 extortion and 14 robbery cases have been reported.
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On state highways, 39 extortion and 17 robberies were reported in 2023, while 2024 saw 35 extortion and 22 robbery cases. In 2025 so far, 20 extortion and 19 robbery cases have taken place. The department noted that curbing highway robberies remains a major challenge for the police.
To tackle the issue, police stations have been directed to set up regular checkpoints on stretches of highways passing through their limits. Suspicious individuals and vehicles are being checked. Two-wheelers have been allocated to every station for night patrol, and staff have been instructed to conduct night rounds using vehicles fitted with sirens and red lights.
