Zinda-dil Deb Mukherjee (Debu-Da) --dynamic driving force behind North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja-- will continue to inspire ! by Chaitanya Padukone

Who can forget the evergreen hit songs like 'Roop Tera Aisa Darpan' and 'Tuuu Auron ki Kyun Ho Gayi' both from movie Ek Baar Mooskura Do (1972) and 'Koi Maane Ya Na Maane' ( Adhikar--1971). Both these melodious lyrical songs are picturized on yesteryear star-hero-actor heart-throb Deb Mukherjee. Who has now left us all , but only to exit into immortality.

Veteran actor-filmmaker Deb Mukherjee,( fondly called "Debu-Da") father of eminent movie-director Ayan Mukerji, passed away ( 83 years) after a prolonged illness on Friday morning at his residence in suburban Mumbai.. Debu-da was the dynamic mentor-inspiration and driving force year after year of the hugely popular annual spectacular North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja mega-religious celebration.

In the mid-'60s and 1970s and even later decades, tall handsome actor Deb Mukherjee appeared initially in lead roles and then in striking supporting roles in films like Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki, Adhikar, Ek Baar Mooskura Do, Tu Hi Meri Zindagi, Abhinetri (cameo-dancer) , Baton Baton Mein, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, King Uncle (cameo), and Kaminey.

Interestingly, Deb also directed , produced and acted in the 1983 action-thriller musical movie Karate, starring Mithun Chakraborty, and Yogeeta Bali.

Deb Mukherjee was part of the famous Samarth-Mukherjee family. He was the father-in-law of acclaimed director-producer Ashutosh Gowariker and paternal uncle of Bollywood star-actors Kajol, Tanishaa,, Rani Mukerji and Sharbani Mukherjee

His mother, Satidevi, was the only sister of Ashok Kumar, Anup Kumar, and Kishore Kumar. His brothers were popular actor and filmmaker 'late' Joy Mukherjee and 'late' writer-filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee, who married Bollywood actor Tanuja (mother of Kajol)., and of course  Rono Mukherjee and Subir Mukherjee

Debu-da;s immense popularity, respect and goodwill is evident from the fact that besides the illustrious Mukherjee family members, including Kajol, Rani Mukerji, well-wishers like  Jaya Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan ( despite his leg injury) , Karan Johar and so many others, personally came and paid their last respects and offered their heart-felt condolences.

Personally, for me, Deb Mukherjee was a friendly courteous senior respected film icon,  who was always there warmly welcoming me, at North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja religious celebrations With amazing stamina Debu-da used to be standing most of the time. All the time supervising the religious and security arrangements and the smooth movement of top celebrities coming for Maa Durga-debi darshan. Two years ago, there was some unpleasant incident where one of the Pandal volunteers (during the Prasad Bhog) spoke very rudely to me, despite knowing my journalistic seniority background. Some hours later when Debu-da came to know about my unpleasant experience (thru his PR Media Consultant Parul Chawla) modest Debu-da personally apologized to me on phone, It was not Debu-da's fault at all. It was a touching humbling revelation for me that Debu-da is so unassuming and sensitively caring... 

Rest in peace-- respected Deb Mukherjee- Sir,  we will miss You--- but you will always continue to inspire us..

Read also:

• AR Rahman Unveils First Track of Mai Melbourne, Sung by Afghan Singer Aryana Saeed
  
• Superboys of Malegaon Wins Best Film at National Indian Film Festival of Australia
• Mahashakthi: Nayanthara Shines as Divine Protector in Her Powerful New Role
• Entertainers Cricket League (ECL)  being broadcast live on Waves OTT