Goutam Halder, a well-known theatergoer and filmmaker from Bengal, passed away in Kolkata on Friday from heart arrest. He was sixty-seven. According to people close to the Bengali film business, Halder passed away at a private hospital where he was admitted after claiming to have chest trouble in the morning at his Salt Lake home.
He had lately directed Rakta Karabi by Rabindranath Tagore, one of over eighty theater plays that he had directed. In 2003, Halder directed his debut Bengali film, Bhalo Theko, starring Vidya Balan in the title role. In 2019, he also directed Nirvana, which starred Rakhi Gulzar in the title role.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee released a statement expressing her sorrow over his passing. “Saddened by the demise of distinguished film director and theatre personality Goutam Halder.” His passing is a great loss to the world of culture. Condolences to his family members and admirers.”
“Famous theater personality and film director Gautam Halder is no more,” commented actor and family friend Chaiti Ghosal on social media after she was cast in Halder’s Rakta Karabi. I sincerely admire you. He served as my mentor in the theater industry.” Along with a couple photos of them, she posted on Instagram, writing, “RAKTOKOROBI R BISHU PAGOL FOREVER.” Theko Bhalo…I am so appreciative that you guided me through so many RAKTOKOROBI SHOWS AS NANDINI.
In 1999, Halder produced a documentary on Sarod master Ustad Amjad Ali Khan called Strings for Freedom.