Moushumi Chatterjee's husband Jayanta Mukherjee dies at 78

Coming from a distinguished musical family, Jayanta was the son of legendary singer and composer Hemant Kumar.

According to sources who spoke to NDTV, Jayanta's health had deteriorated significantly before his death.

He was reportedly taken to hospital in critical condition, but doctors advised the family to take him home.

"He died yesterday at around 5:30 pm at his residence. His health had deteriorated significantly, and he was taken to the hospital in a critical condition. However, the doctors advised the family to take him home, saying that his condition was very serious," a source told NDTV.

His wife Moushumi and their younger daughter Megha were reportedly by his side when he breathed his last.

His condition had reportedly worsened following the death of the couple's elder daughter, Payal, in 2019.

Jayanta Mukherjee's film career

Jayanta Mukherjee worked as a producer on several films, including Mazaaq (1975), Do Ladke Dono Kadke (1979) and Biwi Aur Makan.

His wife Moushumi Chatterjee played prominent roles in both Mazaaq and Do Ladke Dono Kadke.

He was also associated with the television show Talaash, which aired in 1992.

He followed in his father's footsteps and explored music, working in the music department of Biwi Aur Makan.

He largely remained behind the scenes, contributing to the film industry as a producer and music professional.

Moushumi Chatterjee's illustrious film career

Moushumi Chatterjee established herself as a prominent actor in both Hindi and Bengali cinema, enjoying a successful career spanning several decades.

She began her acting journey in Bengali cinema with Balika Badhu (1967), before making her mark in Bollywood.

Her Hindi film career gained momentum with Anuraag (1972), which brought her considerable recognition.

She went on to feature in several successful films, including Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Benaam, Kacche Dhaage, Naina and Humshakal.

Known for her expressive performances and screen presence, Moushumi became one of the recognisable faces of Hindi cinema during the 1970s and 1980s. She successfully balanced her professional commitments with family life, continuing to work in films even after her marriage at a young age.

Moushumi Chatterjee married at 15

Moushumi Chatterjee married Jayanta Mukherjee in 1972 when she was just 15. Their marriage was reportedly arranged to fulfil the last wish of Moushumi's aunt.

In an interview earlier this year, the veteran actor recalled how young she was when her engagement was fixed and how the wedding followed soon afterwards.

Moushumi was only 15 at the time of her marriage to Jayanta Mukherjee. Photo: YouTube screenshot

After their marriage, the couple moved to Bombay, where Moushumi continued her acting career.

At a time when marriage often meant the end of an actress's professional journey, she went on to establish herself as one of the prominent faces of Hindi and Bengali cinema.

Family faced a major loss in 2019

Moushumi and Jayanta had two daughters, Payal Mukherjee and Megha Mukherjee.

The family suffered a devastating loss in December 2019 when their elder daughter, Payal, died at the age of 45. She had reportedly been battling juvenile diabetes and had been hospitalised several times since 2017.

Moushumi Chatterjee and Jayanta Mukherjee with their daughters. Photo: YouTube screenshot

Her condition deteriorated over time, and she remained in a coma for an extended period before her death.

In 2018, Moushumi and Jayanta had approached the Bombay High Court seeking guardianship of Payal amid concerns over her medical condition.

Their younger daughter, Megha, has also been associated with the entertainment industry. She has appeared in films such as Radio, Ruslaan and Aisa Kyun Hota Hai.

Jayanta Mukherjee is survived by his wife Moushumi and daughter Megha. The family has not yet issued an official statement or shared details about his last rites.