A false report claiming that veteran Tollywood actor Biplab Chatterjee had died recently triggered a wave of concern on social media.
The rumour began circulating on several Facebook pages on Monday afternoon.
As the news spread rapidly, fans and well-wishers became worried about the actor’s reported death.
The report was later confirmed to be completely false. On Tuesday evening, the West Bengal Motion Picture Artists’ Forum said Biplab Chatterjee was in good health and urged people not to be misled by the fake news.
In a video message, Chatterjee expressed his frustration over the death hoax while also maintaining his trademark sense of humour.
“I recently came across a misleading report about me on Facebook. It said I had died. Of course, I will die someday—there is no doubt about that. But I will remain here for as long as God keeps me alive,” the actor said.
Warning those responsible for spreading such rumours, he urged them to think carefully before declaring someone dead.
“Whoever has done this, and whoever you may spread such reports about in the future, please think before you do it. Declaring someone dead without checking is not right. It clearly shows a lack of education,” he said.
Chatterjee’s family, neighbours and fellow members of the artists’ forum also condemned the incident.
Despite his anger over the false report, the actor could not resist adding a joke to his video message.
Known for playing villains on screen, he said, “Many people have seen me play negative characters and know me that way. But let me make one thing clear: no matter how bad a character I play, I am not as bad as political leaders.”
Now largely inactive in acting due to his age, Chatterjee has appeared in films including Asur, Durg Rahasya and Shabash Feluda in recent years.
The actor made his big-screen debut in Satyajit Ray’s Pratidwandi in 1970.
During his long career, he worked with acclaimed filmmakers including Ray, Mrinal Sen, Tarun Majumdar and Tapan Sinha.
