Veteran Bengali author Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay, popularly known by his pen name Shankar, passed away on Friday (February 20, 2026), at the age of 92. With his demise, Indian literature loses one of its most compelling storytellers whose works captured the aspirations, struggles, and moral dilemmas of post-Independence urban India.
Family sources confirmed that the celebrated writer breathed his last in Kolkata following age-related ailments. He is survived by his family and a vast readership spanning generations.
A Literary Journey
Born in 1933, Shankar rose to prominence with his iconic novel Chowringhee, a vivid portrayal of life revolving around a grand hotel in Kolkata. The book became a cultural landmark in Bengali literature and was later adapted into a successful film starring Uttam Kumar.
Another widely acclaimed work, Seemabaddha, offered a sharp critique of corporate ambition and ethical compromise. The novel was memorably adapted by Oscar-winning filmmaker Satyajit Ray into a National Award-winning film, further cementing Shankar’s reputation beyond literary circles.
His semi-autobiographical work Kato Ajanare remains a beloved exploration of youth, aspiration, and survival in the bustling metropolis of Kolkata.
Shankar’s writing was deeply influenced by his own early struggles. Having worked in various jobs, including as a clerk in the Calcutta High Court, he infused his narratives with lived experience. His prose was accessible yet layered, making complex social realities relatable to ordinary readers.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, he authored numerous novels, short stories, and essays, many of which were translated into multiple languages.
Writers, political leaders, and cultural figures expressed deep sorrow at his passing. West Bengal Chief Minister and several leading literary voices hailed him as a “literary institution” whose works shaped modern Bengali storytelling.
Readers took to social media to share passages from his books, recalling how his stories mirrored their own ambitions and anxieties.
