Costume Designer Neelanjana Ghose Passes Away at 70

Neelanjana Ghose, a prominent costume designer and the spouse of acclaimed filmmaker Goutam Ghose, passed away on the morning of October 7, 2023, at the age of 70. Her unexpected death was attributed to a rare aortic rupture, which led to a fatal internal hemorrhage. Neelanjana’s contributions to the world of cinema included costume design for over 20 feature films, marking her as a vital figure in the industry.

Born in Santiniketan in 1955, Neelanjana began her illustrious career in costume design with Goutam Ghose’s film Maa Bhoomi in 1979. Throughout her career, she crafted memorable costumes for notable films, such as Paar, Antarjali Jatra, and Padma Nadir Majhi. Her work has been recognized for its authenticity, particularly in her representation of rural characters, which has set a benchmark for upcoming costume designers.

Neelanjana’s dedication to her craft was evident in her commitment to the traditional art of kantha stitching. She began exploring this craft in the early 1980s, seamlessly integrating it into her designs. Her contributions extended beyond Goutam Ghose’s films; she designed costumes for Anjan Das’ Saanjhbatir Roopkathara, Jara Brishtite Bhijechhilo, and Bedeni, as well as Bedabrata Pain’s Chhitagong and Suman Ghosh’s Podokkhep.

The news of her passing has deeply affected those who knew her. Anandi, her daughter, shared the sudden nature of her mother’s death, stating, “She was absolutely fine otherwise but had a sudden aortic rupture.” Neelanjana was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered an aneurysm.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences on social media, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the death of my dear Neelanjana Ghose… She did a lot of social work. We knew that her ‘kantha’ art work was beautiful.” Banerjee encouraged Goutam to continue his work while keeping Neelanjana’s legacy in mind.

Costume designer Sabarni Das highlighted Neelanjana’s significant influence on the field, noting, “Her range in designing costumes for rural characters is exemplary.” Das recalled how Neelanjana recently assisted her with a project involving kantha, which reflects Neelanjana’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.

Until her final hours, Neelanjana was actively engaged in her work alongside her colleagues in the kantha craft. On the afternoon of October 6, she was busy collaborating on projects and only reported chest pain later that evening, resulting in her hospitalization.

Neelanjana Ghose’s legacy in film and the preservation of traditional arts will be remembered by both colleagues and admirers alike. Her passion for costume design and her dedication to kantha will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that her contributions to both cinema and culture endure.