Basu Chatterjee was born on 10 January 1930 in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. He is an Indian film director and screenwriter. His work was associated with middle cinema or middle-of-the-road cinema. His films often portrayed light-hearted stories of middle-class families in urban settings, focusing on marital and love relationships.

Basu began his career as an illustrator and cartoonist with a leading magazine. He then assisted Basu Bhattacharya in the Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman starrer Teesri Kasam (1966) and later made his directorial debut with the film Sara Akash in 1969. His work as a writer and director received high acclaims and commercial success. His work includes films such as  Us Paar, Chhoti Si Baat (1975), Chitchor (1976), Rajnigandha (1974), Piya Ka Ghar (1972), Khatta Meetha , Chakravyuha (1978 film), Baton Baton Mein (1979), Priyatama (1977), Man Pasand, Hamari Bahu Alka, Shaukeen (1982)[3], Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986), Ek Ruka Hua Faisla (1986) , Kamla Ki Maut (1989), Sara Akash (1969), Piya Ka Ghar (1972), Us Paar (1974), Rajnigandha (1974), Chhoti Si Baat (1975), Chitchor (1976), Swami (1977), Khatta Meetha, Priyatama, Chakravyuha (1978 film), Jeena Yahan (1979), Baton Baton Mein (1979), Apne Paraye (1980), Shaukeen and Ek Ruka Hua Faisla. His other not so popular films included Ratnadeep, Safed Jhooth, Man Pasand, Hamari Bahu Alka, Kamla Ki Maut and Triyacharitra. He has been the recipient of several awards such as IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare – Durga in 1992, Filmfare Best Screenplay Award – Kamla Ki Maut in 1991, Filmfare Critics Award for Best Movie – Jeena Yahan in 1980, Filmfare Best Director Award – Swami in 1978, Filmfare Best Screenplay Award – Chhoti Si Baat in 1976, Filmfare Critics Award for Best Movie – Rajnigandha in 1975 and Filmfare Best Screenplay Award – Sara Akash in 1972. 

Some of his notable works include:

Durga

Kamla Ki Maut

Jeena Yahan

Chhoti Si Baat

Sara Akash

Besides films, Basu also forayed into television by directing television series like Byomkesh Bakshi and Rajani. Chatterjee is a member of the International Film And Television Club of the Asian Academy of Film & Television. He was also a member of the jury at the 10th Moscow International Film Festival in 1977. He has two daughters Sonali Bhattacharya & Rupali Guha. 

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