Kolkata: Eminent Bengali author Mani Sankar Mukherjee, popularly known as 'Shankar', died at a hospital here on Friday afternoon, family members said. He was 93.

Mukhopadhay, whose novels like 'Chowringee' captured the complexities of urban life and society, was widely regarded as one of the most popular authors in Bengali literature.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled his death, describing him as a towering literary figure whose writings will continue to inspire generations. 

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Shankar was the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Bankim Puraskar in 1993 for Gharer Moddhe Ghar, the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2021, the Farha Blue Kazi International Award in 2021 for Subarno Sujog, and the ABP Ananda Sera Bangali Award ("Sera’r Sera") in 2022.

Sankar was unwell for some time. He is survived by two daughters.