Remembering him as the torchbearer of new wave Bengali cinema, Bollywood and the Bengali film industry today joined in mourning the loss of the "great genius" whose every frame spoke about cinematic beauty
The filmmaker's sudden demise triggered an outpouring of emotions from actors and directors with many taking to twitter to express their grief.
Veteran Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee said the news came as a great shock to him.
"He was a great genius and the void left after his death cannot be easily filled," Chatterjee said.
Actor Ajay Devgn, who worked with Ghosh in 'Raincoat', said his films delved with the unique subjects of the society.
"Shocked and saddened to hear about Rituparno Ghosh's death. It was great working with him in 'Raincoat' and his way of looking at things was so different and unique," Ajay posted on Twitter.
Fondly termed as 'Rituda', his film gave a new wave to the Bengali film industry. His films glorified women, their inner feelings, passion and sufferings.
"Very very sad that the man whose every frame spoke of cinematic beauty and gave a new identity to New wave Bengali Cinema is no more. The last time we met we spoke of doing a project together. He wanted me to direct a story idea by him with him Madhuri and Nana Patekar," Onir posted on twitter.
Actress Bipasha Basu worked with him in 'Shob Charitro Kalponik' and tweeted, "Landed in Coimbatore and got heartbreaking news! Ritu da has passed away! Don't want to believe it! I have such wonderful memories with him!"
"Deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden demise of Rituparno Ghosh. He directed 'Bariwali', first film I produced. Have amazing memories of him," posted Anupam Kher.
Divya Dutta, who worked with the ace director in 'The last Lear', posted "Shocked to hear about Rituda! Not sinking in! Fondest memories of wrking with him in 'The last lear'! RIP."
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur posted, "Shocked by passing of Rituparno Ghosh. He was dreaming of getting into what he called his 'next phase'. Hugely creative explorer on film."