Legendary film maker Satyajit Ray's 76th birthday was celebrated in the metropolis with much fanfare today with peers remembering the golden days of Bengali cinema.

Friends, colleagues and relatives thronged the maestro's Bishop Lefroy Road residence since morning when they garlanded Ray's potrait and discussed his life and times over rounds of tea.

Joining the 'adda' (informal chat session), of which Ray himself was a very keen participant during his lifetime, were his favourite actor Soumitra Chatterjee, Tapan Chatterjee and cameraman Dulal Chowdhury.

Son Sandip welcomed the guests with mother Bijaya.

"He loved the Bengali delicacies 'luchi'(poori), mutton and mishti doi. And that is what we have on the menu today," he said.

Many cultural organisations across the city celebrated Ray's birthday with musical offerings.

Local television channels screened Ray's memorable films to mark the occaion.