Uttam Kumar and Ajoy Kar were sublime in Khelaghar.

Uttam Kumar and Ajoy Kar were sublime in Khelaghar.

Mahanayak Uttam Kumar acted in more than 8 films of epic director Ajoy Kar, which included the biggest hits of all times like Harano Sur and Saptapadi. Mahanayak Uttam Kumar gave a brilliant performance in Ajoy Kar’s film Khelaghar released in early 60s. Ajoy Kar always considered Uttam Kumar as his model in most of the films including the greatest hits of all times, Harano Sur and Saptapadi. Uttam Kumar’s appeal had not died out even today after 29 years of his death. That is the reason Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee renamed Tollygunge Metro Station as Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Metro Station in the recent past to show homage to the greatest superstar of all times.

In Khelaghar, Uttam Kumar surrendered before Kolkata Police after being involved in anti-national activities. He was a freedom fighter. He ran out of the prison and entered the room of Mala Sinha, tied her up and by wearing the clothes of Mala Sinha’s father Chabi Biswas escaped.

The entire film was related to the efforts made by the Kolkata Police to arrest Uttam Kumar. In the meantime Mala Sinha did not want to marry the person selected by Chabi Biswas. So she left her house and took Uttam Kumar’s help to escape from the hands of local gundas.

The relationship developed into affection. Rafi sung for Asitboron in the film while Hemant Kumar sang songs for Uttam Kumar. Asitboron gave good lips in the song sung by Rafi. At the end of the film, the actual freedom fighter for whom Uttam Kumar surrendered before the police appeared in Court and disclosed the truth. Uttam Kumar was a musician who had love for his country, so guarded the freedom fighter. Uttam Kumar was send to two years imprisonment for false personification under section 419 of the Indian Penal Code.

There were very few performers in the film including Chabi Biswas, Uttam Kumar and Mala Sinha. So these few characters Ajoy Kar, the giant director managed to deliver a hit film for the audience. The story still has relevance and Uttam Kumar’s appeal in the film had not died out. The film should be restored and preserved.

Happy birthday to Moushumi Chatterji - the charming star from Bengal.

Happy birthday to Moushumi Chatterji – the charming star from Bengal.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Moushumi Chatterji on 26th April, 2011. Moushumi Chatterji, the Bengali actress acted both in Bengali and hindi films and showed her skills in both of them. She acted in the Bengali film Balika Badhu, where the film was based on child marriage and impressed the directors and producers with her performance.

From that time she ventured in Bombay and tried her luck in bollywood industry. Her film Anurag opposite Vinod Mehra became super hit. She played the role of a blind girl and got appreciation of the crowd. The songs in the film became very successful including songs like “woh kya hai” sung by Rafi.

She acted in action films like Goutam Govinda. The film was related to the story of Shashi Kapoor, a police officer who came to the village and trained all the rustic villagers the manner of self-defense. Shatrughun Sinha was his own brother, which was disclosed at the end of the film. Moushumi Chatterji showed her humour in the respective role. Moushumi also acted in suspense-thrillers like Benaam, opposite Big B, where there the anxiety relating to the kidnapping of her son was at issue. She expressed her feelings very well in the film.

She was brilliant in the film Manzil Manzil, opposite Big B. It was the remake of Mrinal Sen’s Bengali film Akash Kushum. Akash Kusum was based on the story relating to Soumitra Chatterji presenting a false story about himself before Aparna Sen with the help of his friend Shubendu Chatterji. In the hindi version also the story line was not changed. Moushumi Chatterji’s smile had a beauty of its own which she expressed in majority of films in style.

While acting in a number of bollywood films, she stormed Bengali films with her performance in the super hit film Ogo Bodhu Sundari, opposite Bengali superstar Uttam Kumar. The story was based on how Uttam Kumar, an academician brought a girl from the streets and taught her literature. Moushumi expressed the difficulty of forgetting her rustic language which she adopted from the environment she came from and learning the new language. The music given in the film by Bappi Lahiri became super hit. Songs like “ami ekjon shantoshisto”, “shudhu tumi nou obolakanto”, etc., sung by Kishore Kumar became super hit.

Her comedy conception was used by Gulzar and other directors very successfully. Her film Angoor opposite Sanjeev Kumar showed her comedy skills. The film was based on Uttam Kumar’s film Bhranti Bilas and had similarity with Shakespeare’s play Comedy of Errors. Sanjeev Kumar played the double role in Angoor that was played by Uttam Kumar in the Bengali film Bhranti Bilas, while Moushumi Chatterji played the role of his wife which was played by Sabitri Chatterji in the Bengali film. The two brothers were identical twins and Moushumi Chatterji got confused with her own husband and his brother. Deven Verma played a double role along with Sanjeev Kumar as his servant.

Her other successful films included Pati Patni Aur Woh, opposite Sanjeev Kumar, Ghayal, as the sister-in-all of Sunny Deol and many other films. Even she had acted in landmark Bengali films like Kori Diye Kinlam based on the epic novel of Bimal Mitra. The viewers expect Moushumi to contribute in character roles in bollywood films in future.

Chitta Basu and bengali films.

Chitta Basu and bengali films.

Chitta Basu was one of the notable directors who graced Bengali films during the 50s and 60s. Born on 27th November, 1907 in Khulna, Bangladesh, he contributed a lot to Bengali commercial films.

He worked under his maternal uncle Naresh Chandra Mitra from whom he learned work. He started his career with the Bengali film Bondhur Path in 1946. But he rose to stardom with the tremendous success of the film Chele Kaar in 1954. He did cast Bikash Roy and Arundhuti Debi in the main role. The story was relating to a small child played by Master Babua who caught Bikash Roy in the road and called him his father. At the end of the film his grandfather Chabi Biswas and grandmother Suprava Mukherjee accepted him as the son of Bikash Roy. Chabi Biswas played a cameo performance in the film and flabbergasted the viewers with his elegance even in the field of serio-comic films. Kalipada Sen composed the music of the film.

Chitta Basu continued with his dream in the film Ekti Raat with Uttam Kumar Suchitra Sen Kamal Mitra and others. The film was released in 1956 and music composed by legendary composer Anupam Ghatak. The serio-comic film did great business and Chitta Basu used the acting talent of Malina Debi to fullest extent in the film. Sandhya Mukherjee’s song “pradipero sikha keno kaape” became super hit. Chitta Basu’s other film Putra Badhu with Uttam Kumar and Mala Sinha did mediocre business.

Chitta Basu bounced back with the success of the film Bandhu in 1958. Uttam Kumar Asit Boron and Mala Sinha complimented each other in the film. Uttam Kumar gave landmark lips in Hemant Kumar’s song “mou bone aaj mou jameche” composed by Nochiketa Ghosh.

Chitta Basu was successful with the films Bindur Chele, Mantrashakti and Jaya. His other blockbuster was Mayamrigo in 1960. Chabi Biswas was perhaps at his height of dignity and elegance in the film. The story was written by Niharranjan Gupta and Uttam Kumar played a cameo to back up the new pair of Biswajeet Chatterjee and Sandhya Roy. The film had been remembered for dynamic performances from Sandhya Rani, Bikash Roy and Sunanda Debi. Manobendra Mukherjee was at his best as composer. All the songs in the film namely “bok bok bokum paira”, “metiri americar kabyo”, “bidhi re” became super hit. Chitta Basu continued the dream run with Biswajeet’s film Godhuli Belai. Again Manobendra Mukherjee’s romantic andaz in the song “godhuli belai” bewildered the viewers. Chitta Basu also made other films like Rastar Chele and Sesh Parba.

He died in 1993. One article is too small to describe the immense contribution of Chitta Basu to Bengali celluloid during the classic age. May be his performance opposite other giants like Ajoy Kar, Agragrami, Debaki Kumar Basu had left him unwept and unsung. His films should be preserved and restored.

Suchitra Sen had been remembered on 6th April, 2011.

Suchitra Sen had been remembered on 6th April, 2011.

Legendary actress Suchitra Sen had been remembered on her 80th birthday on 6th April, 2011. She started her career with the film Saat Number Qaidi in 1953 and ended up with the film Pranay Pasha in 1978. After that she retired from film acting.

Within the span of 25 years she acted in 3 films opposite Uttam Kumar making the romantic pair immortal over the last 60 years. She also acted in bollywood films including Devdas opposite Dilip Kumar, Bombai Ka Babu opposite Dev Anand, Mamta opposite Dharmender and Ashok Kumar, Aandhi opposite Sanjeev Kumar, to name a few.

Suchitra Sen had a tremendous combination with singer Geeta Dutt and their understanding both in Bengali films and bollywood films had created history during the golden age, that is the 50s and 60s. In the film Indrani, all the songs sung by Geeta Dutt for Suchitra Sen including “jhanak jhanak madhur badan”, “nir choto khoti nei”, “ogo sundoro”, etc., all became super hit. Suchitra Sen provided hit films one after the other with Uttam Kumar, during that age and Indrani also falls in that category.

Even in films where Geeta Dutt had sung only one song for Suchitra Sen, even in those films, the songs had a great impact in the success of the films. The song in the Ajoy Kar’s epic film Harano Sur, in 1957, titled “tumi je amar” had a unique appeal for the audience. Uttam Kumar lost his memory due to meeting with an accident and Suchitra Sen sang the song a number of times in the film. It haunted the viewers and touched the souls of numerous admirers of Bengali films. Geeta Dutt’s song for Suchitra Sen also in the film Hospital also became extremely successful. Ashok Kumar acted opposite Suchitra Sen in the film and the song was “ei shundar sharnali sondhae”.

In bollywood films, SD Burman used Geeta Dutt for Suchitra Sen in the film Bombai Ka Babu. Dev Anand acted opposite Suchitra Sen in the film and all the songs were super hits. The main songs included “dekhne me bhola hai”, “pa ma ga”, etc., out of which some of them were duet songs with Mohammad Rafi and their romantic by every musical standard. As Suchitra Sen made memorable contribution in bollywood films for more than 30 years, a lot of legendary singers contributed for her during that period. There were hit songs sung by Sandhya Mukherjee in landmark films like Sagarika, Pathe Holo Deri, Sriti Tuku Thak, Uttar Falguni, Bipasha, etc. At the same time in bollywood films Lata had sung landmark songs for Suchitra Sen including “rahe na rahe hum” composed by Roshan in the film Mamta, “is mor se jate hai”, “tere bina zindagi me shikwa” composed by RD Burman in the film Aandhi. Even then Geeta Dutt was probably the only singer who sang songs for Suchitra Sen both in the Bengali films as well as the bollywood films.

As Suchitra Sen’s hindi films were restricted to only Devdas, Champakali, Musafir, Bombai Ka Babu, Mamta, Aandhi, etc, Geeta Dutt got a limited scope of contributing in Suchitra Sen’s hindi films. Even then, the songs are still remembered by many generations and for those reasons the films should also be preserved. The films of Suchitra Sen should be preserved and restored.

Manobendra Mukherjee compositions in Bengali films and modern songs.

Manobendra Mukherjee compositions in Bengali films and modern songs.

Manobendra Mukherjee had glorified the world of Bengali classical music for more than 35 years. The entire 50s, 60s and 70s was designated as the golden age of Bengali modern songs and Manobendra Mukherjee’s individual performance as vocal classical singer require no special introduction.

But his contribution as composer requires to be highlighted. Manobendra’s composition for himself in the 50s was unique. The romantic songs composed by him included “emni kore porbe mone baki jibon dhore”, “ami eto je tomay bhalobesechi”, “koto asha niye tumi esechile”, etc. Most of these songs stand out as the most romantic songs in the entire history of Bengali modern songs. The lyrics of Shyamal Gupta took the listeners to a different world of plutonic love.

In the 60s, Manobendra Mukherjee continued with his majestic tunes most of which did great business in Bengal. Some of them had classical appeal including “na jeona modhu jamini”, “ei moshumi mon”, “sangi bihongi tumi je amar”, etc. His composition in films like Chapadangar Bou in 1954, Sanjher Pradeep in 1955, Mayamrigo in 1960, Bodhu in 1962, Godhuli Belai in 1966, Joy Jayanti in 1970, created by that period of time.

But Manobendra Mukherjee’s composition for other leading singers of Bengal, both male and female, created sensation in the 50s, 60s and 70s. His landmark composition for Supriti Ghosh titled “gane gane ami je khuji tomay”, composition for Bani Ghoshal titled “kuasha ghera nil pahare” created sensation in the 50s.

Manobendra Mukherjee’s composition for Alpona Banerjee titled “mon bolche sandhay kichu bolte tumi aasbe ki” and “tumi sundor bole tai to bondhu”, created sensation in the 60s. Manobendra gave melodious tune to Shefali Chakravarty titled “kemone janabo bolo e pranero bedona” having both classical and romantic tune.

Manobendra Mukherjee gave folk tune to Tarun Banerjee in the song “champakoli go koto name dekechi tomay”. The list can go on.

Manobendra Mukherjee was a sensation in the world of Bengali film music. He started his career with Uttam Kumar’s film Chapadangar Bau. In that film his own song “shibo he shibo he” surprised the viewers with Mahadev’s Gajan. In Mayamrigo he composed the songs “metidiamericar kabyo”, “bidhi re” with elegance. The songs were sung by himself. Sandhya Mukherjee’s song “bak bak bakum bakum paira”.

Manobendra Mukherjee was sublime in Chabi Biswas’s film Badhu. The kirtan “gunamanir kalo rupe” sung by Manobendra Mukherjee flabbergasted the Bengali audience. Manobendra Mukherjee received BFJA and other words for his composition in Uttam Kumar’s film Jay Jayanti. Sandhya Mukherjee’s songs “amader chuti chute”, “aamra kono kichu korle”, etc.

Manobendra Mukherjee was sublime in other films like Bosonto Choudhury’s film Kosti Pathar, Biswajeet Chatterjee’s film Godhuli Belay, other films like Sadhok Bamakhepa, Joto Maat Toto Path, Nidhiram Sardar, Sudhur Niharika, Sanjher Pradeep, etc.

Manobendra’s creation requires to be unearthed. There are many melodious compositions of Manobendra made in the 50s, which had not been reprinted by HMV. If displayed, they can attract the new generation and entertain them.

Uttam Kumar and Ajoy Kar were sublime in Khelaghar.

Uttam Kumar and Ajoy Kar were sublime in Khelaghar.

Mahanayak Uttam Kumar gave a brilliant performance in Ajoy Kar’s film Khelaghar released in early 60s. Ajoy Kar always considered Uttam Kumar as his model in most of the films including the greatest hits of all times, Harano Sur and Saptapadi. Uttam Kumar’s appeal had not died out even today after 29 years of his death. That is the reason Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee renamed Tollygunge Metro Station as Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Metro Station in the recent past to show homage to the greatest superstar of all times.

In Khelaghar, Uttam Kumar surrendered before Kolkata Police after being involved in anti-national activities. He was a freedom fighter. He ran out of the prison and entered the room of Mala Sinha, tied her up and by wearing the clothes of Mala Sinha’s father Chabi Biswas escaped.

The entire film was related to the efforts made by the Kolkata Police to arrest Uttam Kumar. In the meantime Mala Sinha did not want to marry the person selected by Chabi Biswas. So she left her house and took Uttam Kumar’s help to escape from the hands of local gundas.

The relationship developed into affection. Rafi sung for Asitboron in the film while Hemant Kumar sang songs for Uttam Kumar. Asitboron gave good lips in the song sung by Rafi. At the end of the film, the actual freedom fighter for whom Uttam Kumar surrendered before the police appeared in Court and disclosed the truth. Uttam Kumar was a musician who had love for his country, so guarded the freedom fighter. Uttam Kumar was send to two years imprisonment for false personification under section 419 of the Indian Penal Code.

There were very few performers in the film including Chabi Biswas, Uttam Kumar and Mala Sinha. So these few characters Ajoy Kar, the giant director managed to deliver a hit film for the audience. The story still has relevance and Uttam Kumar’s appeal in the film had not died out. The film should be restored and preserved.

Gopen Mullick and Bengali films.

Gopen Mullick and Bengali films.

Composer Gopen Mullick emerged as one of the powerful music directors of the 50s, 60s and 70s. He made immense contribution in Bengali films of the 60s and 70s.

In the 50s, his effort in Bengali films was overshadowed by musical giants like Robin Chatterjee, Anupam Ghatak, Anil Bagchi, Kalipada Sen, Pabitra Chatterjee and others. But he gave excellent music in Suchitra Sen’s film Subhoratri in 1956. The other notable films where he composed music included Aparadhi, Paap O Paapi, Bishkanya, Agnibanya, etc. In the film Bishkanya, Hemanta Mukherjee’s song “megher swapan dekhi”, and Manobendra Mukherjee’s song “khabo khabo korche” were very impressive.

In Uttam Kumar’s film Jibon Mrityu, Gopen Mullick’s music amazed the listeners. The film was released in 1967 and it was directed by eminent director Hiren Nag. Although the film was in the nature of crime-thriller, the music of the film had a big role to play in the success of the film. The best song in the film included “kono katha na bole” sung by Manna Dey and Sandhya Mukherjee. The duet song had great classical andaz and Uttam Kumar gave excellent lips in the brilliant song.

In Bhanu Banerjee’s comedy film Ashite Ashiona, Gopen Mullick’s music was extremely successful. Ruma Guha Thakurta was the heroine in the film. Manna Dey’s song “dub dub dub diye jai” had comedy andaz, while the duet song “Jodi akash hoto” had romantic song. Manna Dey and Ruma Guha Thakurta both sang the duet song.

Gopen Mullick composed brilliant music in Uttam Kumar’s film Sabarmati. The film was directed by Hiren Nag. Manna Dey’s song “dekhoni ki pathore phote phool” became a big hit. Gopen Mullick gave a comedy song “tak dhin dhin ta” to Kishore Kumar and Ila Bose in the film. The other film where Gopen Mullick composed impressive music included Uttam Kumar’s Teen Adhyay. Most of the songs were sung by Manna Dey, and some were picturised on actor Anup Kumar. Even in the film Tapashi, Gopen Mullick’s composition for Sandhya Mukherjee, titled “alor bhuban hariye geche” became a big hit.
In the 70s, Gopen Mullick composed music in the films Agnijuger Kahini, Aleyar Alo, Bondi Bidhata, Tushartirtha Amarnath, Ghatkali. He even composed music in the film Baikunther Will. After the demise of Mahanayak Uttam Kumar in 1980, melodious songs in Bengali films lost their significance. Gopen Mullick’s works should be restored and preserved for the new generation as he creations were unique, classically oriented and melodious in nature.

Chabi Biswas was sublime in Maya Mrigo.

Chabi Biswas was sublime in Maya Mrigo.

Legendary actor Chabi Biswas was unparallel and sublime in the film Maya Mrigo. The film was directed by renowned director Chitta Basu in 1960. The film was based on the classic literature of Niharranjan Gupta. The writer always had glorified the character of mother in his literature. He had been prominent for his epic literature “Ulka” which was successful as play in Kolkata and also used in the bollywood film Meri Surat Teri Ankhen.

Maya Mrigo was the debut of the actor Biswajeet Chatterji and actress Sandhya Roy who were launched together as romantic pair in Bengali film in 1960. Chabi Biswas played the role of eminent barrister in the film, the husband of Sunanda Basu and the father of Biswajeet Chatterji. Sunanda Basu and Sandhya Rani were sisters. Sandhya Rani was married to Bikash Roy, who had a number of children. But Sunanda Basu was child-less. She took one son of Sandhya Rani and brought him up as her own son.

During second world war, Bikash Roy lost his limbs and Sandhya Rani lost all their children. Being helpless she came to Kolkata in the house of Chabi Biswas who had given shelter to a number of tenants including Uttam Kumar, Tarun Kumar, Tulsi Chakaravarty, Jahar Roy and others.

Sunanda Debi never greeted Sandhya Rani well, as she feared that if Biswajeet Chatterji came to know that he was the son of Bikash Roy and Sandha Rani, it would have been fatal for her. Bikash Roy died in the film. At the end of the film the truth was unfolded, but Chabi Biswas explained to everyone that both Sunanda Debi and Sandhya Rani, were accepted as the mother of Biswajeet, as one gave birth while the other brought up the child.

Manobendra Mukherjee composed excellent music in the film with hit songs like “bidhi re” and “metidiamericar kabyo” sung by him, “ore shon shon gerobaj” sung by Hemanta Mukherjee, and “bok bok bok bokum bokum paira” sung by Sandhya Mukherjee. But Chabi Biswas’s brilliant personality had overshadowed all the other performances in the film. He showed a contrast of expressions, including the kindness shown to Sandhya Rani and also the strictness shown to his tenants. The film should be restored for the brilliant performance of Chabi Biswas and also classic literature of Niharranjan Gupta.

Uttam Kumar was sublime in Rajlakkhi Srikanto.

Uttam Kumar was sublime in Rajlakkhi Srikanto.

Superstar Uttam Kumar was sublime in the film Rajlakkhi Srikanto. The film had been directed by Haridas Bhattacharya. He had done brilliant job with the classic literature of Sarat Chandra Chatterji. Sarat Chandra Chatterji had written his biography in the stories relating to Srikanto. Rajlakkhi Srikanto was released in 1958.

Very significantly Uttam Kumar understood the poetic character of Sarat Chandra Chatterji and depicted the character in style. He went for a hunting expedition after being called by Anil Chatterji. There he met his neighbour Rajlakkhi played by Suchitra Sen. He loved her during infancy. He was shocked to see her become a baijee named Pyari Bai who had her own house in Patna, Bihar.

She unfolded her story and said that her father died. Then her mother went to stay in her brother’s house. Her mami got her married to an old man. He wanted to sell her. Suchitra Sen ran from her house and given shelter by a baijee. She taught her music. She earned her living by being baijee. Composer Gyan Prakash Ghosh composed great classical tunes and singer Krishna Ganguly sang very well.

Uttam Kumar also tried to live like a sadhu and joined the group of sadhus led by Jahar Ray. But the disease of chicken pox spread in the village, and to help a family of patients Uttam Kumar stayed in the village. But the family left him when he got infected with small pox.

At the end of the film Uttam Kumar left for Burma to get a job. But he remained unmarried throughout his life due to the fact that he could not marry Suchitra Sen who played the role of Rajlakkhi. The film did excellent business and the supporting performers in the film did an excellent job including Sishir Batabyal, Haridhan, and others.

Amazing Uttam Kumar in Jibon Mrityu.

Amazing Uttam Kumar in Jibon Mrityu.

Uttam Kumar was amazing in the film Jibon Mrityu. The film had been released in 1967. It was directed by Hiren Nag, who learned direction from renowned director Ajoy Kar.

In Jibon Mrityu, Uttam Kumar played the role of Ashok Mukherjee, who was branch manager Citizen’s Bank. He established himself after his father died, and was brought up by mother Aparna Debi. He loved Supriya Debi, who was the daughter of Prashad Mukherjee. Her father’s business was in doldrums and he appointed N. Biswanathan as legal advisor to address his debts. But the debts grew, and he died out of frustration.

Uttam Kumar was all-rounder during his college days. Besides being brilliant, he was great singer, and he gave able lips in Manna Dey’s song “kono katha na bole” composed by Gopen Mullick. His friend Tarun Kumar relied on him to pass the examination. He loved Subrata Chatterji who never married him.

Uttam Kumar rose to fame. His office-mates conspired against him, namely Dipak Mukherjee, Prashanto Kumar and Bankim Ghosh. Dipak Mukherjee, made a duplicate key of the Bank’s locker, he stole all the money and shared it with Bankim Ghosh and Prashanto Kumar. Uttam Kumar was charged for stealing the money from the bank and sentenced to 7 years imprisonment. N. Biswanathan was provided money to prevent him from taking the brief of Uttam Kumar.

His mother died after Uttam Kumar went to jail. After coming out of prison, he went to forest of Ratangarh to find Tarun Kumar. But he was transferred. He stayed in the house of Kamal Mitra. He prevented the nephews of Kamal Mitra from stealing his will, so Kamal Mitra provided him money to take revenge against the conspirators.

Uttam Kumar came back to Kolkata in the new name of Santaprasad Singh, wearing a Punjabi Turban. He advised Bankim Ghosh to open liquor business in addition to rice business. He gave money after mortgaging the rice mill. Bankim Ghosh was caught by the police and imprisoned.

He asked Prashanto Kumar to burn his factory to stop trade union demands and get insurance money. The trade union leader was advised by Uttam Kumar to surrender before the police to prove innocence. Prashanto Kumar was also arrested. He ruined Dipak Mukherjee and N. Biswanathan by instigating to buy shares in bogus company, which failed and they suffered huge financial services.

Uttam Kumar proved once again in Jibon Mrityu that he was one-man industry. The film was remade in hindi with the title Jiban Mrityu where Dharmender played the role of Uttam Kumar.

Happy birthday to cute star Mala Sinha.

Happy birthday to cute star Mala Sinha.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to cute star Mala Singh on 11th November, 2010. She had been a legendary actress of bollywood films and contributed in both bollywood films and Bengali films for more than 40 years.

In the 50s, Mala Sinha had acted in classic films like Parvarish, Phir Subah Hogi opposite Raj Kapoor. These films became immortal for their unforgettable songs like “anshu bhari hai”, “woh subah kabhi to ayegi”, etc. Mala Sinha was sublime opposite Dev Anand in the film Love Marriage. The music of the film composed by Shankar Jaikishan was equally grand. The hit songs included “dheere dheere chal”, “kahan ja rahete”, etc.

Mala Sinha contributed well in Guru Dutt’s classic film Pyaasa. The romantic andaz displayed by Mala Sinha was very significant in the film in the songs “hum aapke aankho me”, sung by Rafi and Geeta Dutt. Mala Sinha continued her dream run in the 60s by performing in historical films like Jahanara opposite Bharat Bhushan. The film was a musical block buster. The songs “baad muddar key eh ghari aye”, “kisi ki yaad me”, etc., composed by Madan Mohan created history. The biggest achievement of Mala Sinha lies in sustaining in bollywood industry amidst high competition from other leading actresses like Nargis, Meena Kumari, Madhubala, Vaijayantimala, etc. Mala Sinha was brilliant in the film Gumrah opposite Ashok Kumar and Sunil Dutt. She displayed her personality very well in a triangular love story. The songs of the film composed by Ravi was brilliant including “chalo ek baar phir se” and :in hawawon mai” sung by Mahendra Kapoor.

Mala Sinha also acted with the next generation of actors like Rajender Kumar and Dharmender. Her successful films opposite Rajender Kumar included Dhool Ka Phool, Lalkar and Geet. Her successful films opposite Dharmender included Ankhen, Neela Akash, etc. which did great business. She was sublime in her performance opposite Dharmender in the film Baharen Phir Bhi Ayegi. She did very well in films opposite Biswajeet like Night in London and Shammi Kapoor in Dil Tera Diwana.

Mala Sinha played a very long innings in Bengali films as well. Her successful films opposite Uttam Kumar included Khelaghar, Shaharer Itikatha, Bandhu, Putrabadhu, Saathihara, to name a few. She gave able lips in Geeta Dutt’s songs namely “nishi raat banka chaad”, “baashi bujhi ei sure aar dakbe na”, etc. Her other notable films include Dhuli opposite Prashanto Kumar, Abhaya Srikanto opposite Basanto Choudhury, etc.

She even featured in modern films in the 90s like Khel where she had played character roles opposite Madhuri Dixit. The viewers expect her to continue in character roles in films in future.

Happy birthday to Sarat Chandra Chatterji.

Happy birthday to Sarat Chandra Chatterji.

The literary community all over India wish happy birthday to literary giant Sarat Chandra Chatterji on 15th September, 2010. He got the title of “katha sahityik” as his words used to put life in the bodies of trees, plants, animals and he portrayed rural life in India in the most lucid manner possible.

He was born in the village of Debanandapur in Hoogly near Kolkata, West Bengal. His two pieces of literature, that is Devdas and Parineeta had lived the test of time and became immortal. Films in bollywood and other languages had been made a number of times on the classic literature. In fact tragedy king Dilip Kumar got his image by brilliant depiction of Sarat Chandra’s character Devdas in Bimal Roy’s film in 1955.

In the Bengali film industry, Sarat Chandra Chatterji’s literature was indispensable and eminent directors experimented with his immortal literature. Legendary actress Kanan Debi featured in many Bengali films based on Sarat literature most of which were directed by her husband Haridas Bhattacharya. Some of the notable films included Mejdidi, Annadadidi O Srikanto, Nababidhan, etc.

The other notable films included the literature of Sarat Chandra relating to biography of himself, which was called the Srikanto series. Uttam Kumar played the role of Srikanto in the films Rajlakshi Srikanto and Kamallata. Bosonto Choudhury played the role of Srikanto in the film Abhaya O Srikanto. Sarat Chandra’s other pieces of literature used in Bengali films included Bardidi, Ramer Shumoti, Nishkriti, Sabyasachi, Grihadaha, Chandranath, etc. The list can go on.

In bollywood industry also Sarat Chandra was indispensable. Eminent Director Gulzar made the film Khusbu based on classic literature of Sarat Chandra titled Pandit Mashay. The film Nishkriti was remade in hindi with the titie Apne Paraye where eminent artists like Shabana Azmi, Amol Palekar, Girish Karnad, Utpal Dutt played notable roles.

Sarat Chandra Chatterji received Kuntolin award for the creation of Mandir and also D Lit. Degree offered by University of Dhaka. His literature should be translated in all the leading languages in India and other languages abroad. It is because his literature had shown the path which was followed by other literary giants like Bibhutibhushan Banerjee, Munshi Premchand and others.

Happy birthday to Uttam Kumar.

Happy birthday to Uttam Kumar.

The nation remembers Uttam Kumar, one of the greatest superstars of Indian celluloid on his birth anniversary on 3rd September, 2010. This was his 84th birth anniversary. He had died almost 30 years ago, yet the viewers had not forgotten his films and still his presence is felt in the life bengalies in different parts of the world.

Last year the Governer of West Bengal launched the 50 rupees postal stamp having the engraving of Uttam Kumar in it. Previously Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar’s faces were engraved in Postal stamps for remembering their contribution to Indian cinema.

Last year, Mamta Banerjee, the Union Railway Minister, renamed the Tollygunge Metro Station as Mahanayak Uttam Kumar station. In fact the people of Tollygunge cannot associate the place without the existence of Uttam Kumar whose works glorified the different studios which carried on the legacy of Bengali Film Industry.

Oscar winning director Satyajit Ray acknowledged the dynamic presence of the legendary superstar in Bengali films and made a film Nayak based on the story of Uttam Kumar. His original name was Arun Kumar Chatterji, who was a clerk in Port Commission before joining Bengali films.

When he joined films with Drishtidaan in 1948, he had to struggle to create his image as against he established heroes like Asit Boron, Bikash Roy and others. In 1952, his film Basu Paribar struck at the box-office and he overtook Bosonto Choudhury, Asit Boron and became the leading superstar of Bengali films. All the qualities of a romantic hero was possessed by him, including a standard height, good complexion, manly voice, romantic hairstyle and unique dialogue delivery. Any dress suited the legendary superstar including Punjabi, dhoti, coat, Bengali dresses, etc.

He had acted in the films of all the legendary directors of the golden age including Satyajit Ray’s Nayak, Chiriakhana, Tapan Sinha’s Jhinder Bandi, Upahaar and Jotugriha, Ajoy Kar’s Harano Sur, Saptapadi, Suno Bara Nari, etc., Agradoot’s Bipasha, Surjo Toron, etc., Agragami’s Sagarika, Shonkhobela, to name a few. Uttam Kumar acted opposite all the leading actresses of Bengali celluloid including Suchitra Sen, Arundhuti Debi, Manju Dey, Sabitri Chatterji, Supriya Choudhury, Mala Sinha, and others. His combination with Suchitra Sen had given everlasting classics and both of them still remains the most romantic pair in Indian silver screen.

Uttam Kumar’s films were based on rich literature including Tagore’s Khokababur Protyaborton, Subodh Ghosh’s Suno Bara Nari, Samaresh Bose’s Kuhak, Sorodindu Bondhopadyay’s Chiriakhana, Shankar’s Chourangi. The films were related to different types of stories including comedy stories, tragic stories, soft romantic stories, etc.

Uttam Kumar had acted in around 205 films (including bollywood films like Amanush, Anand Ashram, Choti Si Mulakat, Dooriyan, Kitaab etc., ) in a span of 35 years, and all his films had remained everlasting treasures. Out of his 205 films, around 37 of them ended up being blockbusters, around 50 were super hit films and around 50 were hit films. Actor Shatrughun Sinha in his interview before Bengali media had disclosed that when he was working in Pune Film and Television Institute, the graduates had unanimous view that Uttam Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar were the greatest superstars of celluloid and had Uttam Kumar acted in more number of bollywood films, he would have remained as great a legend as Dilip Kumar or Raj Kapoor.

Even the singers who had sung for him including Manna Dey, Shyamal Mitra, Hemanta Mukherjee, etc., agreed that they did not find any actor who was parallel to Uttam Kumar in giving lips in songs. He made the viewers feel that he only sang the songs.

Actor Shatrughun Sinha in his interview had said that during his student life in Pune Film and Television Institute, the upcoming actors used to debate about the charishma of Uttam Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar. Although there was no unanimity about the finest actor among them, there was consensus about one fact had Uttam Kumar established himself in bollywood films by acting in more number of films, he would have been equally an international figure like Raj Kapoor or Dilip Kumar.

Articles after articles can be devoted to Uttam Kumar who was one –man –industry in Bengali films. His films should be revisited to create motivation for making better quality films in future.

Actor and director Dilip Roy passed away.

Actor and director Dilip Roy passed away.

Noted actor and director Dilip Roy passed away in Kolkata on 2nd September, 2010, at the age of 78 years. He was born on 17th December, 1930 in Chittagong in Bangladesh.

His brother introduced him to director Sunil Ganguly who gave him a break in the film Sati Behula in 1953. He had a very good voice and got opportunities to act in landmark films directed by eminent director Tapan Sinha including Hansuli Baker Upakatha, Jhinder Bandi, etc.

He at the same time got roles in other films like Shilubari, directed by Pijush Bose, Arogyo Niketan, Rajodrohi, etc. In the second half of his career he developed his skills as a director and directed many landmark films.

He made two films with Uttam Kumar, that was Devdas and Darpachurna. Devdas did not do great business. Reasons were obvious, the viewers could not accept any other actor in the role of Devdas other than Dilip Kumar who brilliant performance in Bimal Roy’s Devdas in 1955 had became immortal over the years. Uttam Kumar played the role of Chunilal in the film. Although Devdas did not impress the viewers, his other film Darpachurna was well appreciated.

In the early 80s, Dilip Roy made the best film of his career titled Amrito Kumbher Sandhane. He worked on the classic literature of Samaresh Bose on the subject. The film was related to the painful experiences of devotees who had gone to give the holy dip in the Prayag Sangam in Allahabad during the Kumbh Mela and died or lost their relative in the process. The fair took an ugly and people got trampled. Actor Subhendu Chatterjee was given the main role who was the observer and realized that the effect of the sacrifice was not sweet called Amrit instead it was labanakto or full of salt.

He also directed the film Garam Bhaat with actor Santu Mukherjee in the mid-80s. He acted in many commercial films like Sunayoni, Shatru, etc., and in a career of more than 100 films, he had been remembered as a character artist who was thoughtful in his performance. The viewers owe their homage to the great director and thoughtful actor.

Uttam Kumar's stylish andaz was captured by Ray in Nayak.

Uttam Kumar’ stylish andaz was captured by Ray in Nayak.

Superstar Uttam Kumar’s stylish andaz was captured by Satyajit Ray in the film Nayak. The film was made in 1966 at a time when Uttam Kumar became a cult figure in Bengal.

The charishma of a great director lies in the ability to predict happenings. Satyajit Ray showed in the film that Uttam Kumar, the character Arindam Mukherjee, a superstar in tollygunge film industry was going to New Delhi via Rajdhani Express to collect National Award. Very significantly in 1967, Uttam Kumar received the National Award for the best actor for his epic performance in the films Chiriakhana and Anthony Firingi.

Uttam Kumar related his experiences of acting in stage and also in films before Sharmila Tagore who played the role of a journalist in the film. He related his experience of Shankarda, who was an elderly character who encouraged him to work in stage rather than working in films. He died and that led Uttam Kumar to accept an offer in films. He related the experience of working with a senior actor Mukunda Das, played by eminent actor Bireshwar Sen, who scolded him in his first shot, and subdued his natural acting with his theatrical style of performance. Later on when Uttam Kumar became a superstar and that person jobless, he came to him to get role in films.

Uttam Kumar was shown to drown in quick sand full of money, in his dreams and returned back to the canteen to continue with his interview. He also told the story of Sumita Sanyal, a young woman who came to him to get a role in any of the films. She came at night, and Uttam Kumar asked her to return back with appointment on another day. There were many character artists in the film including Bharati Devi, Jamuna Singha, Subrata Sen Sharma, Satya Banerjee, Kamu Mukherjee and others, who played the roles of co-passengers in the film who had travelled with him and tried to come close to the superstar in the train.

Satyajit Ray captured the huge stylish mannerism of Uttam Kumar in the film. He travelled in the train with style, ate the food in style, drank Whisky in style and communicated with heroic andaz. Ray in his personal interview had also confessed that a style icon like Uttam Kumar could never be re-born in India. He came, he saw and conquered. Ray’s film Nayak received national and international awards. Uttam Kumar acted in only 2 films of Satyajit Ray, but both the films had became landmarks in Indian film history. The film Nayak should be preserved and restored.

Happy birthday to Gulzar.

Happy birthday to Gulzar.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to legendary director and lyricist Gulzar on 18th August, 2010. He had been one of the greatest living legends at this moment. Bollywood is indebted to thoughtful director who had converted filmmaking into work of art.

His film Mausam was based on reflections of mind. Sanjeev Kumar was attached with Sharmila Tagore living in Darjeeling when he came over there as a student. After he went abroad to pursue his post-graduate studies, Sharmila was exploited and her daughter how looked identical like her mother was compelled to join prostitution.

Sanjeev Kumar returned as a foreign-return doctor and took his daughter away from the surroundings and gave her a new life. Bhupinder Singh’s ghazal “dil dhoonta hai phir wohi” composed by Madan Mohan and written by Gulzar remains as the greatest ghazal created in the 70s. The story-telling in the film was appreciated by critics.

Gulzar created a different dimension by experimented with classic literature during the 70s and 80s. His films Aandhi with Suchitra Sen and Sanjeev Kumar and Kinara with Jeetender and Hema Malini can very well be classified as master pieces. He gave very meaningful sequences where songs were recorded. He created a separate fanclub for himself who could understand human relations at the same period when larger than life images were created in main stream cinema of Big B, Vinod Khanna, Shatrughun Sinha and other angry young men in films like Sholay, Kalicharan, Burning Train, etc.

Gulzar’s films created for children like Parichay and Kitaab are still considered masterpieces. He was impressed by the thoughts of Hollywood film Sound of Music and Uttam Kumar’s Joyjoyanti to make a film related to five children who required a good teacher. Jeetender treated them with compassion and brought change in the children. In Kitaab, Uttam Kumar cared for his brother-in-law Master Raju who was a small child and had been send by her mother to get educated in urbanized background.
Gulzar experimented with so many diverse subjects that articles after articles can be devoted to his different themes, including the film Koshish, based on life of deaf and dumb, Lekin, based on folklore of Rajasthan. Koshish had a very strong social message. It showed that deaf and dumb persons could go to dead and dumb schools and learn sign language. Their life can have a new aspiration and direction. All his artists like Suchitra Sen, Jaya Bacchan, Sharmila Tagore, Uttam Kumar, Sanjeev Kumar, Jeetender portrayed the life of middle-class men who were found in everyday life.

His composers, Jaidev, Madan Mohan, Khayyam, RD Burman all had given their best music for the thoughtful director. These days Gulzar concentrates more on writing lyrics. In that field too he had been master of masters. In the recent past Gulzar said that he wanted to devote time to write books. For those reasons he had reduced directing films in the last 10 years. It is a huge loss for thoughtful viewers. He continued to write lyrics of songs in bollywood films in regular intervals.

His admirers expect him to continue to make rich films which make the audience think, feel and reflect on the happiness and sniffles of life.

Uttam Kumar is remembered in Bangladesh.

Uttam Kumar is remembered in Bangladesh.

Mahanayak Uttam Kumar had been remembered in Bangladesh during his 30th death anniversary on 24th July, 2010. The ceremony had started on 24th July and will end on 26th July, 2010.

The Uttam Kumar festival taken place in the capital city Dhaka in Bangladesh. Uttam Kumar had been few of the celebrities who had been remembered and honoured in foreign country like Bangladesh. Previously Bangladesh had honoured the legendary directors Satyajit Ray and Hritwik Ghatak in their country.

During the Uttam Kumar festival, few of his landmark films had been telecast. As the legendary actor had ruled Bengali silver screen over a period of 35 years, so in one festival all his films cannot be covered. So the films like Nayak, Saptapadi, Pathe Holo Deri, Choddobeshi, Dhanni Meye, Harano Sur, etc. , had been telecast.

The striking part of the Uttam Kumar festival lies in the diversity of directors, whose films had been selected where Uttam Kumar had shown his excellence. Nayak had been directed by Oscar Winning Director Satyajit Ray. The film showed the complexity of the life of a matinee idol, which according to the critics had remained the biography of superstar Uttam Kumar.

Harano Sur and Saptapadi were the two greatest blockbusters of Bengali celluloid directed by stylish director Ajoy Kar. Uttam Kumar was the producer of both the films. The films also bolstered the eternal pair Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen, who had remained the greatest romantic pair ever to grace Asian silver screen.

Pathe Holo Deri was a romantic film of Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen directed by Agradoot. It was a musical blockbuster, where composer Robin Chatterji and singer Sandhya Mukherjee had created history with the romantic songs which became immortal over a period of time.

Dhanni Meye was a comedy film directed by Aurobindo Mukherjee. The film was related to the eternal craze of bengalies with respect to the sport of football. Uttam Kumar played the role of a business tycoon who was still obsessed with football and made his brother a footballer. The comedy sequences were related to the marriage of his brother Partho Mukherjee with the village girl played by Jaya Bacchan. The film did fantastic business in the early 70s. Similarly Choddobeshi was a comedy film where Uttam Kumar and Madhabi Mukherjee played the lead roles. It had been remade in hindi by Hrishikesh Mukherjee with the title Chupke Chupke, where Dharmender played the role of Uttam Kumar.

It had been a great honour for bengalies all across the world that Uttam Kumar had been remembered by a neighbouring country, who share the same mother tongue, to whom still Uttam Kumar still remain a living God. The viewers pay homage and respect to the departed soul and wish his films to be preserved and restored.

The nation remembers Uttam Kumar on his death anniversary.

The nation remembers Uttam Kumar on his death anniversary.

The nation remembers Uttam Kumar, one of the greatest superstars of Indian celluloid on his death anniversary on 24th July, 2010. He had died almost 30 years ago, yet the viewers had not forgotten his films and still his presence is felt in the life bengalies in different parts of the world.

Last year the Governer of West Bengal launched the 50 rupees postal stamp having the engraving of Uttam Kumar in it. Previously Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar’s faces were engraved in Postal stamps for remembering their contribution to Indian cinema.

Last year, Mamta Banerjee, the Union Railway Minister, renamed the Tollygunge Metro Station as Mahanayak Uttam Kumar station. In fact the people of Tollygunge cannot associate the place without the existence of Uttam Kumar whose works glorified the different studios which carried on the legacy of Bengali Film Industry.

Oscar winning director Satyajit Ray acknowledged the dynamic presence of the legendary superstar in Bengali films and made a film Nayak based on the story of Uttam Kumar. His original name was Arun Kumar Chatterji, who was a clerk in Port Commission before joining Bengali films.

When he joined films with Drishtidaan in 1948, he had to struggle to create his image as against he established heroes like Asit Boron, Bikash Roy and others. In 1952, his film Basu Paribar struck at the box-office and he overtook Bosonto Choudhury, Asit Boron and became the leading superstar of Bengali films. All the qualities of a romantic hero was possessed by him, including a standard height, good complexion, manly voice, romantic hairstyle and unique dialogue delivery. Any dress suited the legendary superstar including Punjabi, dhoti, coat, Bengali dresses, etc.

He had acted in the films of all the legendary directors of the golden age including Satyajit Ray’s Nayak, Chiriakhana, Tapan Sinha’s Jhinder Bandi, Upahaar and Jotugriha, Ajoy Kar’s Harano Sur, Saptapadi, Suno Bara Nari, etc., Agradoot’s Bipasha, Surjo Toron, etc., Agragami’s Sagarika, Shonkhobela, to name a few. Uttam Kumar acted opposite all the leading actresses of Bengali celluloid including Suchitra Sen, Arundhuti Debi, Manju Dey, Sabitri Chatterji, Supriya Choudhury, Mala Sinha, and others. His combination with Suchitra Sen had given everlasting classics and both of them still remains the most romantic pair in Indian silver screen.

Uttam Kumar’s films were based on rich literature including Tagore’s Khokababur Protyaborton, Subodh Ghosh’s Suno Bara Nari, Samaresh Bose’s Kuhak, Sorodindu Bondhopadyay’s Chiriakhana, Shankar’s Chourangi. The films were related to different types of stories including comedy stories, tragic stories, soft romantic stories, etc.

Uttam Kumar had acted in around 205 films (including bollywood films like Amanush, Anand Ashram, Choti Si Mulakat, Dooriyan, Kitaab etc., ) in a span of 35 years, and all his films had remained everlasting treasures. Out of his 205 films, around 37 of them ended up being blockbusters, around 50 were super hit films and around 50 were hit films. Actor Shatrughun Sinha in his interview before Bengali media had disclosed that when he was working in Pune Film and Television Institute, the graduates had unanimous view that Uttam Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar were the greatest superstars of celluloid and had Uttam Kumar acted in more number of bollywood films, he would have remained as great a legend as Dilip Kumar or Raj Kapoor.

Even the singers who had sung for him including Manna Dey, Shyamal Mitra, Hemanta Mukherjee, etc., agreed that they did not find any actor who was parallel to Uttam Kumar in giving lips in songs. He made the viewers feel that he only sang the songs.

Articles after articles can be devoted to Uttam Kumar who was one –man –industry in Bengali films. His films should be revisited to create motivation for making better quality films in future.

Satinath Mukherjee and classical songs.

Satinath Mukherjee and classical songs.

Satinath Mukherjee was one of the versatile classical singers who did not get dues during the golden age. The 50s and 60s were categorized with notable classical and semi-classical singers in the Bengal arena where Manobendra Mukherjee, Manna Dey, Dhananjoy Bhattacharya, Akhil Bandhu Ghosh and other giants galvanized the world of modern songs.

Satinath Mukherjee, the guru of notable singer Shyamal Mitra, had a huge partnership with lyricist Shyamal Gupta and presented his flora of classical ragas in Bengali modern songs. His songs “pashaner buke likhona amar naam”, “bono patho majhe”, “jibone Jodi deep”, etc. were milestones of Bengali modern songs.

He sang separate private songs involving “raag pradhan” which described the movement of separate ragas like Imon, Baghesri, Darbari Kanada, Behag, Ashawari, etc. His song on raag bageshri included “elo jochona se tobu”. His song on raag bairagi included “dake na keno je banshi”. His song on raag behaag included “gelo je logon chole”. His song on raag bhairav included “jagiche bhore probhat robi”. His song on raag bhupali included “kotha je banshori baaje”. His song on raag darbadi kanada included “e bedona kemone sohi”. His song on raag desh thumri included “boroshar rate jagi”. His song on raag kalawati included “baje keno beena”. His song on raag komol ashavari included “modhu rati bhor hoi”. His song on raag madhab todi included “ke jano dake nishibore”. His song on raag manj khamaj included “tomare bhulite ogo”. His song on raag nandkauns included “kotha tumi ghanashyam”. His song on raag pahari thumri included “emono dine se kothay”. His song on raag patdeep included “kano janina baje”. His song on raag yaman included “na go na jeyona”.

Some of his classical songs included “bojhona keno ami je koto eka”, “jedin jibone tumi”, “baluka belay kurai jhinuk”, to name a few. Very significantly most of the songs were composed by himself.

As a composer he used to be considered a giant of giants. His compositions for other legendary singers included “tomar pother prante moner monideep jele rekhechi” and “bhule gechi kobe” sung by Manobendra Mukherjee, “eto alo aar eto hasi gaan” sung by Shyamal Mitra, “ami cheyechi tomay” sung by Dhananjoy Bhattacharya, “tomar moto amiyoto koto soyechi” sung by Pannalal Bhattacharya, to name a few.

Besides his own student Dipak Maitra had sung few songs composed by Satinath Mukherjee included “koto kotha bola holona”. Satinath Mukherjee is associated with the compositions for the two maestros in Indian music namely Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar.

Lata’s first record in Bengali namely “akash pradeep jale” and “koto tara” were the compositions of the genius Satinath Mukherjee. Satinath Mukherjee’s landmark compositions for Mohammad Rafi included “ekhono biday bolona”, “pakhitar buke jeno teer merona”, etc. It is very sad that Satinath Mukherjee’s immense musical talents were not used in Bengali films. He had sung rare songs like “majhe nodi bahe re” in Tapan Sinha’s film Atithi, songs in Uttam Kumar’s film Bon Palashir Padabali, etc.

Otherwise Satinath Mukherjee, the sincere student of Ustad Bare Ghulam Ali Khan was one of the revolutionary singers and composers who remained an institution by himself. His students included singer and composer Jotileshwar Mukherjee who carried on the legacy of Satinath Mukherjee. The songs and creations of Satinath should be preserved and restored.

Uttam Kumar's Bikele Bhorer Phool propagated the tourist spot Digha.

Uttam Kumar’s Bikele Bhorer Phool propagated the tourist spot Digha.

Uttam Kumar’s Bikele Bhorer Phool propagated the tourist spot Digha. Digha became an important tourist spot with allied spots like Talsari, Shankarpur, Jhargram, etc., in the recent times. Lot of films are shot in the romantic place. But in the early 70s, the tourist spot was on the making. Uttam Kumar’s film gave it a great launching pad. Uttam Kumar became a living God in the 70s in Bengali cinema. Bikele Phorer Phool was released in the early 70s, at a time when producers used to consider that the moment Uttam Kumar appeared in any film the film became hit automatically. He was one man industry. The film was directed by Pijush Basu.

The film was entirely shot at West Bengal’s biggest tourist attraction Digha. It was released in 1974, and director Pijush Bose in one way discovered the place. Uttam Kumar was a renowned novelist in the film. He was old aged and came to Digha to pass his leisure time. Sumitra Mukherjee with her friends were college girls who were brought by the college teacher from Kolkata on a trip to Digha.

When the college teachers knew about the presence of Uttam Kumar, they called him in the guest house to address the college students. Sumitra Mukherjee sang a rabindra sangeet, “ki gabol ami”. Uttam Kumar then told them a horror story. Most of the girls became fan of Uttam Kumar.

Sumitra Mukherjee got especially attached with him, as she had a bad parentage and her parents quarreled against each other daily. She went to Kapal Kundala Mandir near Digha with Uttam Kumar. That was the place where Novelist Bankim Chandra Chatterji got the plot of the novel Kapal Kundala.

Sumitra Mukherjee wanted to marry Uttam Kumar. But Uttam Kumar explained to her that his days were over, he was old like twilight and Sumitra Mukherjee was a young flower, so marriage between unequal age groups could not blossom. He advised Sumitra Mukherjee to forget her past, concentrate on singing and live a better life.

Utpal Dutt did a great job in role of District Magistrate. He showed his comedy instincts as his speeches and song made the young girls laugh. Kalyan Chatterji played the role of a loafer who wanted to seduce Sumitra Mukherjee and got a slap from Uttam Kumar for that.

Hemant Kumar’s music was super hit, with Arati Mukherjee’s song “ei jhaupata” becoming very popular in the early 70s. In the song “ei jhaupata” the entire forests (jhaubon) fringing the Bay of Bengal in Digha was shown. Uttam Kumar’s mere presence in a film used to create storms in the Bengali arena during that time.

So the film of Pijush Bose ended up being a super hit project. The film and the music should be preserved.