From the Archives of Tollywood Dhamaka: Soumitra Chatterjee tribute

Posted August 09, 2013 under Special Story By Annesh Bilas Thakur

 

Five and half decades of Apu and Soumitra

O

n this day - 9th of August 1958, exactly 55 years ago Soumitra Chatterjee gave his first shot for Apur Sansar (The World of Apu) and now a true veteran, he continues to be a pillar of strength for Bengali Cinema.

Apur Sansar or, The World of Apu – the third and final film of the Apu Trilogy by Satyajit Ray, gifted Bengali Cinema, and Indian Cinema a very talented actor – Soumitra Chatterjee, who at that time, was a radio announcer and had only played a small role in a Bengali stage production.

The film of course went on to become one of the most critically acclaimed movies, and even till date makes it to any “must see films” list including the Time magazine's All-Time 100 best movies list.

Soumitra Chatterjee has done around 15 films with Satyajit Ray, the most by any actor but had also regularly acted in films by other directors like Mrinal Sen and Tapan Sinha. Chatterjee's association with Ray is often compared with the chemistry between famous actor-director duos of the world such as Akira Kurosowa- Toshiro Mifune and Marcello Mastroianni- Federico Fellini.

His next release, 'Rupkatha Noy' sees him return as the protagonist. 'Rupkatha Noy' director Atanu Ghosh interprets the character essayed by Chatterjee – Sisir Ray to be “equipping the youth in the film with emotional strength to reach an epiphany which eventually helps them to untangle the complicated threads of life and see sense by themselves.”

Tollywood Dhamaka caught up with Soumitra babu and when we asked him if he knew that this day, fifty five years ago was the day he gave his first shot? Prompt came his reply – “Yes. Ami jani.”

We wish only the best for the living legend of Bengali Cinema, who in true cinematic style, spent this day commemorating five and half decades of acting for films; by shooting for his next.

Perhaps most fittingly, the first dialogue by Soumitra babu in Apur Sansar is “achha choli Sir” or “Thank You Sir”, as the English subtitle reads; as it echoes what defines not only Apu in the film, but also the man essaying Apu’s role – the ever so benign and graceful, Sri Soumitra Chatterjee.

Soumitra Chatterjee, fifty five years in bengali cinema, Apur Sansar, Satyajit Ray, Apu, Rupkatha Noy, Sisir Ray, Atanu Ghosh, Tollywood Dhamaka, Exclusive, Tribute, Special Story, Annesh Bilas Thakur