From the Archives of Tollywood Dhamaka: Uttam Kumar's sabotaged tryst with Hindi Cinema

Posted July 24, 2013 under Special Story By Tollywood Dhamaka Exclusive

 

Uttam Kumar's sabotaged tryst with Hindi Cinema

W

e all know the Hero of these dialogues from the Ray classic "Nayak”:

"I sense a bit of-"

"Change in me? Eh?"

"I guess so!"

"That has to be! Dialectics you see!"

But after the disastrous "Chhoti Si Mulakat" based on the late 1954 Bengali hit "Agniporikkha", Mahanayak did change!

Uttam Kumar’s downfall in the Mumbai film industry, referred to as Bollywood by many, is the so-called black spot in his career. However, the most popular Bengali Matinee Idol stands tall when it comes to blockbusters in the Bengali arena.

As Satyajit Ray once wrote about him, “Uttam was a star in the true Hollywood sense of the term. The question was: was he also an actor? Uttam, even in the most inconsequential of parts, exuded confidence which (Gregory) Peck never did… he constantly surprised and delighted me with unexpected little details of action and behavior and which came from him and not from me, which were always in character and always enhanced a scene. They were so spontaneous that it seemed he produced these out of his sleeve. If there was any cogitation involved, he never spoke about it.”

This certainly sums up Uttam Kumar’s aura as a star and a performer or to put it simply, a star performer - be it in true charisma or personality, Uttam never failed to charm the audience, added to this was his God-gifted sense in acting. Having done approximately over 203 Bengali films, Uttam also chose to do Hindi cinema and make it big there too, if not the best.

He debuted as a character artist with the 1965 film – Do Dil, by Hrishikesh Mukherjee; however his first Hindi film as the male lead, or in Bollywood terms – The Hero was “Chhoti Si Mulakat”. He immersed deep in the working of the script and paid undivided attention to every minute detail of his own production - “Chhoti Si Mulakat”, he had all his hopes pinned on this film. It is said that he even learned Hindi so well that he could effortlessly lip-sync to the playback songs – an art he had mastered so well, in the Bengali arena. All this noise was bound to throw someone off the track and that too, did happen.

An actor and a film maker, quite popular at the same time, mostly famous for his “showmanship”, was one of the chief names, who can be easily marked responsible, at least by many Bengali fans, for the entire turnout of events relating to the sinking ship – “Chhoti Si Mulakat”. As the rumor goes, it was “he”, who gave the entire distribution process of this Uttam’s dreamchild, a backseat; thereby effectively sabotaging that film. ‘He’ released his own two lesser known films – “Diwana” and “Around the World” with a wider network of distribution that Uttam’s film and even though those weren’t ‘his’ best works, it was a successful plan of ousting the one who could have been a bigger success!

Both monetarily and mentally, Uttam was delved too big a blow. He decided to withdraw himself from Hindi films soon after this dud. Even The regional film industry feared a loss of audience attraction, if Uttam could not be brought back to the silver screen. Finally Uttam returned, shedding his traumatizing past.

Uttam Kumar did two bilingual films with Shakti Samanta, namely “Amanush” (1975) and “Ananda Ashram” (1977) – successfully captivating both the Hindi speaking, as well as the Bengali speaking audiences.

Though he had pledged to his close circle, as not to work in a single Hindi film after the “grand” collapse, he still did cameos in Gulzar’s “Kitab” (1977) and in mainstream Hindi cinema with the 1982 Manmohan Desai film - “Desh Premi” alongside Amitabh Bachhan; and 1987 film “Mera Karam Mera Dharam” alongside Dharmendra; both appearances posthumous, as they released after his death in 1980.

As the popular saying goes, visionaries and trend setters always have more enemies than well wishers!! Uttam Kumar probably sets the most prominent example of this, amongst many. And to answer that, he has always let his work speak with his ever inspiring motto, “I will go to THE TOP, THE TOP, and THE TOP!” 

Text By: Tathagata Ghosh & Annesh Bilas Thakur

Uttam Kumar, Hindi Cinema, Chhoti Si Mulakat, Desh Premee, Kitab, Do Dil, Amanush, Ananda Ashram, Tollywood Dhamaka, Tribute, Exclusive, Tathagata Ghosh, Annesh Bilas Thakur,Kolkata

From the Archives of Tollywood Dhamaka: Rituparno Ghosh

Posted May 30, 2013 under Special Story By Annesh Bilas Thakur

 

Renowned Bengali Filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh passes away

R

ituparno Ghosh - noted filmmaker from Tollywood, died of cardiac arrest at his residence, in the wee hours of the morning. Ghosh was 49 years old and had been suffering from pancreatitis, in the recent past.

Winner of over 12 National Awards (including an award in 2013), and multiple International Awards; the fact that Rituparno Ghosh will be missed, is indeed a huge understatement. Family sources said that he died of a massive cardiac arrest around 7.30am today morning.

Rituparno Ghosh tasted success with his first film made for children, "Hirer Angti" in 1994; and there after came hugely successful films like "Unishe April", "Dohon", "Asukh", "Chokher Bali", "Raincoat", "Bariwali", "Shubho Mahurat", "Antarmahal", "Abohoman", "Noukadubi", “Chitrangada” among others.

He had just tweeted saying, "Wrapped up the shoot of Satyanewshi, a crime thriller in the molten glow of the pensive falling afternoon" on 28^th May. Little did he know that it would be his very last tweet.

Always known for his offbeat approach, his fans were eagerly awaiting the first look of his latest offering – “Satyanweshi” starring Sujoy Ghosh and Anindya Chatterjee in the iconic roles of Byomkesh Bakshi and Ajit. We are sure his fans would flock to the theatres one more time as the mark of ultimate tribute to this modern day genius.

Many people from the Industry visited Ghosh's residence since morning to pay their respects to the late filmmaker. People who have known Ghosh, and have worked with him, have taken to twitter to express their grief. 

Director Atanu Ghosh took to Twitter, saying – “Beyond a distinguished filmmaker, a scholar of rare distinction, a writer of great excellence and an indomitable personality...RIP Rituda”.

We at Tollywood Dhamaka offer our deepest condolences to the family of Rituparno Ghosh, and deeply mourn the irreparable loss to the Bengali Film Industry.

Additional Pictures By: Akash Goswami

Rituparno Ghosh, Dies of Heart Attack, Dies, Satyanweshi, Kolkata, Tollywood Dhamaka, Exclusive, Annesh Bilas Thakur

From the Archives of Tollywood Dhamaka: Aborto at London

Posted May 29, 2013 under Movie News By Annesh Bilas Thakur

Aborto gets screened at Cineworld, London

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irector Arindam Sil was all smiles at the screening of his maiden venture - "Aborto" at the Cineworld, Haymarket in London this past week.

Aborto was screened as a part of the one of its kind "Bengali Film Festival" organized by St. Xavier's College Calcutta Alumni Association and Pancha Mukhi - a Bengali society in London. 

Alongside Aborto, a fistful of Bengali films were screened like - Hemlock Society, Aami Aar Amaar Girlfriends and Shunyo Awnko. The screenings were attended by many Bengalis residing in and around London; and they were seen having a really good time, getting a step closer to home, and relishing the opportunity to be conversing in Bengali while watching a Bengali Film.

Besides Arindam Sil, the Music Director of the film - Bickram Ghosh was spotted at the screening. Our Little Birdie also caught sight of Purbayan Chatterjee, who was in London to play at the Global Alumni meet of St. Xavier's College, Kolkata.

“For me it was a unique experience, because this was the first festival where my film was being shown, out of the Country and I was touched by the response. Everyone from the audience, literally everyone stayed back to meet me and congratulate personally. I am so happy that they loved Aborto.” – said Arindam Sil, who clearly could not withhold the widest possible grin on this occasion.

Certainly a treat for all the members of the Bengali Diaspora, we say! We hope many such endeavours occur in the future so as to promote Bengali films on a Global Platform.  

Photo Courtesy: Mr. S. P. Srivastava

Arindam Sil, Bickram Ghosh, Purbayan Chatterjee, London, Aborto, Cineworld, Haymarket, Tollywood Dhamaka, Exclusive, Annesh Bilas Thakur

From the Archives of Tollywood Dhamaka: Tagore Tribute

Posted May 09, 2013 under Feature Stories By Annesh Bilas Thakur

Rabindranath as seen through the Cinematic Lens

O

n the 152^nd Birth Anniversary of the Nobel Laureate and arguably the Greatest Bard from Bengal, Tollywood Dhamaka takes a look at the presence of Rabindranath Tagore in Indian Cinema.

Various stories by Tagore have been adapted on the silver screen, and most of them have been done in Bengali. Satyajit Ray perhaps leads the surge with having directed a total of five stories (three films) from page unto screen. The stories Ray adapted unto screen are: Nashtaneer (Charulata : 1964); Ghare Baire (Ghare Baire : 1984); The Post Master, Monihara and Samapti (Teen Kanya : 1961). Needless to say, that each one is a true masterpiece; and, is widely revered.

Rituparno Ghosh is the other Bengali Director, who has done three films based on Tagore’s works viz.Chokher Bali (2003), Noukadubi (2011) and Chitrangada: The Crowning Wish (2013). The film Charulata 2011 by Agnidev Chatterjee was made as an inspiration from both Tagore and Ray. Director Suman Mukherjee made the film Chaturanga based on the story by the same name, in 2008; while in 2012 Bappaditya Bandopadhyay made Elar Chaar Adyay based on the novel Char Adhyay by Tagore.

It is interesting to note that the story – Samapti, which was made into a film by Satyajit Ray in 1961 and marked the debut of Aparna Sen; was also adapted on-screen, a decade later, for the Hindi audience and had Jaya Bachchan (nee Bhaduri) as the lead. The film was named Uphaar and was produced by Tarachand Barjatya of Rajshri Productions; directed by Sudhendu Roy and was sent as India’s Official Entry into the Academy Awards under Best Foreign Language Film in 1971.

Tagore’s story of a middle-aged fruit seller from Afghanistan, coming to Calcutta to hawk his merchandise and befriending a small Bengali girl – yes, the eponymous story of the Kabuliwala was made into two different films, one in Bengali (1957) and one in Hindi (1961).

Two stalwarts essayed the role of the Kabuliwala, with Chhabi Biswas donning the cap in Bengali and Balraj Sahni in its Hindi make, and both excelled tremendously in delivering a superlative and unforgettable performance.

Suman Ghosh made a film Nobel Chor, starring Mithun Chakraborty, based on the incident of Tagore’s Nobel Award being stolen from Shantiniketan.

Controversial filmmaker Q (Qaushiq Mukherjee) had joined hands with Anurag Kashyap production to makeTasher Desh, a “trippy adaptation” from Tagore’s namesake play and even though it premiered in Rome, November last year; the film is yet to see a theatrical release in India.

Time and again, filmmakers have relied on the genius of Tagore for inspiration and truly, a great story has never failed to inspire. Or as in Tagore’s case; all his works have always inspired generations of Indians.

He lives on, truly and immortally with a vast ocean of work behind him. We look forward to many more films made from his stories as our appetite for them is quite insatiable.

Rabindranath Tagore, Kolkata, Feature Stories, Tollywood Dhamaka Exclusive, Annesh Bilas Thakur

From the Archives of Tollywood Dhamaka: Mrinal Sen turns 91

Posted May 15, 2013 under Event News By Annesh Bilas Thakur

Mrinal Sen turns 91

L

egendary Bengali Filmmaker Mrinal Sen celebrated his 91^st Birthday at his Beltala residence in Kolkata on May 14, 2013.

On this occasion Pratham Photography took the initiative to officially unveil a book, which is an image album on Mrinal Sen, by the legend himself.

A small cake cutting ceremony was organized at his residence by Pratham Photography, Kolkata Today and Tollywood Dhamaka, and the informal gathering was attended by the Sen family, friends, well wishers.

Arindam Sil was present on this occasion and quickly pointed out that the 91 on the cake, when turned the other way appears to be 16! Mrinal Sen nodded in agreement and quickly reversed the cake so as to celebrate turning 16!!

People from various walks of life visited him with flowers and good wishes galore.

While Indian Cinema is 100 years old; Mrinal Sen is 91, just 9 years younger.  No wonder his films are one of the true reflections of the Indian Society.

We salute the legend and wish him good health.

Mrinal Sen, Kolkata, Arindam Sil, Tollywood Dhamaka, Exclusive, Annesh Bilas Thakur

From the Archives of Tollywood Dhamaka: Thumbs Down for Bengali version of Gunday

Posted February 18, 2014 under Special Story By Annesh Bilas Thakur

Tollywood thumbs-down for Bengali version of 'Gunday'

I

n a not so rare act of solidarity, the entire Bengali Film Fraternity stood together to protest against the Bengali dubbed version of Bollywood giant Yash Raj Film's latest release - Gunday.

With actors, producers, technicians all coming together in protest, Tollywood unanimously called for a full ban on "content in another language being dubbed in Bengali".

A committee has been formed to oppose any program or film that belongs in another language and has been dubbed in Bengali, purely for financial reasons. Gunday, is perhaps not a victim but certainly the case in point! Interestingly, this protest was not there when a popular television network started airing a mythological show dubbed in Bengali!!

However, Tollywood veteran Prosenjit Chatterjee, who was present in the committees meeting which took place at Bharat Lakshmi Studios recently, said "It is like a struggle for survival all over again. We have gradually rebuild our industry, and this (films dubbed in Bengali) will only harm us."

Joining Prosenjit Chatterjee, were the likes of Parambrata Chatterjee, Kamaleshwar Mukherjee, Arindam Sil, Rajatava Dutta, Raj Chakrabarty, June Maliah, Sudeshna Roy, Indraadip Dasgupta, Satrajit Sen and many more.

Yash Raj Films however have refused to blink in the face of all the protest and have gone ahead with the theatrical release of Gunday's Bengali Version. Pritam Jalan, the regional distributor of YRF was quoted in a statement saying "Legally we have every right necessary to release the Bengali version and that is why we have gone ahead with it. The film has been doing well if not registering extraordinary business."

Throughout India, the film has done moderate business in it's opening weekend with collections of around Rs. 44 Crores.

Interestingly Arindam Sil, who was the Line Producer for the film's Kolkata chapter, has stood against the film's Bengali version. Our Little Birdie heard him say "The dubbing of the film in Bengali is unacceptable as this will only harm our own Industry!"

Here's hoping no one turns into "Gunday" in all these protests!

Tollywood, Gunday, Yash Raj Films, Bengali dubbed, Protests, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Parambrata Chatterjee, Kamaleshwar Mukherjee, Arindam Sil, Rajatava Dutta, Raj Chakrabarty, June Maliah, Sudeshna Roy, Indraadip Dasgupta, Satrajit Sen, Kolkata, Tollywood Dhamaka, Annesh Bilas Thakur

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Returning to Blog

12/01/2013

Today I make a return to the world of blogging almost a year later and finally I believe I will have more to write on this blog site as I intend to brush up my film review skills via this platform.

Today also marks the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda who undoubtedly is still "modern" and even till date is ahead of the current generation... The Nation's Government has termed this day as "National Youth Day" but really, with almost the entire Youth of this Nation up in anger and protesting the various gender driven atrocities in the Indian Society, one goes on to wonder whether or not in these 150 years anyone has ever truly read or even minutely tried to fathom Swami Vivekananda's teachings.

One may argue that what other way is there to stage protests that will not fall unto deaf ears, but I must ask... whichever way the protest is... will it reach non-deaf ears? Even if it does, will the Youth be really interested in waking up to the Politics, taking the plunge in it and attempting a cleansing of this Country's tarnished image in terms of its flawed system?

Civil Society movements viz the Anna Hazare stir or the Candle Marches against Rape are all seemingly good TV segments for the over populated regional and english language News Channels. When will we stop the marches and actually try to be part of the System? Perhaps never!

Why you ask? Because at the very basic level we were all taught to be fending for ourselves and cuddling up in a ball to defend our own tail and not care for the fellow species? Last day I heard someone say, society and parents teach us these because its dictated by Animal Kingdom... no one sees one raccoon fight for another raccoon's rights.. same with humans from the system infested society like ours. I didn't know how to respond, guess God didn't do the right thing by giving us brains then.

Sad times indeed.

- Annesh Bilas Thakur