Use of Subodh Ghosh's literature in Bollywood and Bengali films.

Use of Subodh Ghosh’s literature in Bollywood and Bengali films.

Born in 1909, Subodh Ghosh was considered another “kathashilpi”, an artist of words, after Sarat Chandra Chatterji. Born in Harazibag, he studied in St. Columbus College. He travelled to East Africa to work as contractor’s worker. He accompanied Gandhiji in riot-torn Noakhali at the eve of independence. In late 30s he joined Anandabazar Patrika at Calcutta. The University of Calcutta honored him with prestigious Jagattarini Gold Medal.

He rose to fame with his brilliant work Bharat Prem Katha. His stories had been converted in cine-classics both in bollywood and Bengali films. His story based on collusion of aristocracy and business interests against common man was used by Bimal Roy to make the film Anjangarh in 1948. His story Ajantrik, an abstract theme relating to relationship of human being with a car, was given expression by award winning director Hrithik Ghatak in 1958. Kali Banerjee stormed Bengali audience with his compassionate performance.

In 1959, Bimal Roy used Subodh Ghosh’s classic literature Sujata, where Nutan provided lifetime performance in the role of outcast woman who loved a Brahmin boy played by Sunil Dutt. The film received critical acclamation. Subodh Ghosh won the award for the best story writer for Sujata. Ajoy Kar’s romantic blockbuster Suno Boro Nari in 1960 stormed Bengali audience. Uttam Kumar’s character of Bengali Professor who was humiliated after his student giving assurance of marriage, marrying a wealthy person, and who resided in Giridih in the disguise of homeopathic doctor touched the souls of middle-class bengalies. His submissiveness before the dignified Barrister Udashin played by Chabi Biswas created a new dimension in the history of cine-classic. Supriya Choudhury, the daughter of Chabi Biswas deserted her house to embrace Uttam Kumar, when he was at the verge of leaving Giridih in a train. Subodh Ghosh’s words had entered the veins and arteries of sensitive viewers.

Tapan Sinha’s epic film Jodugriha shook the Bengali audience in 1964 with the brilliant story of Subodh Ghosh. Uttam Kumar and Arundhuti Debi’s sacred relationship which got fragmented due to lack of children touched the Bengali audience. Both respected each other even after separation, and the last travel in two separate train bifurcating each other tantalized the viewers with the message of eternal realization. The character artists in film including Anil Chatterji, Bikash Roy displayed their level of excellence in their respective roles. The power packed of performance in Tapan Sinha’s film inspired Gulzar to make Ijaazat, with Naseeruddin Shah and Rekha but the film did not receive similar level of critical acclamation like Jotugriha.

His story Parashuramer Khutar was used by noted filmmaker Nabendu Chatter for making his classic film where Arun Mukherjee played the role of tanga-owner who could not dream about the means of transport with which he earned his livelihood. His story Teen Adhyay was used in Uttam Kumar’s successful film in late 60s. Tarun Majumdar used his story in the film Thagini where Utpal Dutta played a landmark role relating to revenge being taken against a cheat in Kolkata. It is difficult to highlight the immortal stories of Subodh Ghosh in a small article as he was the inspiration of landmark writers of following age including Bimal Kar.