Oscar winning director Satyajit Ray said Chabi Biswas was the greatest Indian actor ever.

After working with many actors Chabi Biswas was considered the greatest actor by Satyajit Ray. Satyajit Ray, the Oscar winning director of Indian films considered Chabi Biswas as the greatest actor ever to have been born in Asian soil. Ray brought the neo-realistic movement in Indian films and when he made a statement about an actor that statement the verdict of Supreme Court judge. In that perspective Ray’s comments about Chabi Biswas in Shamik Banerjee’s interview had justified the fact that Chabi Biswas was the only actor in Indian cinema whose improvisation in a Satyajit Ray film had flabbergasted international audience of US, Canada, France, Germany, etc. Satyajit Ray was known as the greatest perfectionist of his age. His script had each and every dimension relating to the work of the actors and actresses and there was hardly any scope of improvisation. But Chabi Biswas was such a great actor who could hardly be directed, nor guided, as his own innovation relating to the respective role that he played was brilliant by every acting standard. Ray had cast Chabi Biswas in three films Jalsaghar, Debi and Kanchenjungha, and due to his tragic death in 1962, Ray never got the scope of experimenting with the legendary actor in his following films. In Jalsaghar, the character Biswambhar Roy could not have been portrayed by any actor better than Chabi Biswas. It was based on the epic literature of Tarashankar Bandopadhyay, where Ray showed his brilliance in the depiction of Feudal System during Colonial period in Bengal. For Chabi Biswas, aristocracy got predominance in his life as a zamindar, and that dignity, personality, honour could not be sacrificed during his lifetime. As long as Chabi Biswas’s wealth matched with his aristocracy, the zamindar compromised with other aspects of life, but when the upcoming wealthy people in the village like Gangapodo Basu, by becoming rich through business, tried to equate themselves with the dignified landlord, they faced the tassled. Ray admitted, the scene where Chabi Biswas brought baijee (classical singer) from Benaras to perform in his house and Gangapodo Basu tried to give her reward and Chabi Biswas prevented him, the diction, the aristocracy and dignity could only be portrayed by Chabi Biswas. He said a performer can be first rewarded by the host who called her, not the invitee. The scene where Chabi Biswas was told that due to lack of duty paid by the farmers, there was no money to light the jharlonthon, Chabi Biswas went upstairs and showed the photographs of his ancestors whose sacred legacy he carried forward, and that was the scene which shook international audience. Ray once said, had Chabi Biswas been born in US, he would have received Oscar award for his performance in Jalsaghar. Chabi Biswas’s performance in the film Debi, based on the epic literature of Prabhat Mukhpadhay, was unparallel. He almost got the illusion of seeing Goddess Kali in Sharmila Tagore, who was his daughter -in-law. The expression for the belief which was based on devotion to God, was very complex, which could be only played by Chabi Biswas. Ray admitted, that had Chabi Biswas not been there, he would not have made the film at all. In respect of roles having dignified presence, Chabi Biswas could not be replaced. The best example was Kanchenjungha. There Chabi Biswas a rich industrialist. He could not equate others with himself as he had money, power, recognition in society. But Ray experimented with the abstract subject of the greatness of Kanchenjungha creating an impact in the minds of all the passersby including an egoist of the stature of Chabi Biswas. That was the reason when Chabi Biswas called the name of his friend Banerjee, the film ended with the realization. All the films of Satyajit Ray where he exploited the majestic performance of all time great actor Chabi Biswas should be restored and preserved. Lessons of acting and film making cannot be learned in a better than observing the great works of the two giants together.

The nation remembered Oscar winning director Satyajit Ray on death anniversary.

The nation remembered Satyajit Ray on 23rd April, 2021. The nation remembered Satyajit Ray on his death anniversary on 23rd April, 2021

. Not only he was the recipient of the prestigious Oscar awards, he was the path-breaker in Indian films who taught the next-generation the art of story-telling. In 2010, Society had celebrated the 89th birth anniversary of the legendary director by showcasing some of his notable works like ‘Agantuk’, (The Stranger), ‘Jalsaghar’, (The Music Room), ‘Charulata’, (The lonely wife). The films were shown in Cinemax, Metro Big Cinemas and NCPA. After the films were shown, the significance of such films was discussed by Bhawna Somayya, ex-editor of Screen, filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh and film academicians from all across the country. Besides, discussions were held to highlight the contribution of Ray as a writer, an illustrator, an activist of the film society movement and a filmmaker. Internationally acclaimed directors like Shyam Bengal, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, were greatly influenced by Satyajit Ray’s films like Apu Trilogy, Jalsagar, Nayak, Mahanagar, etc., and they themselves became eminent story-tellers of the following period. The use of nature, the birds, and background, and the use of theme music in translating an unknown event to a group of individuals had enchanted the thoughtful directors all across the world. Even directors of the present period like Goutam Ghosh are influenced by the works of Satyajit Ray. He made Abar Aranye which was a sequel to Satyajit Ray’s film Aranyer Dinratri. A personality like Ray could only make a film like Kanchenjungha, where the greatness of the Himalayas overshadowed the ego of a materialistic industrialist played by Satyajit Ray. An important part of Satyajit Ray’s creations include his literature on diverse subjects. While his Sandip Ray had taken the challenge of converting the Feluda Series into feelings, his literature relating to horror-based subject matters, his series of 12 stories are yet to be converted into films. Sandip Ray’s films Bombaier Bombete, Kailashe Kelenkari, Baksho Rahasya, based on epic literature of Ray had got good response from the viewers. But Ray’s brilliant stories in the 12 series like Ebaro Baro, Aro Baro, Ek Dojon Goppo, Aro Ek Dojon, Eker Pite Dui, are yet to see the light of celluloid. Ray’s stories like Khagam, based on the theme of human being converted into a snake, Pterodactyler dim, based on the prehistoric era, Fritze, based on the topic of life in a doll, Asomongobabur Kukur, based on the weird mannerisms of dogs, had bewildered the readers. If such stories are adapted and made into films, the viewers will enjoy them to the brim. The legacy of Ray whether in the form of neo-realistic films like Pather Panchali, or suspense –thriller stories relating to Feluda Series or Professor Shanku, still continues, even 18 years after his death. The stories should be translated in different languages, and films should be preserved and restored.

Saheb Chatterjee touched Satyajit Ray’s Oscar Award.

Eminent actor and singer Saheb Chatterjee came to Sudipa Mukherjee’s show Rannaghar on 24th April, 2012. The show was telecast in Zee Bangla Channel. When Sudipa Mukherjee asked him about his experience in working with Sandip Ray, the son of eminent director Satyajit Ray, he replied with a lot of old memories. He said that he used to go to Satyajit Ray’s house at a very early age. He was the first person to hold the Oscar Award won by Satyajit Ray other than the cleaners who used to clean the house. He acted in Sandip Ray’s film Gupi Bhagha Fire Elo. In that film he played the role of one of the children in the village where the magician Ajit Banerjee was staying. At the end of the film he could not be killed by the magician. The film was based on the story of Satyajit Ray and the role of Gupi and Bagha were played by Tapen Chatterjee and Robi Ghosh once again. Saheb Chatterjee sang Jagjit Singh’s song in the show including “ye daulat bhi lelo ye shaurat bhi lelo”. In the same show Sudipa Mukherjee showed the dish bhetki fish paturi with laupata (the leave of lau tree). Saheb Chatterjee appreciated the dish.

Happy birthday to A.R. Rehman.

A.R. Rehman. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to A.R. Rehman on 6th January, 2012. In 2011, he had been remembered for his brilliant music in the film Rockstar. The viewers are looking forward to better music from him in 2012. AR Rehman’s receiving of Oscar for specific song and background score of the film Slumdog Millionaire had been a reward for the excellent music he had composed in Indian films during the last 15 years. That includes the music for the films in bollywood industry and South Indian industry. The film produced by Anil Kapoor had shown the realistic picture of the reaction of the police department whenever a slumdweller earns huge sum of money after participating in a quiz competition held in a TV Channel. The depiction of the life in a slum is well appreciated by both the intellectual viewers and also the general audience. The background score created by AR Rehman had created theme music for the film. In fact as the film was realistic in nature there was not much scope of creating that many number of songs. In fact the Indians are very happy about the recognition of AR Rehman due to his consistent composition of legendary tunes. AR Rehman had entertained the viewers with his innovative music for more than 15 years. His music in the film Roja, with Arvind Swamy and Madhu astonished the viewers of bollywood films a lot in the early 90s. The songs “roja janeman” and “dil hai chota sa” became super hit in the early 90s. Chitra, Hariharan and other singers contributed very well in the film Roja. AR Rehman’s music in the film Bombay was successful as well. Songs like “tu hi re” sung by Hariharan stormed bollywood films. AR Rehman was sublime in the film Saathiya. Sonu Nigam’s song “saathiya” and other songs of the film were very melodious. A R Rehman was brilliant in Taal. Songs like “ishq bina kya jina”, “rabba jogi” etc. were unique in nature. In 2008, all the tunes of AR Rehman were unique. The songs in the film Jodha Akbar had mughal andaz like the one “khwaja meri khwaja”. In Jane Tu Yaa Jane Na, AR Rehman catered to the tastes of the young crowds. Songs like “pappu cant dance sala”, “kabhi kabhi aditi” were full of energy and rhythm. On the other hand the music in the film Yuvvraaj, was romantic with songs like “tu hi to meri dost hai”, “shanno shanno”. Viewers feel that AR Rehman still has a lot of music left in him. He is expected to do more experiments in the films in future after winning the Oscar award for Slumdog Millionaire.

Happy birthday to AR Rehman.

Happy birthday to AR Rehman.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to AR Rehman, on 6th January, 2011. AR Rehman had remained a master composer in Indians films for more than 15 years. He received Oscar Award for his epic composition “jai ho” in the film Slumdog Millionaire. He is considered probably the best composer of the country at this time.

His variety and versatility had been exhibited with the landmark tunes given in films like Roza, Saathiya, Taal, Bombay, etc. Successful songs under his composition include “sathiya, sathiya” sung by Sonu Nigam in the film Saathiya, “dil hai chotasa choti si asha”, “roza janeman” in the film Roza, “tuhi re” sung by Hari Haran in the film Bombay, “maiya maiya” in the Guru. He had received 7 filmfare awards for the best composer only next to the genius musical duo Shankar Jaikishan who had won it 9 times. The other composers like Shankar – Ehsan – Loy, Vishal Shekhar, Anu Malik, Pritam have special regard for the versatile composer AR Rehman. He created a separate image for himself inspite of strong competition fro the above mentioned composers.

In 2008, AR Rehman gave landmark tunes in most of the films. He was sublime in the film Jane Tu Yaa Jane Na. All the songs “pappu cant dance sala”, “kabhi kabhi aditi”, impressed the teenagers with the catchy numbers.

He was totally different in Subhash Ghai’s venture Yuvvraaj. Gulzar wrote the lyrics of the film and the combination of Subhash Ghai, Gulzar and AR Rehman created magic. The songs “tu muskura”, “shano shano”, “mastam mastam” sung by Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal and other popular singers had created a lasting impact inspite of the mediocre business of the film. In fact AR Rehman compelled Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor and others to work harder for giving lips in the songs created for the respective film.

AR Rehman was even brilliant in Amir Khan’s film Ghajini. Although the film was related to the revenge that was taken by Amir Khan after his girlfriend was killed by his enemies. Sonu Nigam’s song “hai guzarish” stormed the bollywood audience even before the release of the film.

AR Rehman had been so versatile that his music in one film never matched with the music of the other film. His composition in the film Dil Se, titled “chal chaiya chaiya” sung by Sukhwinder Singh and picturised on Shahrukh Khan was totally different from the composition in the film Taal, titled “ishq bina kya jeena”, picturised on Aishwarya Rai.

Again his composition for the film Roza titled “dil hai chota sa” sung by Chitra and picturised on Madhu was totally different from the song “saathiya, saathiya” in the film Saathiya sung by Sonu Nigam and picturised on Vivek Oberoi. He had blended western tune with Indian classical music. He also composed successful music in South Indian films.

He had done experiments in the film Dilli 6, with songs like “massakali”, Jane Tu Ya Jane Na with songs like “nazren churana”, etc.

The viewers expect him to make more experiments in Indian films in the years to come.

AR Rehman's Oscar rewarded his brilliant work for the last 5 years

AR Rehman’s Oscar rewarded his brilliant work for the last 15 years.

AR Rehman’s receiving of Oscar for specific song and background score of the film Slumdog Millionaire had been a reward for the excellent music he had composed in Indian films during the last 15 years. That includes the music for the films in bollywood industry and South Indian industry.

The film produced by Anil Kapoor had shown the realistic picture of the reaction of the police department whenever a slumdweller earns huge sum of money after participating in a quiz competition held in a TV Channel. The depiction of the life in a slum is well appreciated by both the intellectual viewers and also the general audience.

The background score created by AR Rehman had created theme music for the film. In fact as the film was realistic in nature there was not much scope of creating that many number of songs. In fact the Indians are very happy about the recognition of AR Rehman due to his consistent composition of legendary tunes.

AR Rehman had entertained the viewers with his innovative music for more than 15 years. His music in the film Roja, with Arvind Swamy and Madhu astonished the viewers of bollywood films a lot in the early 90s. The songs “roja janeman” and “dil hai chota sa” became super hit in the early 90s. Chitra, Hariharan and other singers contributed very well in the film Roja.

AR Rehman’s music in the film Bombay was successful as well. Songs like “tu hi re” sung by Hariharan stormed bollywood films. AR Rehman was sublime in the film Saathiya. Sonu Nigam’s song “saathiya” and other songs of the film were very melodious. A R Rehman was brilliant in Taal. Songs like “ishq bina kya jina”, “rabba jogi” etc. were unique in nature.

In 2008, all the tunes of AR Rehman were unique. The songs in the film Jodha Akbar had mughal andaz like the one “khwaja meri khwaja”. In Jane Tu Yaa Jane Na, AR Rehman catered to the tastes of the young crowds. Songs like “pappu cant dance sala”, “kabhi kabhi aditi” were full of energy and rhythm.

On the other hand the music in the film Yuvvraaj, was romantic with songs like “tu hi to meri dost hai”, “shanno shanno”. Viewers feel that AR Rehman still has a lot of music left in him. He is expected to do more experiments in the films in future after winning the Oscar award for Slumdog Millionaire.