The ancestral home of legendary Bengali filmmaker Ritwik Kumar Ghatak in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, has been reduced to rubble, sparking outrage among local residents and cultural activists.Situated in the Ghoramara neighbourhood, the house where Ghatak spent his formative years was demolished, leaving nothing but debris.News of the demolition on Wednesday drew filmmakers to the site, where they confronted authorities from the neighbouring Rajshahi Homoeopathic Medical College, accused of orchestrating the destruction, reports Daily Star.
The contractor responsible for the demolition claimed it was done under the college's orders.However, the college principal denied any involvement, suggesting that former students were behind the act.
Ghatak, a towering figure in global cinema, spent his early life in this home, attending Rajshahi's prestigious Collegiate School and Rajshahi College. It was here that he edited the literary magazine Abhidhara and led local theatre movements. His niece, renowned writer Mahasweta Devi, also lived in this house during her time in Rajshahi.
Tensions escalated at the site as filmmakers and journalists demanded answers from the college. The principal denied direct responsibility, claiming unknown individuals carried out the demolition.Nevertheless, labourers at the scene confirmed they had been hired by the college to clear the site.Determined to preserve Ghatak's legacy, local filmmakers formed a human chain and demanded justice. They met with Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shamim Ahmed, who promised a full investigation.
Filmmaker Mohammad Tauqir Islam, speaking to the media, condemned the demolition, saying, "In 2019, part of Ritwik Ghatak's home was destroyed for a bicycle garage. Now, they've wiped out the entire structure. This is unacceptable, and we demand justice."
Ritwik Ghatak, born on November 4, 1925, in Dacca, Bengal Presidency, British India (now Dhaka, Bangladesh), was a pioneering filmmaker, screenwriter, and intellectual whose influence on Indian cinema endures. Ghatak is celebrated as one of the most distinguished Indian directors of the 20th century, alongside Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen.
His work is known for its profound engagement with social and political issues, particularly the trauma of Partition and the struggles of the displaced.
Ghatak's most recognized films include ‘Meghe Dhaka Tara’ (The Cloud-capped Star) (1960), ‘Komal Gandhar’ (1961), ‘Subarnarekha’ (1965), and ‘Titash Ekti Nodir Naam’ (1973). His groundbreaking film ‘Jukti Takko Aar Gappo’ (Reason, Debate, and a Story) (1974) stands as a testament to his vision and artistry, blending narrative storytelling with a critical examination of society.
A professor at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Ghatak mentored a generation of filmmakers. Beyond film, he wrote numerous short stories, plays, and articles on cinema, leaving a lasting legacy in both academic and artistic circles.He died on February 6, 1976, in Calcutta, West Bengal, India. (UNI)<>