Book on legendary actor Soumitra Chatterjee released

Kolkata: Soumitra Chatterjee: A Life in Cinema, Theatre, Poetry & Painting, a book written by Arjun Sengupta and Partha Mukherjee and published by Niyogi Books was recently released virtually.This book explores the making of Soumitra Chatterjee through his early years and his relationships with Sisir Bhaduri and Satyajit Ray.

His 14 films with Ray are a testament to his versatility and virtuosity. As an actor he refused to settle in a comfortable groove and constantly looked out for fresh challenges, the book notes.

Throughout his theatrical career, he not only adapted and directed several acclaimed plays but kept returning to the stage for sustenance and inspiration.

His poetry and art are more personal and offer an insight into his idealistic and cultured soul.

Analysing the most important roles of his career, and charting the single-minded dedication and passion that he brought to each one of them, this work reflects on Soumitra Chatterjee’s stardom and longevity in an industry that saw great changes during his lifetime.

Featuring 70 unique photographs, the book is a visual treat and illuminates the versatile facets of a towering artist—a Renaissance man—who along with Ray, brought Bengal to the cinematic world.The authors Arjun Sengupta and Partha Mukherjee said and were also on board during the release.

Amidst the devastation wreaked by COVID-19 the world over, and the tragic news of Soumitra Chatterjee’s demise, the book authorized by him through a series of interviews to our authors, could not be handed over as the moments slipped by, said Director Niyogi Books Trisha De Niyogi
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The book was in the last stage of production when Mr Soumitra Chatterjee was admitted to the hospital.Author Arjun Sengupta said, ‘When sometimes things when got too difficult, Soumitra Chatterjee like the character Kshid da from his film Kony would tell himself to fight. “Fight, Kony, fight!” And isn’t that a wonderful measure of how real he made his characters that the artist could turn to his creation for inspiration.Author Partha Mukherjee reminisced, ‘Soumitra’s portrayals had always been marked by a rare honesty towards his craft.’(UNI)