Soumitra Chatterjee
Soumitra Chatterjee, the most brilliant actor Bengali Movie Industry ever produced, was born on 19th January, 1935 at Mirjapore. He is the son of proud parent Mohit Kumar Chottopadhyay and Ashalata Devi. Soumitra has two brothers and one sister. Sombit, Soumitra, Anuradha, Abhijit in order. He grew up in Krishnanagar where his father used to work. Mohit Kumar Chottopadhyay was a famous lawyear of his time. He was jailed for participating in freedom fight. Famous personalities such as Subhash Chandra Basu, Ani Basant, Sorojini Naidu, Dr. Rajendra Prasad were friends of Mohit Kumar Chattopadhyay and used to visit his home. Kazi Nazrul Islam and Dilip Kumar were very close to Mohit Kumar Chottopadhyay.
Soumitra Chatterjee never paid too much attention to tradional education. He has received his early education from C.M.M. St John School in Krishnonagar. Due to his father’s (Mohit Kumar Chattopadhay)transferable job, young Soumitra had to change his school several times. Later, he joined Barasat Government high School , from where he has to take transfer to Howrah Government School. He even had to study few years at Darjeeling High School. But he completed his matriculation from Howrah High School. Later he completed I.S.C in 1953. After this, he joined the well known City College in Kolkata and completed his graduation in Bengali Honours. Although he had joined Calcutta University for M.A. but he was unable to appear for the exam.
Soumitra Chatterjee is one the most internationally acknowledged actors in the arena of Bengali Cinema due to his numerous works with Satyajit Ray. Born on 19th January 1935 in Kolkata , he has received his early education from C.M.M. St John School in Krishnonagar. Due to his father’s (Mohit Kumar Chattopadhay)transferable job, young Soumitra had to change his school several times. Later, he joined Barasat Government high School , from where he has to take transfer to Howrah Government School. He even had to study few years at Darjeeling High School. But he completed his matriculation from Howrah High School. After this, he joined the well known City College in Kolkata and completed his graduation in Bengali Honours. Although he had joined Calcutta University for M.A. but he was unable to appear for the exam.
While he was doing his M.A, he got a job offer from Indo-Nepal Trading Corporation. He started his first job with 250 rupees a month. Within short time, he got a chance to work as a Radio announcer. After accepting the job, he stopped his studies. In 1960, he got married.
Soumitra has worked under Sishir Kumar Bhaduri, so he was never much interested in Bengali Movies. However, the landmark movie “Pather Panchali” made a very strong impact on Soumitra Chatterjee. Somehow he got a chance to meet Satyajit Roy at his home on Lake Temple Road while he was with his friend Arun Chowdhury. Satyajit Ray was looking for a charecter for “Aparajito“. As the role was not suitable for his age, Soumitra didn’t got chance to act in that film. However, in the very next year (1957), Satyajit Ray offered him the role of Apu for his movie “Apur Sansar” (final film of Apu Trilogy). With the superb performance in the legendary film, Soumitra Chatterjee started his career in Bengali Movies. He is probably the only person who is suitable for Tagore Classicss. Moreover, he had potrayed the character of Feluda in Satyajit Ray’s thrillers in Sonar Kella (1974), Joy Baba Felunath (1979). He had also worked with noted directors like Mrinal Sen in Akas Kusum, Pratinidhi, Tapan Sinha in Jhinder Bandi, Khudita Pasan, Tarun Majumder in Ganadevota (1979). He has participated in Berlin Film Festival for his performance in Charulata. He has also traveled worldwide for his play “Tiktiki”. Other than films, he was associated with theatre. He had the extraordinary fortune to be trained under the legendary stage personalities like Sisir Kumar Bhaduri and his performance as Suresh in “Prafulla” was still considered to be a landmark in his career. He is a well known figure in the world of Bengali poetry recitation and has lent his voice for many documentaries. He is truly a versatile genius who has books of poems in his credit. Even, he has directed many theatres, plays and one telefilm.
Who is bigger and better? Uttam Kumar or Soumitra Chatterjee? Every bengali spend their youth debating on the issue which has not yet been settled.
Recently Soumitra Chatterjee has completed 50 years of his career in Cinema. Still we do not celebrate him much over the media. Nobody talks about the legendary person. We, the members of Calcutta Tube offering our respect to Soumitra Chatterjee with this post.
In 1970 and 1972 , he was awarded the coveted Padmashri but he renounced it both times. He has been felicitated by several institutions for his contribution to Bengali Cinema. Soumitra has also received ‘The Officier des Arts et Metiers’ from France. Recently, the title “PadmaBhusan “ has been conferred to him by the Government of India. In 1995 , he got the Lifetime Achievement award from FilmFare. In 2008, he was given National Award for best actor for his performance in Padakhep.
Soumitra Chatterjee is still working on Bengali Films. 10:10, Anubhab, Jakhan Esechilam, Megh Brishtir Khela, Pakhi are some of his movies waiting to be released soon.
Watch some of Video Intervies/Songs/Documentaries on Soumitra Chatterjee
2. Apur Sansar Manuscript
3. Apur Sansar Final Scene
4. Song from ASAMAPTO
5. Apur Sansar – Domestic Life
6. Ei Sohor Theke Aaro Onek Dure : Soumitra with Tanuja, Singer Manna Dey
7. Hoyto Tomari Jonno: Soumitra, Singer Manna Dey (Film: Tin Bhuboner Paare)
Filmography:
Actor
- 10:10 (Unreleased) 2008
- Anubhab (Unreleased) 2008
- Jakhan Esechhilem (Unreleased) 2008
- Megh Brishti Khela (Unreleased) 2008
- Pakhi (Unreleased) 2008
- Rangamati 2008
- Tomar Jonyo 2008
- Balligunge Court 2007
- Chander Bari 2007
- Jara Bristite Bhijechhilo 2007
- Krishnakanter Will 2007
- Minister Fatakesto 2007
- Padakhep 2007
- The Bong Connection 2007
- 15 Park Avenue 2006
- Asha 2006
- Bhalobasar Anek Naam 2006
- M.L.A. Fatakesto 2006
- Samayer Chhayaguli 2006
- Krantikal 2005
- Mantra 2005
- Nishijapon 2005
- Adhikar 2004
- Akritagno 2004
- Ami Je Ke Tomar 2004
- Anurag 2004
- Debipaksha 2004
- Kuyasha 2004
- Abar Aranye 2003
- Arjun Aamar Naam 2003
- Bhalo Theko 2003
- Biswasghatak 2003
- Hemanter Pakhi 2003
- Jua 2003
- Ke Apon Ke Par 2003
- Patalghar 2003
- Anamni Angana 2002
- Bor Kone 2002
- Doityo 2002
- Ferari Fouj 2002
- Gandharbi 2002
- Haraner Natjamai 2002
- Jiban Yuddha 2002
- Sanjhbatir Rupkathara 2002
- Bhalobasar Rajprasade 2001
- Cancer 2001
- Chupi Chupi 2001
- Churiwala 2001
- Dekha 2001
- Durga 2001
- Ebong Tumi Aar Ami 2001
- Etai Swarga 2001
- Guru Shisya 2001
- Jabab Chai 2001
- Prem Pratigya 2001
- Sud Asal 2001
- Aamader Janani 2000
- Apan Holo Par 2000
- Bastir Meye Radha 2000
- Didi Aamar Maa 2000
- Ei Ghar Ei Sansar 2000
- Gariber Sansar 2000
- Kalankini Badhu 2000
- Kulangar 2000
- Mrs. Universe 2000
- Paromitar Ekdin 2000
- Satyi Ei To Jibon 2000
- Asukh 1999
- Atmiyoswajan 1999
- Daye Dayitya 1999
- Kanchanmala 1999
- Madhu Malati 1999
- Niyoti 1999
- Santan Jakhan Satru 1999
- Satyam Shivam Sundaram 1999
- Sei To Abar Kachhe Ele 1999
- Shatru Mitra 1999
- Swamir Ghar 1999
- Tomay Pabo Bole 1999
- Ajab Ganyer Ajab Katha 1998
- Baba Keno Chakar 1998
- Chowdhury Paribar 1998
- Gharer Lakshmi 1998
- Lola Luci 1998
- Putra Badhu 1998
- Ranakshetra 1998
- Sanghat 1998
- Bahurupa 1997
- Chandragrahan 1997
- Kalratri 1997
- Maan Apaman 1997
- Pabitra Papi 1997
- Samadhan 1997
- Saptami 1997
- Sarbajaya 1997
- Lathi 1996
- Mahan 1996
- Puja 1996
- Sopan 1996
- Bhagya Debata 1995
- Boumoni 1995
- Kakababu Herey Gelen 1995
- Kumari Maa 1995
- Mashal 1995
- Mejo Bou 1995
- Shesh Pratiksha 1995
- Ujan 1995
- Gajamukta 1994
- Phiriye Dao 1994
- Shesh Chithi 1994
- Uttoran 1994
- Wheel Chair 1994
- Mon Manena 1993
- Pashanda Pandit 1993
- Prajapati 1993
- Purashkar 1993
- Samparka 1993
- Antardhan 1992
- Monikanchan 1992
- Rakte Lekha 1992
- Shakha Prashakha 1992
- Abhagini 1991
- Ek Pasla Brishti 1991
- Mahaprithibi 1991
- Path O Prasad 1991
- Abhimanyu 1990
- Apan Aamar Apan 1990
- Chetana 1990
- Ekhane Aamar Swarga 1990
- Ekti Jiban 1990
- Ganasatru 1990
- Manasi 1990
- Aamar Shapath 1989
- Maryada 1989
- Shatarupa 1989
- Agaman 1988
- Agnisanket 1988
- Agun 1988
- Debi Baran 1988
- Pratik 1988
- Nyay Adhikar 1987
- Achena Mukh 1986
- Atanka 1986
- Basundhara 1986
- Koni 1986
- Shyam Saheb 1986
- Urbashi 1986
- Baikunther Will 1985
- Ghare Baire 1985
- Sandhya Pradip 1985
- Tagari 1985
- Amargeeti 1984
- Lal Golap 1984
- Simantarag 1984
- Agradai 1983
- Chena Achena 1983
- Indira 1983
- Bijoyini 1982
- Khelar Putul 1982
- Matir Swarga 1982
- Preyasi 1982
- Rasamoyeer Rasikata 1982
- Father 1981
- Nyay Anyay 1981
- Pratihsodh 1981
- Darpachurna 1980
- Gharer Baire Ghar 1980
- Hirak Rajar Deshe 1980
- Pankhiraj 1980
- Debdas 1979
- Ganadabata 1979
- Job Charnaker Bibi 1979
- Joy Baba Felunath 1979
- Nouka Dubi 1979
- Nadi Theke Sagare 1978
- Pranoypasha 1978
- Babumasai 1977
- Mantramugdha 1977
- Pratima 1977
- Datta 1976
- Nandita 1976
- Sudur Niharika 1976
- Chhutir Phande 1975
- Nishimrigaya 1975
- Sansar Simante 1975
- Asati 1974
- Jadi Jantem 1974
- Sangini 1974
- Sonar Kella 1974
- Agnibhramar 1973
- Ashani Sanket 1973
- Basanta Bilap 1973
- Bilet Pherat 1973
- Epaar Opaar 1973
- Natun Diner Alo 1973
- Nishikanya 1973
- Sesh Pristhay Dekhun 1973
- Aparna 1972
- Jiban Saikate 1972
- Stree 1972
- Khuje Berai 1971
- Malyadan 1971
- Sansar 1971
- Aleyar Alo 1970
- Aranyer Din Ratri 1970
- Padmagolap 1970
- Pratham Kadam Phul 1970
- Aparichito 1969
- Chena Achena 1969
- Parineeta 1969
- Tin Bhubaner Pare 1969
- Baghini 1968
- Parishodh 1968
- Ajana Shapath 1967
- Hathat Dekha 1967
- Mahasweta 1967
- Prastar Swakshar 1967
- Joradighir Chowdhury Paribar 1966
- Kanchkata Heere 1966
- Monihar 1966
- Akash Kusum 1965
- Baksha Badal 1965
- Ek-i Ange Eto Rup 1965
- Ektuku Basa 1965
- Kapurush Mahpurush 1965
- Kapurush-O-Mahapurush 1965
- Ayananta 1964
- Charulata 1964
- Kinu Gowalar Gali 1964
- Pratinidhi 1964
- Barnali 1963
- Saat Pake Badha 1963
- Sesh Prahar 1963
- Abhijan 1962
- Agun 1962
- Atal Jaler Ahwan 1962
- Benarasi 1962
- Shasti 1962
- Jhinder Bandi 1961
- Punshcha 1961
- Swaralipi 1961
- Swayambara 1961
- Teen Kanya 1961
- Debi 1960
- Kshudita Pashan 1960
- Apur Sansar 1959
Resources:
I love Soumitra Chaterjee,he’s one of the greatest actors of all times.His screen presence is well comparable to the likes of Brando and Peck. He’ll remain the finest actor that India has ever produced,and if only he would have been able to let his talent shine even more in the west,then the world would be acquainted even more with his genius.