As the World celebrates his 92nd birthday, including Google who
created a special doodle based on his epic film Pather Panchali, I look
back at my childhood to figure out how I fell in love with this person
or rather his work!I was gifted Satyajit Ray's Sonar Kella (from Feluda series) when I was around 10 years old and that was the beginning of my relationship with his works. One book led to another till I finished the whole set of Feluda series. His writing is magnetic because of its simplicity, precision in details (the location of the case, characteristics of the character, etc) and the complexity of the case dealt with such ease! One can 'experience' the moments of the book. The writing also appealed because of the realistic elements--- the protagonist and his companions travelling in sleeper class, riding on rickshaws, eating typical Bengali food, etc...
And then began the love of his films, that of course began with Goopi Gayen Bagha Bayen, followed by Hirok Rajar Desh and Goopi Bagha Phire Elo! The most popular children's film, also equally loved by elders! The simplistic rural backdrop and two young innocent men shunned out their villages due to their love of music meet each other and meet the king of ghosts. This king then grants them their three wishes--unlimited food, travel and ability to charm with their music---- now, that is the sheer brilliance of the director who is also the script writer! Why you may ask--- well, he easily captured the three wishes that any Bong would love to have!
These films not only had unparalleled creativity whether it be in the sets, dialogues written in a poetic form, the music and lyrics, costumes, and the list goes on--- but also taught the audience! In Hirok Rajar Deshe, the message of worker rights and defeating the imperialist regime (symbolised through the King's character).
His adaptation of well known works like Apu Triology, Charulata, Teen Kanya are all masterpieces. I think his respect for such legendary stories clearly reflects in the films he made!
Another commendable achievement is his ability to create women-centric films, the characters have their own mind, with a strong sense of identity. He managed to exhibit their dynamism, desires and thoughts, thus, defying stereotyping them. I think very few Directors have managed to accomplish this.
I can go on and on about this legend, I never met and whose works has left me mesmerised and spell bound!
You will live forever! :)
