Ahead of Satyajit Ray’s 105th birth anniversary, actors recall working with the legend

KOLKATA: Ahead of Ray’s 105th birth anniversary, some of his actors and crew recalled their experience of working with the legend, at an event on Monday, organized by Heritage Bengal Global Connect, a diaspora organisation of 73 countries across the globe, heaquartered in London, the at the British Club located in the premises of the British deputy high commission in Kolkata.“It’s belated celebration of the Bengali New Year. Since we are nearer to Ray’s birthday (May 2), it was most appropriate to felicitate Feluda’s Topshey Siddhartha Chatterjee. The greatest proof of Ray’s relevance is that youngsters are still watching Sonar Kella (which turns 52 this year,” said Anirban Mukhopadhyay of UK-based diaspora organization Heritage Bengal Global Connect. Andrew Fleming, British deputy high commissioner to East and Northeast India said: “As we celebrate Satyajit Ray’s timeless Sonar Kella, we are reminded of the strong living bridge between Bengal and the UK. Initiatives like these by Heritage Bengal Global Connect are vital in strengthening these people-to-people links, which sit naturally alongside the ambitions of the UK-India Vision 2035—bringing culture, commerce and collaboration closer than ever.” Sitting beside him at the British Club was “Topshe”, who has aged gracefully: “My experience working with jethu (Satyajit Ray) was great. One had to meet him to know what he was made of. After Sonar Kella, I frequently visited him, because I started enjoying his company. There are so many things I remember about him. Like never speaking a word in Bengali when he was speaking English and vice versa. I don’t think I can refuse any occasion related to Ray.” Thespian Ashok Mukherjee (85), who acted in Sonar Kella, said, “We live in the Ray era. After Tagore, he was the greatest flag bearer of Bengali cultural arena.”Also present was the son and grandson of the Sound Engineer of the movie- Samir Majumdar- the grandson Soumyajit is an acclaimed film director/ producer now, his most recent film being Debi Choudhurani.