Teachers Day Special: Celebs who once shaped lives in classrooms before stepping into showbiz

The impact of teachers is far-reaching, resonating not just in classrooms but also in shaping the destinies of individuals in their professional spheres. While we often think of teachers as unsung heroes, some of them are quite the opposite. In Tollywood, several renowned celebrities have once taken up the noble profession of teaching, even if for a brief period. This Teacher’s Day, we delve into the stories of these celebrities, whose lives have been a blend of showbiz and chalk dust.

Rupam Islam, a celebrated singer and songwriter, spent a portion of his early career teaching at the Government-Sponsored Multipurpose School for Boys, Taki House. Reflecting on his journey, Rupam says he thoroughly enjoyed his time as a teacher. "The pleasure of interacting with young minds was unparalleled," he shares. But what is compelling about his story is how he balanced his twin passions: teaching and singing. "Singing didn't pay well initially, so I needed a stable profession to support my family," he admits. Although he eventually left the traditional classroom, Rupam views his musical career as a continued extension of his teaching. "Through my songs, I am educating hearts and minds 24x7," he says with a twinkle in his eye.

In the case of Somlata Acharyya Chowdhury, another stalwart of the Tollywood music scene, teaching and singing coexisted harmoniously. Somlata, who taught psychology at Asutosh College, says, "I felt a unique sense of elation teaching in the very classroom where I was once a student." She warmly recalls the surreal experience of sharing a staff room with her former professor, adding, "Teaching is an exceptional profession where you can impart wisdom to the next generation." Somlata exudes gratitude towards all her mentors who contributed to her personal and professional growth.

Kaushik Ganguly, a respected director, actor, and scriptwriter, recounts his early career in education. "I was a teacher at St James and St Xavier’s, but my calling was always towards cinema," he admits. Eventually, he made a choice to fully commit to filmmaking. Yet, he believes the essence of teaching never left him. "Even when I'm behind the camera, the teacher in me comes alive," Kaushik says. He also acknowledges the foundational influence his teachers had in making him a good human being, a sentiment he shares with his wife, Churni, also a former teacher.

Sohini Sengupta, a renowned actress and English teacher, offers another perspective. For the last decade, she has been teaching at Baranagar Rajkumari Memorial Girls' High School, and also volunteers her skills at Nandikar and Dumdum Central Jail. "I focus on enhancing emotional intelligence, not just traditional knowledge," she stresses. Sohini treasures her role as a guide and catalyst, helping students unlock their potential. "The art of teaching isn’t just about sticking to a syllabus; it’s about drawing out the best in each individual," she explains.

Bratya Basu, a theatre stalwart, filmmaker and academic, speaks of teaching as a calling that goes hand in hand with his love for drama. From teaching infants to high school students, Basu considers the teaching process as similar to directing a play. "Both require orchestration, teamwork, and the ability to inspire," he says. In his role as a teacher, he felt most rewarded when he took up the challenge of educating students who were academically weaker. "The fulfillment of seeing them succeed is incomparable," he notes. These Bengali celebrities remind us that teaching isn't just a profession; it’s a way of touching lives, molding personalities, and shaping futures. They might have left the traditional classroom behind, but they continue to teach through their art, passion, and public personas. This Teacher’s Day, let us celebrate these unique personalities who, in one way or another, embody the essence of what it means to be a teacher — not just in theory but in the way they live their lives, guiding and enriching us all.