Somak Mukherjee: In Memorium

Somak Mukherjee - the young cinematographer who was behind the success of many of the recent Bangla films, who gave them a distinct identity, a special feel, by having contributed in a major way as the man wielding the camera and the canning the shots with the lenses - is no more!
On Saturday, April 23, this talented 35-year old was killed in a motorcycle accident, right in front of his home. He was riding pillion and was hit by a car from behind.
Somak Mukherjee had done the cinematography of several Bangla films (even a few Hindi films), some of which are:
Herbert,
033,
Iti Mrinalini,
and Le Chhakka.

May his soul rest in peace.

"033"

"Iti Mrinalini"

"Iti Mrinalini"

"Le Chhakka"

The Hottest Heroine Right Now: Srabanti

The hottest heroine of Bangla films, right now, is definitely Srabanti.


Srabanti had started out her acting career rather early, as a child artiste, she had a big break as a heroine opposite Jeet, in the movie "Champion", but then she took a hiatus as she got married and family became her big responsibility. However, she has resurfaced, thankfully, to the delight of all her fans, and has been ruling the roost with her films enjoying box-office success of late.

Happy Birthday, Madam Sen

Suchitra Sen - the grand beauty icon of Bangla cinema was born on this very day.

Here's a list of my favorite Suchitra Sen films (only Bangla films):

1. Shapmochan (1955)
2. Sagarika (1956)
3. Shilpi (1956)
4. Harano Sur (1957)
5. Pathe Holo Deri (1957)
6. Jeeban Trishna (1957)
7. Rajlakshmi O Srikanta (1958)
8. Surya Toron (1958)
9. Indrani (1958)
10. Dweep Jwele Jaai (1959)
11. Chaaowa Paaowa (1959)
12. Hospital (1960)
13. Saptapadi (1961)
14. Saat Paake Baandha (1963)
15. Uttar Phalguni (1963)
16. Grihadaaha (1967)
17. Kamallata (1969)
18. Aalo Aamaar Aalo (1972)
19. Haar Maana Haar (1972)
20. Debi Chowdhurani (1974)
21. Datta (1976)

Soumitra Chatterjee - the living legend

Soumitra Chatterjee received the Best Supporting Actor Award for 'Angshumaner Chhobi' at the 54th Asia Pacific Film Festival in Taiwan. As he couldnt attend the festival due to illness, the award was sent to his residence yesterday.
Soumitra Chatterjee can truly be described as the living legend of Bangla Cinema. Having started out with the films of Satyajit Ray, and having starred in umpteen films that merit distinction both for their content and his individual performance, the stalwart has contributed more than anyone else to Bangla Cinema. Here's wishing him good health and a happy life.

'Autograph': Revisiting 'Nayak'

"Autograph" - directed by Srijit Mukherjee was a majot success story for meaningful Bangla cinema last year.


Prosenjit Chatterjee plays the matinee idol Arun Chatterjee in the film.



The film also stars Indraneil Sengupta, Nandana Sen, Biswajit Chakraborty, Dwijen Banerjee, and Pijush Ganguly. Dhruv Mukherjee and Sohini Pal have cameo roles as well. 

Ankush

Ankush

Dev/Deb/Deepak

Dev (pronounced Deb, in Bengali, and originally called Deepak Adhikary, before joining films) rules the roost in Tollygunge, as the romantic cum action hero in mainstream Bangla films.
This star has tasted stupendous success within a very short time.
His popularity with the masses is largely on account of his beefy looks, paired quite paradoxically with a baby-face and a sweet, toothy smile.

Dev's first film was a gory revenge saga named Agnishapath, where he was noticed but not taken seriously as the film was a bad rehash. His next film, I Love You, was a blockbuster. It was followed by films like Premer Kahini, Mon Maane Na, Challenge, Paran Jaay Joliya Re, Dujone, Balo Na Tumi Aamaar, Le Chhakka, Dui Prithibi, and Sedin Dekha Hoyechhilo, most of which have raked in decent profits for the producers.

Becoming the box-office favorite is not a mean feat. However, Dev has a long way to go to be reckoned as a competent actor. His dialogue delivery and pronunciation leave a lot to be desired. His limitations as an actor is too evident in the dramatic scenes. However, his good looks, especially his physique and height, and his dancing skills are of great advantage. His power-packed dance routines are strike a chord with the masses, especially with young boys and girls. In films like Chirodni Tumi Je Aamaar and Jackpot, Dev's special appearances (item numbers) have been a bonus attraction for his fans, and hence a major draw. I am sure, he'll go a long way, provided he shows some panache as a sensible actor. Even directors like Rituparno Ghosh and Aparna Sen have admitted to be floored by Dev's charms as a male lead.