Bhanu Bandopadhyay
Encyclopedia
Bhanu Bandyopadhyay also known as Bhanu Banerjee
, was a Bengali actor and comedian. He acted in over 300 movies, in numerous plays and performed frequently on the radio.
, Dhaka
. Having studied at St. Gregory's High School (Dhaka) followed by Jagannath College
(Dhaka), he moved to Calcutta in the 40's. In his initial years Bandyopadhyay worked at the Steel Control Board.
Dhakar Gadoane. Its success prompted him to release a new record every year during Durga Puja
. Bandyopadhyay's breakthrough film role was in Nirmal Dey's Basu Parivar (1952) where he played a Bangal businessman. The next year his role as Kedar in Share Chuattar made him into a star. His line in the film "Mashima malpo khamu" (Aunty, I want malpo
) became a popular catchphrase. He went on to act in over 300 movies like Bhrantibilash and Pasher Bari. In most of his films he played comedic roles in which he exaggerated Bengali accents and mannerisms for comic effect. He teamed up with his best friend comedian Jahor Roy
for many films like Bhanu Pelo Lottery
and the humorous detective story Bhanu Goenda Johar Assistant. Typically, in the pair's films Bandyopadhyay would take the role of the Bangal
and Roy would be the comical Ghoti
character. Although chiefly known as a comedian, Bandyopadhyay played serious roles in the films Galpa Holeo Satyi
, Buro kaku, Chhabi jethu, and Tapan kaku. He also played the lead roles in Jomaloyer Jibonto Manus, Personal Assistant, Miss Priyambada and Ashite Asio na. Later in his career Bandyopadhyay founded his own Jatra group called Mukto Mancha. He produced, directed and acted in his own productions, traveling around the country with the troupe.
Bandyopadhyay died of a heart-related illness on 4 March 1983. He left behind his wife, former playback singer
Nilima Mukhopadhyay, and their three children, Basabi Ghatak (née
Bandyopadhyay), Gautam and Pinaki.
On 26 August 2011 Bandyopadhyay's lost film Nirdharito Shilpir Onupasthitite (1959) will be released on DVD. Gautam Bandyopadhyay, his son, has confirmed the release which will coincide with his father's 91st birth anniversary.
Banerjee
Banerjee or Bandyopadhyay is a prevalent brahmin surname in the Bengal region of India. The name is also spelt Bannerjee, Banerji, Bonnerjee and Bandopadhyaya by different families.-History:...
, was a Bengali actor and comedian. He acted in over 300 movies, in numerous plays and performed frequently on the radio.
Early life
He was born as Samyamoy Bandyopadhyay on 26 August 1920 at BikrampurBikrampur
Bikrampur pargana is situated 12 miles south of Dhaka, the modern-day capital of Bangladesh. It lies in the Munshiganj District of Bangladesh. It is a historic region in Bengal. The region is famous for its early Buddhist scholarships and in the later period for its cultural influences...
, Dhaka
Dhaka
Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and the principal city of Dhaka Division. Dhaka is a megacity and one of the major cities of South Asia. Located on the banks of the Buriganga River, Dhaka, along with its metropolitan area, had a population of over 15 million in 2010, making it the largest city...
. Having studied at St. Gregory's High School (Dhaka) followed by Jagannath College
Jagannath University
Jagannath University is a government-financed public university in Sadarghat, Dhaka the capital of Bangladesh. Jagannath University is in the southern part of Dhaka city near the river Buriganga.-History:...
(Dhaka), he moved to Calcutta in the 40's. In his initial years Bandyopadhyay worked at the Steel Control Board.
Career
He started his acting career as a stand-up comedian in Dhaka, giving performances at office parties and then moving on to larger venues. In 1943, he released his first major comic gramophone recordGramophone record
A gramophone record, commonly known as a phonograph record , vinyl record , or colloquially, a record, is an analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove...
Dhakar Gadoane. Its success prompted him to release a new record every year during Durga Puja
Durga Puja
Durga puja ; দুর্গা পূজা,ଦୁର୍ଗା ପୂଜା,‘Worship of Durga’), also referred to as Durgotsava ; , is an annual Hindu festival in South Asia that celebrates worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. It refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and...
. Bandyopadhyay's breakthrough film role was in Nirmal Dey's Basu Parivar (1952) where he played a Bangal businessman. The next year his role as Kedar in Share Chuattar made him into a star. His line in the film "Mashima malpo khamu" (Aunty, I want malpo
Malpua
Malapua or amalu is an Indian pancake served as a dessert or a snack. It's an Oriya dessert which is also served to Jagannath in his Sakala Dhupa...
) became a popular catchphrase. He went on to act in over 300 movies like Bhrantibilash and Pasher Bari. In most of his films he played comedic roles in which he exaggerated Bengali accents and mannerisms for comic effect. He teamed up with his best friend comedian Jahor Roy
Jahor roy
Jahor Roy was an Indian actor and comedian in Bengali cinema. He is most known for his comedy films with Bhanu Bandyopadhyay....
for many films like Bhanu Pelo Lottery
Bhanu Pelo Lottery
Bhanu Pelo Lottery is a 1958 Indian Bengali comedy film produced by Tushar Kanti Ghosh and directed by the MGS Pictures Unit. It starred Bhanu Bandopadhyay, Jahar Roy, Kamal Mitra and Lily Chakraborty...
and the humorous detective story Bhanu Goenda Johar Assistant. Typically, in the pair's films Bandyopadhyay would take the role of the Bangal
Bangal
Bangal is a term used to refer to the people of East Bengal , now in Bangladesh . The term is used to describe Bengalis from the east, who are marked by a distinct accent....
and Roy would be the comical Ghoti
Ghotis
Ghotis , also called Paschimbangiyas or Edeshis , are a social group native to West Bengal , India. Their dialects, folk traditions and cuisine are distinct from those of the Purbabangiyas or the natives of erstwhile eastern Bengal.The term came into greater use after many people from Bangladesh...
character. Although chiefly known as a comedian, Bandyopadhyay played serious roles in the films Galpa Holeo Satyi
Galpa Holeo Satyi
Galpa Holeo Satyi is a 1966 comedic Bengali film directed by Tapan Sinha. It stars Bhanu Bannerjee, Jogesh Chatterjee, Bharati Devi, Chaya Devi, Ajoy Ganguli, Rabi Ghosh, Rudraprasad Sengupta. Later the film was remade in Hindi as Bawarchi, starring Rajesh Khanna in the title role.-Plot:A new...
, Buro kaku, Chhabi jethu, and Tapan kaku. He also played the lead roles in Jomaloyer Jibonto Manus, Personal Assistant, Miss Priyambada and Ashite Asio na. Later in his career Bandyopadhyay founded his own Jatra group called Mukto Mancha. He produced, directed and acted in his own productions, traveling around the country with the troupe.
Bandyopadhyay died of a heart-related illness on 4 March 1983. He left behind his wife, former playback singer
Playback singer
A playback singer is a singer whose singing is prerecorded for use in movies. Playback singers record songs for soundtracks, and actors or actresses lip-sync the songs for cameras, while the actual singer does not appear on screen.-South Asia:...
Nilima Mukhopadhyay, and their three children, Basabi Ghatak (née
NEE
NEE is a political protest group whose goal was to provide an alternative for voters who are unhappy with all political parties at hand in Belgium, where voting is compulsory.The NEE party was founded in 2005 in Antwerp...
Bandyopadhyay), Gautam and Pinaki.
On 26 August 2011 Bandyopadhyay's lost film Nirdharito Shilpir Onupasthitite (1959) will be released on DVD. Gautam Bandyopadhyay, his son, has confirmed the release which will coincide with his father's 91st birth anniversary.
Filmography
- 1947: Jagaran, Abhijog
- 1948: Sharbohara
- 1949: Mantramugdha, Ja Hoi Na
- 1950: Krishan, Tothapi, Digbhranta, Dwairath, Mandando
- 1951: Barjatri, Palatak, Rupantar, Shetu
- 1952: Aladin O Ascharya Pradip, Kapalkundala, Jabanbondi, Basu Paribar, Darpachurna, Patri Chai, Pasher BariPakkinti AmmayiPakkinti Ammayi or Pakka Inti Ammayi is a 1953 Telugu comedy film produced by East Indian Company and directed by Chittajalu Pullayya. It is based on a Bengali story "Pasher Bari" by Arun Chowdhury. The film featured Anjali Devi as the beautiful neighbour girl...
, Prarthana, Bindur Chhele, Mahishashur Badh, Ratrir Tapashya - 1953: Share Chuattar, Adrishya Manush, Kajori, Keranir Jiban, Natun Ihudi, Pathnirdesh, Banhangshi, Bastab, Bouthakuranir Hut, Boudir Bon, Maharaja Nandakumar, Rakhi, Rami Chandidash, Lakh Taka, Shashurbari, Sat Number Kayedi, Harilakhhi
- 1954: Atom Bomb, Ora Thake Odhare, Kalyani, Grihaprabesh, Chhele Kar, Jaidev, Jagrihi, Dukhhir Iman, Nil Shari, Boloygrash, Barbella, Bikram Urbashi, Bhangagara, Mani ar Manik, Maner Mayur, Moroner Pore, Ladies Seat, Satir Dehatyag, Sadanander Mela
- 1955: Ardhangini, Bandish (HindiHindiStandard Hindi, or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi, also known as Manak Hindi , High Hindi, Nagari Hindi, and Literary Hindi, is a standardized and sanskritized register of the Hindustani language derived from the Khariboli dialect of Delhi...
), Ek Gao Ki Kahani (Hindi), Aparadhi, Atmadarshan, Chattujjay Barujjay, Chhoto Bou, Joi Ma Kali Boarding, Jyotishi, Dashyu Mohan, Durlav Janam, Devi malini, Nishidhha Fall, Bir Hambir, Bratacharini, Bhalobasha, Rani RashmoniRani RashmoniRani Rashmoni was the founder of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata, and remained closely associated with Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa after she appointed him as the priest of the temple...
, Sajghor, Sanjher Pradip - 1956: Asomapta, Amar Bou, Ekti Raat, Gobindadas, Tonsil, Taka Ana Pai, Daner Marjada, Mahanisha, Bhadurymoshai, Mamlar Fall, Lakhhahira, Shuvoratri, Shabdhan, Shaheb Bibi Gholam, Suryamukhi
- 1957: Andhare Alo, Ektara, Ogo Shunchho, Kanchamithe, Khela Bhangar Khela, Ghum, Jibantrishna, Natun Prabhat, Nilachale mahaprabhu, Bashantabahar, Baroma, Madhumalati, Shesh Parichoy, Srimatir Shangshar
- 1958: Kalamati, Jonakir Alo, Daktarbabu, Nupur, Bhanu Pelo LotteryBhanu Pelo LotteryBhanu Pelo Lottery is a 1958 Indian Bengali comedy film produced by Tushar Kanti Ghosh and directed by the MGS Pictures Unit. It starred Bhanu Bandopadhyay, Jahar Roy, Kamal Mitra and Lily Chakraborty...
, Manmoyee Girls School, Jomalaye Jibanta manush, Louhakapat, Suryatoron, Shargo marto - 1959: Nirdharita Shilpir Anupasthite, Personal Assistant, Pushpadhanu, Mriter martey Agaman, Shonar Horin
- 1960: Shaharer Itikatha, Shesh Parjanto, Shokher Chor, Shurer Piyashi, Hospital
- 1961: Kanchanmulya, Kathin Maya, Kanamachhi, Bishkanya, Roybahadur, Mr and Mrs Chowdhury, Shayombara
- 1962: Agnishikha, Atal Jaler Ahaban, Abhisharika, Dadathakur, Badhu, Mayar Shangshar
- 1963: Akash Pradip, Chhayasurya, Dui Nari, Dui Bari, Barnochora, Bhrantibilash, Preyashi, Satbhai, High Heel, Hashi Shudhu hashi Noi
- 1964: Jiban kahini, Dip Neve Nai, Bingshati Janani
- 1965: Abhoya O Srikanta, Alor Pipasha, Etotuku Basha, Gulmohor, Tapashi, Debotar Deep, Dolna, Mahalogno, Pati Shangshodhini Shamity, Mukhujjay Paribar, Rajkanya
- 1966: Kal Tumi Aleya, Galpa Holeo SatyiGalpa Holeo SatyiGalpa Holeo Satyi is a 1966 comedic Bengali film directed by Tapan Sinha. It stars Bhanu Bannerjee, Jogesh Chatterjee, Bharati Devi, Chaya Devi, Ajoy Ganguli, Rabi Ghosh, Rudraprasad Sengupta. Later the film was remade in Hindi as Bawarchi, starring Rajesh Khanna in the title role.-Plot:A new...
, Joradighir Chowdhury Paribar, Mayabini Lane, Shesh Tin Din - 1967: Ashite Ashiyo Na, Anthony Phiringee, Kheya, Nayika Shangbad, Prastar Shakhhor, Miss Priyangbada, Hathat Dekha, Hate Bajare
- 1968: Apanjon, Garh Nashimpur, Chowrangee, Pathe Holo Dekha, Baghini
- 1969: Dadu, Ma O Meye, Shukshari, Shabarmati
- 1970: Aleyar Alo, Pratham Kadam Phul, Rajkumari, Sagina Mahato
- 1971: Ekhane Pinjar, Pratham Bashanta, Bhanu Goyenda Jahar Assistant, Malyadan
- 1972: Stree
- 1973: Nakal Shona, Nishikanya, Bindur Chhele, Roudrachhaya
- 1974: Sagina, Prantorekha, Shangini
- 1975: Kabi, Nishimrigaya, Priyo Bandhabi, Sangshar Shimante, Shayongswhidhha
- 1976: Nandita, Shikarokti, Harmonium
- 1977: Ashadharon, Ek Je Chhilo Desh, Chhotto Nayak, Ramer Shumati
- 1978: Bandi
- 1979: Devdas
- 1980: Dorpochurna, Priyatoma, Bhagyachakra, Matribhokto Ramprashad, Shondhi
- 1981: Kopalkundala, Shubarnolata, Pratishodh
- 1982: Preyoshi, Bijoyinee
- 1983: Shahar Theke Dure, Shargadapi Gariyashi
- 1984: Shorgol
Records: (Comedy audio clips)
- Dhakar Garoan (1943)
- Cinema Bibhrat with Sabitri ChatterjeeSabitri ChatterjeeSabitri Chatterjee is an Indian Bengali female actor whose career as an actor spans more than 50 years. She was born in Comilla, in British India .-Early life:...
- Babhharambhe Loghukria with Sabitri Chatterjee
- Shwami Chai
- Lady Typist
- Pujor Bajar
- Bibaha Bima
- Chandragupta
- Sputnik
- Sangeet Chayan
- Fatiklal
- Election with Chinmoy Roy
- Kartababur Deshbhraman
- Hanumaner Nagar Darshan
- Lord Bhanu
- Bhanu Elo Kolkataye
- Telephone Bibhrat
- Karta Banam Ginni
- Paribar parikalpana
- Naba Ramayan
- Amon Din O Ashbe
- Bhanushharananda
- Rajjotak with Gita DeyGita DeyGita Dey was a well-known actress in Bengali film, theatre and Bengali folk theatre. She acted in over two hundred Bengali language films and over two thousand stage shows.-Early life:...
- Juger Abhijog
- Ghatak Shangbad
- Chatujjay Barujjay
- Sarbojonin Jom Pujo
- Nayikar Shandhane