Soumitra Chatterjee Interview (Nov 2009): Memories of Apur Sansar, Charulata & Satyajit Ray

In this deeply personal and exclusive interview, the legendary Soumitra Chatterjee takes us behind the scenes of his extraordinary career. As part of our "May মাস Ray মাস" special, the "Ray Actor" himself shares rare anecdotes that every cinema lover should hear.

Also celebrating - the anniversary of the Ray Classic - Apur Sansar (May 1, 1959)

In conversation with Mirchi RJ Neel. Interview recorded on November 18, 2009

সত্যজিৎ রায়ের অমর সৃষ্টি 'অপু' থেকে শুরু করে বাঙালির আবেগের 'ফেলুদা'— কিংবদন্তি সৌমিত্র চট্টোপাধ্যায়ের এক অনন্য সাক্ষাৎকার। মির্চি বাংলার 'মে মাস রায় মাস' স্পেশালে সৌমিত্র বাবু শুনিয়েছেন তাঁর রূপালি পর্দার পেছনের নানা অজানা গল্প। সত্যজিৎ রায়ের সাথে তাঁর রসায়ন, মহানায়ক উত্তম কুমারের প্রতি তাঁর অগাধ শ্রদ্ধা এবং তাঁর অভিনয়ের নেপথ্যের কঠোর পরিশ্রমের কাহিনী নিয়ে সাজানো এই ভিডিওটি প্রতিটি চলচ্চিত্র প্রেমীর জন্য এক অমূল্য সম্পদ।

সৌমিত্র চট্টোপাধ্যায়ের জীবনের এই অসাধারণ সফরটি দেখতে এখনই ভিডিওটি সম্পূর্ণ দেখুন।


Key Highlights of the Interview:

The Discovery: How a failed screen test led him to Satyajit Ray and his debut in Apur Sansar.
Bond with Satyajit Ray: The unique "chemistry" between the director and his protagonist, and the deep mutual respect they shared.
Admiring the Mahanayak: Soumitra Babu’s candid thoughts on Uttam Kumar and how he often defended the Mahanayak's talent during his college days.
Intense Preparation: The incredible stories behind his roles—from changing his actual handwriting for Charulata to the heavy makeup and driving lessons for Abhijan.
Cinema as Art: His perspective on the debate between the actor’s contribution and the director’s vision.
This conversation is more than just an interview; it's a masterclass in acting and a journey through the golden era of Bengali cinema.


00:00 – Special Introduction: Mirchi Bangla’s "May মাস Ray মাস"
00:27 – Starting out: The early days in Radio and interest in performing arts
01:13 – The failed screen test for Nilachale Mahaprabhu (1956)
02:57 – Debut in Apur Sansar and winning the President's Award
04:22 – Cinema as an art form: Debating the director's vs. actor's contribution
07:01 – His unique "chemistry" and understanding with Satyajit Ray
09:34 – Addressing the comparison between Soumitra Chatterjee and Uttam Kumar
10:25 – Being a fan of the Mahanayak: Defending Uttam Kumar’s talent
11:22 – Moving into Satyajit Ray’s former home on Lake Temple Road
12:53 – Behind-the-scenes stories: Meeting Robi Ghosh and building friendships
14:11 – Intense preparation for roles: From Apur Sansar to Abhijan
18:52 – The ultimate dedication: Changing his actual handwriting for Charulata

Credits:
Video and Audio Edit, packaging – Adhiraj Chakrabarti & Satadru Mondal (Mirchi Bangla Interns)
May Maash Ray Maash Title Card – Adhiraj Chakrabarti (Mirchi Bangla Intern)
Project supervisor – Arunima Dey
Supported by – Richard, Abhijit Mallick
Opening voice over - Agni
Project Curation & Direction – Indrani

Interviews sourced from Radio Mirchi, Kolkata Archives

Photo courtesy – Satyajit Ray Society, Ray Family & Mirchi Kolkata Archives, Open Source Media (Internet)
Special thanks: Rwitobroto Mukherjee, Akas Chakrabarty, Abhigyan Acharya



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