Ruchira explores the Chatterjees’ Tollywood lineage, from legendary figures to contemporary stars, showcasing their contributions to Bengali cinema, from iconic performances to memorable characters, exclusively for Different Truths.
Just the other day, while I was leafing through the pages of a few filmy journals that focus on Tollywood (Kolkata’s (Tinsel town) news and updates, not forgetting juicy gossip, I stumbled upon a mind-boggling fact: Every second or third actor of Tollywood—past or present young or old-brandished the surname ‘Chatterjee’. I felt it would be a good idea to delve into the matter and round up ‘Namesakes of Tollywood.
The legendary Harindranath Chatterji (1898–1990) was a poet, dramatist, and actor par excellence. With his remarkable voice, he featured in several Satyajit Ray films, e.g. Seemabaddha, Gupi Gyn Bagha Byn and Sonar Kella.
Thespian Soumitra Chatterjee (1935– 2020) was a playwright, writer, and poet rolled into one. He acted in fourteen of Satyajit Ray’s films. He was considered Manikda’s blue-eyed boy. Apu trilogy, Aranyer Din Ratri, Ghare Baire, Shakha Proshahkha and Ganashatru figure among them. He also accepted popular films by other directors, e.g., Jhinder Bondi and Stree
Anil Chatterjee (1929–1996), a highly accomplished character artist, significant roles in Nirjan Saikate (as the protagonist) Morutirtha Hinglaj and Mahanagar, to name a few. He also depicted amiable, avuncular characters in films by all top-notch directors.
Dr Suvendu Chatterji (1936 – 2007) gave stellar performances in Pinaki Bhushan Mukherjee’s iconic movie Chowringee (Co-starring Uttam) Kumar) and Ray’s masterpiece Chiriakhana (with Uttam) Kumar in the lead role). Abar Aranye (Goutam Ghose) Ray’s Ganashatru and Agradoot’s Chhadmabeshi.
One can’t miss Sabitri Chatterji (1937–) with her chubby visage and deep, dark eyes. During her career, spanning sixty-plus years, she acted in numerous well-known films, i.e. Mouchak, Nishipadma, and Morutirtha Hinglaj, Dhanni Meye, and Praktan among many.
Biswajit Chatterji (1936–) made his debut in Tollywood significantly with Uttam Kumar as his co-star in Mayamriga and Dui Bhai. His other notable films are Kuheli, AmiSirajer Begum, Srimaan Prithiraaj etc
Old-time cine-goers will remember Lolita Chatterji (1937–2018), with her unmistakably sharp features and good looks. She mostly played side roles but managed to share screen space with Uttam Kumar in the Bengali film Bibhas.
Tollywood’s jewel in the crown will always remain Uttam Kumar (born Arun Kumar Chatterji). 1926-1980). During his lifetime, he was the heartthrob of all females, age no bar. His masterpieces include Saptapadi, Deya Neya, and Ogo bodhu Sundari, and Amanush. It was his brilliant performance in Ray’s ”Nayak,” which catapulted him to fame, earning him the title “Mahanayak.”
Tarun Kumar (1931–2003), the Mahanayak’s youngest sibling, acted in most of the flicks that his ‘Dada’ worked in. His notable flicks are Ami Shey o Sakha, Jhinder Bondi, Ajana Path.
Subrata (1941-2004) Tarun’s wife was mainly a sidekick in Mahanayak’s films, like Chidiakhana, Agniswar, and Sonar Khancha and Mem Sahib.
Gourab, the Mahanayak’s grandson has debuted in Tollywood with movies like Kirtan, Rang Milanti, Baba Baby o’ and Ghare Pherar Gaan. But honestly, he doesn’t hold a candle to his illustrious ‘Daadu.’
Moushumi Chatterji (1948–): The beautiful lady with her famous fangs gave laudable performances in Balika Badhu, Goynar Baksho and the unforgettable The Japanese Wife.
Possibly the most popular villain of Tollywood, Biplab Chatterji (1947-)has always portrayed evil characters with élan. His notable films include: Banchharamer Bagan, Phatikchand, Jai Baba Felunath, Kailshe kelenkari
Chatterjee siblings Prasenjit (aka Bumba. (1962) and Pallabi (1965–)appeared in umpteen number of family dramas, romantic flicks, and run-of-the-mill stuff besides adventure stories. Pallabi excelled in Khaad, Aborto and Shahjahan Regency while Bumba’s flagship movies include Dosar, Sankhachil,and Moner Manush (both directed by Goutam Ghose).
Saswata Chatterji (1970–)Suvendu’s son is best known for his work in rib-tickling, hilarious comedies, e.g., Bhooter Bhobishyot, Bhalobashar Golpo, Bari Taar Bangla, and Pradiper Daitya. On aserious note: Saswata plays detective “Shabar” in a series of four eponymous films.
Handsome hunk Priyangshu Chatterji (1973–) juggles with Tollywood and Bollywood smoothly. His portfolio of Bengali flicks comprises Shankhachil, Moner Manush Ochena Uttam, and Shunyo Awnko
The firang-looking Saheb Chatterji (1978–) is also an established singer who has acted in prominent films like Gotro, Hridpindo, Hemlock Society, Datta and more.
Sujoy Prosad Chatterji is an eminent multidisciplinary artist who, in his kitty films like Maayer Biye, Shahjahan Regency, Bela Sheshe, Bela Shuru, Shohrer Ushnotomo Dine and Bidaye Byomkesh
Rumki Chatterjee mainly plays supporting roles in Bengali films. These include Bojhena Shey Bojhena, Biye Notout, and Din Ratrir Golpo et al.
Phalguni Chatterjee, her spouse,has to his credit, flicks like Tumi Ashbe Bolay, Shesh Paata, Shudhu Tumi, Shankar Mudi and more.
The couple’s sole offspring Abir Chatterjee (1980–) is currently acclaimed as Tollywood’s superstar, who portrayed the sleuth ‘Byomkesh’ in several eponymous films, besides acting in romantic and adventurous ones as well.
Cool suave and handsome Parambrata Chatterjee (1980-)is also a Tollywood heartthrob. His outstanding films are Shibpur, Ghare Pherar Gaan, Boudi Canteen 22e Srabon et al.
Fledgling Amrita Chatterji with lovely dark eyes and curly locks has found a place for herself through Aha Onyo Basanto, Janala Diye Bou Palalo, and Tushagni et al.
Sushmita Chatterji, virtually a greenhorn, is groping her way around. She marked her presence in Shibpur,Mini, Jai Kali Kalkattawali and Paaka Dekha.
Ties of blood matter. Don’t they? In other cases, it could be luck or chance. Who knows? So, I guess, it’s a better option to sit back, relax and view the kaleidoscope of Tolly ‘para’ films.
Picture design by Anumita Roy
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