Some call him Feluda, some Opu and some Mayur Bahon. Regardless of what we call him, we all loved him in the role of the “Master Moshai” or even in the role of the “bohemian.” Then there is his memorable dance performance in the song “Jibone ki pabona”. Yes, we are talking about none other than Soumitra Chatterjee.
Once again, he’s taken the world by storm and proved that once a great actor, always a great actor – no matter what his age may be. This acclaimed actor of 81 years has left his fans in awe of his performance in Belasheshe. What most don’t know is that there is another hidden side to Soumitra. Not only does he act, but he’s also a poet and an excellent orator Surprised? Don’t be, because there’s lots more where that came from. Awarded with the Kazi Sabyasachi Memorial award on March 2, many of his other secrets were unveiled on the National Museum stage as he received the award from national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s family.
The suspense of words left unsaid
When Soumitra was asked to say a few words to the audience, he stood up and went to the podium. He began by talking about Kazi Sabyasachi, Nazrul’s son. He went on to talk about the golden memories they shared while working together at All India Radio. Soon after, Soumitra began working in movies, slowly getting distanced from the world of poems. “I didn’t want to distance myself from the world of poetry. But circumstances led me to a place where I couldn’t help but feel physically distanced. However, mentally or emotionally, I am never away from the world of poetry. I still enjoy introducing myself as a reciter,” he shared.
Old memories shared
There are very few memories that can make people both smile and feel nostalgic at the same time. Soumitra may have forgotten most of these, but his friends certainly hadn’t. That evening, one of his close college friends was right beside him, ready to pull his leg at any opportune moment. Barrister Rafiqul Haque and Soumitra were classmates at University of Calcutta, and at this event Haque took the stage to share a fun story from days gone by. When Barrister Haque would remain busy with his studies, Soumitra would spend his time playing badminton with his girlfriend. Many students would ask Rafiqul to ask his friend if they could share the court, but “cool dude” Soumitra ensured that the badminton court was solely under his authority. As the old friend revealed this story, he laughed out loud, pointing his stick at Soumitra, exclaiming, “See! I remember!”
A man of honour
When it comes Soumitra’s popularity, the love his fans have for him knows no bounds. Both in Bangladesh and West Bengal, Chatterjee is loved by movie buffs. Surrendering his life for the love of film, despite his popularity, he remains humble as ever. Despite choosing to walk to the venue to beat the traffic jam, the 81 year made a note to show his respect to Kazi Aref by giving him a standing ovation.
The finale
After his emotional admission about his love for poetry, Soumitra was silent for a few minutes, as if he no longer had anything to say. Soon after, he put his hand in his pocket and brought out a poem. Without a moment’s rest, he announced that he will recite a poem at that very moment. He started and melted into reciting Koifiyot by Kazi Nazrul Islam. His voice quivered with feeling, and his eyes filled with liquid emotion. As he continued reciting, his voice smoothly flowed through the highs and lows of the poem. It was the perfect example of how a born performer seizes the stage. Only a true artist can leave the audiences as moved as Soumitra Chatterjee did that day.
