Kolkata witnessed a heartfelt tribute to legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray ahead of his 105th birth anniversary on May 2. The event, organized by the British Deputy High Commission and the UK's Bengali diaspora, brought together actors and crew members who shared their experiences of working with the maestro.
Anirban Mukhopadhyay of Heritage Bengal Global Connect, the UK-based diaspora organization, remarked, "It's a belated celebration of the Bengali New Year. Since we are closer to Ray's birthday, it was most appropriate to felicitate Feluda's Topshe, Siddhartha Chatterjee. The greatest proof of Ray's relevance is that youngsters are still watching Sonar Kella, which turns 52 this year."
Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, said, "As we celebrate Satyajit Ray's timeless Sonar Kella, we are reminded of the strong living bridge between Bengal and the UK. Initiatives like these by Heritage Bengal Global Connect are vital in strengthening these people-to-people links, which sit naturally alongside the ambitions of the UK-India Vision 2035, bringing culture, commerce and collaboration closer than ever."
Siddhartha Chatterjee, who played Topshe in the iconic film, shared his memories: "My experience working with jethu (Satyajit Ray) was great. One had to meet him to know what he was made of. After Sonar Kella, I frequently visited him because I started enjoying his company. There are so many things I remember about him, like never speaking a word in Bengali when he was speaking English and vice versa. I don't think I can refuse any occasion related to Ray."
Thespian Ashok Mukherjee, aged 85, who also acted in Sonar Kella, added, "We live in the Ray era. After Tagore, he was the greatest flag bearer of the Bengali cultural arena."
