Morning today
brought shocking and very sad news. Extremely talented and iconic film director Rituparno
Ghosh passed away in Kolkata at 7.30am after a massive heart attack. He had
not been keeping well for the last few days and was reportedly suffering from
pancreatitis. He was just 49. An irreparable loss for his native state of
Bengal, for the whole of India
and Indian Cinema.
Rituparno Ghosh
was known for his sensitive portrayal of interpersonal relationships in his
films. Making his directorial debut in 1994 Rituparno never looked back and went
on to make nearly 20 movies in nearly as many years of his career—many
critically acclaimed movies in Bengali, Hindi and in English. Even when he was
not well in recent months he was actively engaged in his production work. He
has a superlative record of winning 12 National Awards for Best Direction, Best
Screenplay and Best Film. His films brought in more National Awards in other
categories involving his artistes and technicians. He chose his actors from Bengal as well as from Bollywood, depending on the exquisitely
well-defined characters in his films. Rituparno also bagged various nominations
to international film festivals and international awards. He also acted in
recent years in controversial roles.
Rituparno Ghosh
was born in 1963, in a family connected to the film world. He grew up with his
parents developing a tremendous bond with them, particularly with his mother. As
his artistes say he was always lovable on the sets as he was respected for his command
over celluloid. However, his personal life was never above controversies and
questions. But he was always bold and frank about anything concerning his
personal life as he often boasted of his gender fluidity and being in-between,
although dismissing the notion that the roles he acted in were about him in
real life.
We with a heavy
heart bid adieu to a great filmmaker of India from whom much more exciting
creations were expected. May his noble soul rest in eternal bliss.
