The country lost one of the legendary filmmakers yesterday. Basu Chatterjee died in Mumbai on Thursday aged 90. The man behind so many relatable and relevant stories, one of the few filmmakers who chose to shoot on real locations rather than inside studios. Bringing out common man’s stories on screen, Chatterjee films turned out to be a new wave in Indian Cinema.
Cities like Mumbai and Delhi which we never witnessed as real as we saw it in his films. The depiction of daily life, to the changing seasons and the breeze of this change alongside his beautifully crafted stories would set up a mood for movie goers in the 70s.
Chatterjee’s 1976 film Chhoti Si Baat gave us a protagonist who felt like one of us. Arun (Amol Palekar) hiding his feelings towards his love interest Prabha (Vidya Sinha) was the story of every man who’d fall in love, and this story feels so relevant even today.
Portrayal of Mumbai Monsoon and it’s beauty was Chatterjee’s 1979 film Manzil which featured Amitabh Bachchan and Moushumi Chatterjee in the lead roles.
Going back to 1974, was Rajnigandha story of Evolution in the city. A film that had a female centric character, Deepa (Vidya Sinha) story from her perspective made the film one of it’s kind in the 70s. Tough choices everyone deals with, portrayed Chatterjee’s protagonist in the film.
Chitchor in 1976 was another beautiful story build with an unseen yet enjoyable problematic situations, a love story weaved around countryside stood across the nation due to its storytelling as well as music.
And the song from Chitchor, “Jab Deep Jale Aana, Jab Shaam Dhale Aana” would be a great Farewell for Basu Chatterjee. You will always be remembered.
Which one’s your favourite Basu Chatterjee film? Let us know and stay tuned to The Indian Wire for more such articles.