Common sensibility

Gurnaaz Kaur

Common stories became special through his craft of direction. Middle-class sensibilities were his muse and when he pictured them on the big screen, the tales were immortalised. Basu Chatterjee, the maestro behind cult movies such as Rajnigandha, Chitchor, Choti Si Baat, Khatta Meetha, Baaton Baaton Mein and more, passed away on Thursday due to age-related ailments, but not before leaving behind a rich legacy. 

In his illustrious career spanning four decades, Basu made movies that have stood the test of time. His understanding of society also translated into hit TV series like Byomkesh Bakshi and Rajani. He made a mark in Bengali cinema as well, with films like Hothat Brishti, Hochcheta Ki and Hothat Shei Din. In his universe of alternate cinema, there was no drama, just plain, honest, storytelling with dollops of light-hearted banter, romantic angles and day-to-day struggles.

Rocking the screen

Rajnigandha, starring Amol Palekar, Vidya Sinha and Dinesh Thakur, is the story of Deepa (Vidya), who is a graduate in love with Sanjay (Amol Palekar). As they decide to get married she unexpectedly meets Naveen (Dinesh Thakur), a former lover. Central to the plot is the actress and it revolves around her feelings as well as confusion — a subject much ahead of its time and a treatment par excellence. The movie won the Best Picture, the Popular Award and the Critics Award at the Filmfare Awards in 1975. Basu’s romantic musical film Chitchor, which had Amol Palekar and Zarina Wahab in the lead roles, is about arranged marriage. Zarina plays a young belle from a village, who falls in love with Vinod (Amol).

Decorated director

There are many such light, romantic, slice-of-life stories added to the world of celluloid through Basu’s exceptional storytelling art. He was honoured with many awards, including the National Award for his socially relevant movie Durga. Multiple Filmfare Awards, IIFA and Lifetime Achievement Award were also conferred on him.