This is Part 2 of Legends of Indian Cinema, our 20-part series on the actors, filmmakers and musicians who shaped Indian films across languages. New here? Start with Part 1: Dadasaheb Phalke, or read the previous part, Part 1: Dadasaheb Phalke.
When the world's great filmmakers list their influences, one Indian name almost always appears: Satyajit Ray. With simple stories about ordinary people, filmed with deep compassion, he showed global audiences a side of India they had never seen on screen.
Early life
- Born on 2 May 1921 in Calcutta, into a remarkable family. His grandfather Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury and his father Sukumar Ray were celebrated writers and illustrators.
- He studied at Presidency College and then at Rabindranath Tagore's Santiniketan, where he trained in art.
- He worked as a graphic designer at an advertising agency and designed book covers. One of those books was an edition of Pather Panchali.
Pather Panchali and the Apu Trilogy
- On a work trip to London in 1950, Ray watched the Italian film Bicycle Thieves. It convinced him that films could be made with real locations and non-professional actors.
- He began shooting Pather Panchali on weekends, with little money. When funds ran out, the West Bengal government stepped in to help.
- Released in 1955, it won a special award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1956 as the "Best Human Document".
- It was followed by Aparajito (1956, Golden Lion at Venice) and Apur Sansar (1959). Together they form the Apu Trilogy, often named among the greatest films ever made.
A wide range of work
- Jalsaghar (1958), Charulata (1964), Nayak (1966), Aranyer Din Ratri (1970) and Ghare Baire (1984) explored class, change and relationships in Bengal.
- Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne (1969) is a much-loved musical fantasy for children.
- Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977) was his first Hindi feature, set in 1850s Lucknow.
- He created the detective Feluda and the scientist Professor Shonku. Both remain hugely popular in Bengali literature.
- Ray also wrote his own screenplays, composed music for most of his later films and designed his own posters.
Honours
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1984).
- An Honorary Academy Award in 1992, presented to him in his Calcutta hospital bed shortly before his death.
- The Bharat Ratna in the same year.
- More than 30 National Film Awards for his films and work.
Legacy
Ray died on 23 April 1992. The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in Kolkata carries his name, and his restored films are still screened around the world. Directors from Martin Scorsese to Wes Anderson have spoken of his influence. His films remain the best introduction to Indian cinema for anyone, anywhere.
Next in the series: Part 3: Raj Kapoor.
