Sandip Ray, the Bengali director and son of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, postponed the 100th birth anniversary celebration of his late father due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. According to a report, Sandip Ray told PTI that the family had postponed year-long birth centenary celebrations.
May 2 marked the birth centenary of Satyajit Ray, who won an honorary Oscar in 1992, shortly before his death, and is known as one of the best filmmakers in the country.
“We had planned several events involving critics, film personalities, writers, and experts from here and abroad who would have spoken on his works. We had planned exhibitions of his scripts, graphics, and illustrations. Everything is now on hold,” Sandip Ray told PTI. He said that he was not in favour of any video calls “which doesn’t befit such an occasion involving an icon like Ray”.
He said that since Satyajit Ray’s birth centenary celebrations can continue till May 1, 2022, the family can “hold these events on later dates when the pandemic situation improves substantially”.
Satyajit Ray’s iconic residence in Kolkata- 1/1 Bishop Lefroy Road- which is frequented by people has also been closed for visitors.
Talking about closing his residence, Sandip Ray told PTI that it was “not a very happy situation for anyone” which compelled them to take the decision. “Nothing less than a physical event will be fitting for a celebration of this scale. No virtual celebration for us, as far as we are concerned.”
Recommended
A film director, writer, illustrator, graphic designer, and music composer, Satyajit Ray was born on May 2, 1921. He made his filmmaking debut with the iconic film Pather Panchali in 1955. The film, based on a novel written by Bibhutibhushan Bondopadhay, was the first film in the three-part Apu trilogy. The next two parts were Aparajito and Apur Sansar. The films received worldwide critical appreciation and he succeeded in shining the international spotlight on Indian cinema.
His other famous flms include Jalshaghar, Abhijan, Mahanagar, Teen Kanya, Charulata, Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, Feluda series, Ghare Baire and many more.