Nihsanga Samrat

• Author: Sunil Gangopadhyay
• Genre: Novel (Upanyas)
• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788177565102
• Pages: 170
• Weight: 381 grams
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers

Summary:
Nihsanga Samrat explores the tragic yet remarkable life of Shishir Kumar Bhadhuri, a man who was once the undisputed king of Bengali theater. Known for his unmatched acting skills, he captivated audiences both in India and abroad. However, his dream was to liberate Bengali theater from foreign influences and re-establish it on its own cultural ground. Despite his immense talent, every time he attempted to introduce something new, the audience rejected him. Unable to balance the business side of his passion with his artistic integrity, he spirals into financial ruin.

The novel delves into his lonely final days, set in a dimly lit room in a two-story house near Baranagar, where he often paces restlessly. His only companions are books, quotes from Rabindranath Tagore and Shakespeare, and the haunting memory of Kankabati, the woman who bore his child but died young. The narrative paints a vivid picture of Shishir's struggle to reconcile his artistic ideals with the harsh realities of life.

About the Author:

• Born: September 7, 1934, Faridpur, Bangladesh.
• Education: M.A. from Calcutta University.
• Career: Started as a tutor and later worked in various roles, including in an insurance company, as a UNESCO worker, and in a government office.
• Writing Career: Known for his poetry and novels. His first novel was Atmaprakash, and his first poetry collection was Eka Ebong Koyekjan. He was the founder-editor of the literary magazine Krittibas.
• Awards: He received several awards, including the Bunkim Puraskar in 1983 and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1985.
• Pen Names: He also wrote under the pseudonyms Neel Lohit, Sanatan Pathak, and Neel Upadhyay.
• Died: October 23, 2012.