Ek Durlabh Manik

Author: অমিত্রসূদন ভট্টাচার্য (Amitrasudhan Bhattacharya)

Genre: Atmajibani - Jibani - Smritikatha (Autobiography - Memoirs)

Cover: Hardcover 

ISBN: 9789350404027

Pages: 152

Weight: 331 grams

Book Description:

• Ek Durlabh Manik is a compelling life account of one of the most significant figures in Indian cinema and culture—Satyajit Ray, as told by his close friend and contemporary, Amitrasudhan Bhattacharya.
• The book delves into the childhood and formative years of Satyajit Ray, revealing his early life at Shantiniketan, where he was affectionately known as Manik—a nickname he earned in his youth.
• Bhattacharya captures the essence of Ray's days as a student at Kala Bhavana and his relationship with his peers and mentors, such as Nandalal Bose, Binode Bihari Mukherjee, and Ramkinkar Baij.
• The narrative offers rare, unpublished letters exchanged between Ray’s friends, Dinu and Bhunu, which bring to light aspects of his personal and professional life that are not widely known.
• Through this memoir, readers are taken on a journey through Shantiniketan’s vibrant cultural landscape, exploring how Ray’s upbringing and friendships helped shape him into the legendary filmmaker and artist he became.
• Ek Durlabh Manik is a tribute to the exceptional man behind the iconic films, offering invaluable insights into his personality and creative process.

About the Author:

• Amitrasudhan Bhattacharya was born on November 8, 1942.
• He began his literary journey in 1964 when he published his first essay in Desh magazine during his student days at the University of Calcutta.
• In 1966, Bhattacharya joined the faculty of Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan, where he taught until his retirement.
• His first book, Badu Chandidaser Srikrishnakirtan, was published in 1966. He later earned a Ph.D. from the University of Calcutta, focusing on Bankimchandra and Rabindranath Tagore.
• Bhattacharya has written extensively on Rabindranath Tagore and has authored numerous books and essays on the subject. He has also edited several works and contributed significantly to the study of Bengali literature and culture.
• Throughout his career, he was a dedicated professor of Bengali at Visva-Bharati University, where he became a prominent figure in the academic and cultural circles. He retired holding the title of "Rabindra Professor" at the university.