Jibaner Jalchabi

Author: Pratibha Basu
Genre: Atmajibani - Jibani - Smritikatha
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9788172152147
Pages: 392
Weight: 520 grams

Book Description:

In Jibaner Jalchabi, Pratibha Basu takes the reader through the colorful and eventful journey of her life. From her early childhood, which she recalls with the innocence of a young girl, to the turbulent paths of adulthood, the memoir is a rich and vivid portrayal of a life intertwined with music, literature, and personal loss. As she reflects on her past, Basu sees it as a collection of brilliant "watercolors" — each stroke representing a moment, a memory, or a relationship that shaped her life.

The narrative begins with her early childhood in Khansara, Vikrampur, Dhaka in 1915, where she was born into a family of agricultural officers. Her initial days are painted with memories of her childhood voice — her kinner-like singing voice that led her to become a Gramophone company’s regular music artist by her youth. The book traces her relationship with various musical legends, including Dilip Kumar Ray, Nazrul Islam, Himanshu Dutt, and even Rabindranath Tagore, who taught her the art of music.

Jibaner Jalchabi is not only a deeply personal account of her life but also a journey through the changing cultural and literary landscapes of India. The book brings alive the era in Dhaka, Calcutta, and several small towns, as well as foreign lands. The text highlights her encounters with contemporary poets, writers, and intellectuals, and the vibrant gatherings and intellectual discussions that enriched her life.

From Pratibha Som, the music artist, to Pratibha Basu, the renowned writer, the book also delves into her evolution as a novelist and her deep personal connection with literary figures like Buddhadeb Bose. The memoir beautifully captures not just her own experiences but also the broader cultural environment she was part of. Through a detailed and heartfelt account of her personal relationships, including the tragic loss of her son, the memoir paints an intimate picture of a woman who embraced life with all its contradictions.

This is a book of introspection, grief, celebration, and transformation — all captured in the "watercolors" of her life's journey, making it a unique and essential piece of Bengali literature.

About the Author:

Pratibha Basu was born in 1915 in Khansara, Vikrampur, Dhaka. Her father, Ashutosh Som, was an agricultural officer, and her mother was Sarayu Bala. She completed her schooling at a convent school and passed the Senior Cambridge exams. However, before completing her studies, she got married at the age of 18.

From a young age, she was recognized for her unique voice — a kinner voice, which led to her singing for the Gramophone Company. Her first recording was made when she was only 11 years old. She was contracted to produce six records a year for the company. After her marriage, she chose to give up singing, though her work remains part of the Bengali musical heritage.

Her first published work, a short story titled Pratibha Som, appeared in the weekly magazine Nabashakti, and her first poem was published in the Bharatbarsha magazine. In 1940, her first novel Monolina was published, followed by more works in the years that followed.

She moved to Calcutta, where she met Buddhadeb Bose in Dhaka, and they later married on July 19, 1934. Throughout her career, she wrote novels, short stories, and poems, many of which were adapted into films. Now residing in Kolkata, she spends her winters and monsoons in Santiniketan.

She has had a deep love for dogs and is known for her fondness for them.