Film industry lost its yet another gem, ace director Basu Chatterjee on Thursday. The maverick filmmaker was known for his middle of the road cinema and gave us many memorable characters that one could easily find next door. Rajnigandha, Chhoti Si Baat, Khatta Meetha, Chitchor, Swami, Man Pasand, Hamari Bahu Alka, Shaukeen, Chameli Ki Shaadi–nearly all the films that he made had light-hearted narrative with engaging stories and endearing protagonists.
One of such characters that Chatterjee created made an impression in Doordarshan at the time which is considered the golden era of television. Byomkesh Bakshi, starring Rajit Kapur in the lead, aired on Doordarshan and ran for two seasons in 1993 and 1997 respectively. Created by noted Bengali writer Sharadindu Bandopadhyay, Byomkesh Bakshi inspired quite a few directors to adapt it for silver screen and small screen, but the version that’s closest to viewers’ hearts remains the hit Doordarshan show.
Actor Rajit Kapur who portrayed the titular character of Byomkesh Bakshi and is still remembered by 90s kids for his iconic role, remembers his mentor Basu Chatterjee in a chat with Top Lead India.
Reminiscing how the then newcomer Kapur, grabbed the opportunity of featuring in the much-acclaimed TV series, the actor says his casting was quick. “Basuda had already seen my work in Yugantar. Everything was decided and finalised within 10 minutes. No further discussions happened.”
Rajit Kapur remembers Basuda as a man who knew the importance of time. In fact, managing time is one of the qualities that the actor acquired from him. “Basuda knew what he wanted. He was well-planned in terms of budgeting and logistics planning. He would come on time and finish work on time unlike today’s scenario,” recalls he.
“Basuda worked on the script well in advance and knew what he expected from the performers. He wrote all the episodes beforehand. It was the question of mutual trust. He trusted the actor in me,” added Kapur.
“While he was through with his part as a director it was my responsibility to perform. Basuda used to hand me over the script in Hindi only and asked me to go through it to avoid any confusion.”
Kapur would miss Basuda for his balanced approach. “He was certainly a no-nonsense person and knew how to strike a balance between work and fun. When we were working, we were working and used to enjoy when the occasion demanded,” recalls the actor.
The actor remembers Chatterjee as someone with a great sense of humour. On being asked if he remembers any peculiar habit of the gifted filmmaker, Kapur smiles and fondly mentions how Basuda used to work with a handkerchief in his mouth and that still brings smile on the actor’s face. “There were times when we felt that he is not laughing but actually he was with handkerchief in his mouth.”
The show was re-telecast on DD during lockdown, so what makes the show still popular? The actor says with pride that it was the simplicity of the script that worked and still resonates with the audiences even today. When probed about film Byomkesh Bakshi that could not create magic at the box office, the actor without commenting on the film’s failure, says the Doordarshan show never faded away from people’s mind, “The simple and convincing approach never let it fade from the audiences’ mind, even today. Once the trademark is set, it is set. It is difficult to recreate. The impact created was huge and people went gaga over it,” he said.
The renowned theatre-actor also feels that there is no substitute for hardwork. “We all have dreams but these can be only be fulfilled if we don’t compromise on hardwork and work within the given timeframe. Medium or profession may vary. If we value time, time will value us. Practice tops it all whether it’s voice modulation or anything else just to bring the best in you,” states he.
Kapur doesn’t find daily soaps exciting. The national-award winning performer has not only been entertaining audiences through various mediums but enjoying humongous adulation and appreciation too. So, when asked, what is more difficult–to be a teacher or a student? “This is purely subjective. There is no proper rule or answer to it. A good teacher may not be a good student or vice-versa. It actually depends upon your mind,” he signs off.