A pioneer in Bengali theatre, Sombhu Mitra was a legendary figure in the field of performing arts; he worked as a film and stage actor, director, playwright, and a reciter. He is known for his films like Dharti Ke Lal (1946), Jagte Raho (1956), and plays like “Rakta Karabi” and “Chand Baniker Pala.” On his death anniversary, Tasweermahal is paying tribute to the legendary artist and revisiting his life.
Early Life and Career
Sombhu Mitra was born on August 22, 1915, in Calcutta, into the family of Sarat Kumar Mitra and Satadalbasini Mitra. He was educated at “Chakraberia Middle English School” and “Ballygunge Government High School” in Calcutta before joining “St. Xavier’s College” of the University of Calcutta. Mitra’s educational years were pivotal, as they marked the inception of his lifelong affair with theatre.
In 1939, he joined the “Rangmahal” Theatre, and in 1943, he started working with the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA), where he challenged and transformed traditional theatrical norms.
Sombhu Mitra The legend Of Stage
Mitra emerged as a beacon of Indian theatre, revolutionising the stage with his innovative direction and powerful performances. In 1948, Mitra founded
“Bohurupee,” a theatre group that became synonymous with the group-theatre movement in West Bengal.
Under his leadership, Bohurupee staged numerous successful productions, including the iconic “Rakta Karabi,” based on Rabindranath Tagore’s play in 1954, which remains a testament to Mitra’s directorial genius. He also staged Tagore’s “Bisarjan,” “Raja,” and “Char Adhyay.”
As a playwright, his works like “Chand Baniker Pala” and “Ulukhagra” resonated with audiences, reflecting the socio-political consciousness of the times. Mitra acted in “The Life of Galileo” by Bertolt Brecht, directed by Fritz Bennewitz. He also acted in plays like “Chenda Tar,” “Char Adhyay,” “Ulukhagra,” “Putul Khela,” “Dashachakra,” “Raja Oidipaus,” and many more.
Sombhu Mitra The Filmmaker
Mitra acted in Hindi films like “Dharti Ke Lal” (1946) and Hindustan Hamara (1950). He also appeared in Bengali films like Abhiyatri (1947), Dhatri Debata (1948), Pathik (1953), Maraner Pare (1954), and Durlabh Janma (1955). Manik (1961), Suryasnan (1962), Panna (1967), Natun Pata (1969), Nishachar (1971), and many more.
Sombhu Mitra made his directorial debut with “Shubha Bibaha,” in 1959. The film stars Chhabi Biswas, Supriya Choudhury, Chhaya Devi and Pahadi Sanyal.
His most famous and celebrated work is “Ek Din Ratre” (The Happenings of One Night) in Bengali, which was simultaneously made as “Jagte Raho (1956)” in Hindi with almost the same cast. He wrote and co directed the film with another thespian, “Amit Mitra.” “Jagte raho” is a political satire on our society, considered by many as Raj Kapoor’s best film—both in terms of his own performance and also as his production. The narrative of the film, through an allegory, reflects the hypocrisy of society and exposes the crimes—big and small—committed behind closed doors and veils of respectability by rich and powerful people who have social standing.
Personal Life
Sombhu Mitra married Tripti Mitra, herself a celebrated actress in Bengali film and theatre. Their daughter Shaoli Mitra’s subsequent involvement in theatre underscored the family’s artistic legacy.
In his long anhd illoustrous career, Mitra get numerous awards and accolades. He gets with the Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship in 1966 and Padma Bhushan in 1970. He also got the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1976, Kalidas Samman (1982), and “Desikottama” from Visva Bharati University in 1989.
Sombhu Mitra passed away on May 19, 1997.
Sombhu Mitra on IMDB
