Rituparno Ghosh was a maverick; what else can we say about him when contemporary media try to reduce him to only his sexuality or personal choices? But it is unfair to see him in one dimension; he was a true “Renaissance Man” who touched so many aspects of human life through his extraordinary.
Rituparno Ghosh was born on August 31, 1963, in Kolkata. His father was Sunil Ghosh, a documentary filmmaker and painter. He was educated at South Point School before earning a degree in economics from Jadavpur University, Kolkata. He started his professional career in the advertising industry and made his reputation as a brilliant copywriter. He crafted compelling ad campaigns, like Boroline and Frooti. After a successful career in advertising, Ghosh became a documentary filmmaker with the 1990 Doordarshan documentary on “Vande Matram.”
Ghosh’s directorial debut, “Hirer Angti” (The Diamond Ring), was released in 1992. However, it was his second feature film, “Unishe April'” (19 April), starring Aparna Sen, Debashree Roy, Prosenjit Chatterjee, and Dipankar Dey, in 1994, that brought him national recognition, winning the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. This was just the beginning of a career that would garner 12 national and numerous international awards.
“Dahan,” starring Rituparna Sengupta and Indrani Halder, released in 1997, earned Ghosh the National Film Award for Best Screenplay. The film is based on a true story about a woman who was molested on a Kolkata street and another woman who witnessed the incident. The witness bravely sought justice against the perpetrators but faced frustration due to society’s indifference, including the victim’s own family.
His cinematic style was deeply influenced by the works of Satyajit Ray and Rabindranath Tagore, often reflecting on human relationships and societal norms. Ghosh’s exploration of Tagore’s works was not limited to adaptations; he also made a documentary titled “Jeevan Smriti” on Tagore’s life.
In the 1999 film “Asukh,” starring Soumitra Chatterjee and Debashree Roy, Ghosh explores the complex relationship between a young film star and her father, who reluctantly depends on her earnings. The film, which delves into themes of pride and dependency, received critical acclaim and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bengali.
“Bariwali (1999)” stars Kirron Kher, Rupa Ganguly, and Chiranjeet Chakraborty and centres on a lonely middle-aged woman (Kirron Kher) who rents out her large house for film production and becomes infatuated with the married director, who ultimately disappoints her. Kirron Kher’s performance won her the National Film Award for Best Actress.
Ghosh then went on to direct “Utsab (2000),” another National Award-winning movie; Titli (2002); Shubho Mahurat (2003), starring Rakhee and Sharmila Tagore alongside Nandita Das; and Aishwarya Roy’s Chokher Bali (2003), an adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s novel of the same name.
Ghosh also tried his hand at acting; he made his acting debut in the Oriya film “Katha Deithilli Ma Ku (2003),” directed by Himanshu Parija.
In 2004, Ghosh’s first Hindi film, “Raincoat,” adapted from O. Henry’s short story “The Gift of the Magi,” was released. Featuring Aishwarya Rai, the film was shot in just 17 days. “Raincoat” received the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and was widely praised for its sensitive treatment and superb adaptation of local culture and lingo.
His next was “Antar Mahal (2005),” with Jackie Shroff, Soha Ali Khan, and Roopa Ganguly, followed by “The Last Lear (2007),” which told the story of a retired Shakespearean theatre actor played by Amitabh Bachchan; “Khela (2008),” “Shob Charitro Kalponik (2008),” which won the National Award for Best Film in Bengali; and “Abohomaan (2009),” which earned him the National Film Award for Best Director in Bengali.
2011 was his year of experimentation with acting, as he starred in Kaushik Ganguly’s “Arekti Premer Golpo,” where Ghosh played a transgender filmmaker and legendary Jatara actor “Chapal Bhaduri,” and Sanjay Nag’s “Memories in March” with Deepti Naval.
“Chitrangada: The Crowning Wish (2012)” is perhaps one of Ghosh’s most personal films, where he also played the lead role. The film is a modern retelling of a dance drama by Tagore, exploring themes of gender identity and self-acceptance. Ghosh’s performance and direction in “Chitrangada” are powerful statements on the quest for personal truth and freedom.
“Satyanweshi, based on Byomkesh Bakshi, a fictional Bengali detective created by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay, was the last film he directed and released posthumously. His last film, “Sunglass” (also known as ‘Taak Jhaank’), although unreleased during his lifetime, was honoured and released posthumously at the 19th Kolkata International Film Festival.
Rituparno Ghosh, an auteur of modern Indian cinema, was known for his nuanced and layered storytelling. His films often delved into the complexities of human relationships and societal norms. The themes in his films were as varied as they were profound, resonated with audiences and critics alike.
One of the recurring themes in Ghosh’s work was the exploration of gender identity and sexuality. His films frequently challenged societal expectations and portrayed the struggles of characters grappling with their identities in a conservative society.
Ghosh’s early films were marked by a strong feminist perspective, addressing issues that were often considered taboo by middle-class family values. Films like ‘Dahan’ dealt with domestic violence and marital rape, while ‘Bariwali’ touched upon the loneliness and unfulfilled desires of a middle-aged woman.
Another theme that Ghosh eloquently portrayed was loneliness and the unlikely yet touching human connections that emerge from it.
His films explored the lives of the middle class, focussing on their daily struggles and inner desires. Ghosh’s cinema was not about larger-than-life characters or dramatic plot twists; instead, it was about the subtle nuances of everyday life and the complexities of human relationships.
The cultural heritage of Bengal and the works of Rabindranath Tagore were also significant influences in Ghosh’s films. He often referenced Tagore’s literature and used it as a backdrop to tell contemporary stories, weaving in social commentary and personal introspection.
Rituparno Ghosh was one of the few openly homosexual figures in Indian cinema. One of the hallmarks of Ghosh’s filmmaking was his exploration of gender and sexuality. He was unafraid to tackle controversial and sensitive subjects, often bringing to the forefront issues that were otherwise ignored or stigmatised in Indian society. His films were a platform for discussing and understanding the LGBTQ+ community, and he used his voice to challenge and change societal perceptions.
Rituparno Ghosh struggled with type 2 diabetes for ten years and suffered from insomnia, requiring medication. He was also facing complications from hormone treatments following abdominoplasty and breast implants for his role of Chapal Bhaduri in “Arekti Premer Golpo.”
Rituparno Ghosh passed away on May 30, 2013, after a massive heart attack at the age of 49. His work is a masterclass in filmmaking, characterised by nuanced performances, elegant storytelling, and a deep empathy for his characters. Ghosh’s films continue to inspire and influence not just filmmakers but anyone who appreciates the art of cinema.
