বাংলায় পড়ুন
Prevalently known to all as “Benu di”, the octogenarian is equally graceful till date. We all entreat that 8th January becoming her birthday will definitely bring new life for her and the industry on the whole. Her presence of 82 years among us brings life to a number of people even today.
Supriya Devi stepped into the Bengali film industry at a very early age. Her father being a lawyer by profession never forced her to get into the field as his and this has actually made her what she is today. In the year 1954 when she was only 19 she got married to Biswanath Choudhury who was a politician. But after the birth of her daughter Soma, she moved into a live in relationship with the veteran actor, Uttam Kumar.
We all are too enthusiastic about the onscreen chemistry of Uttam Suchitra while behind the scenes Supriya Devi grabbed the attention of the actor. According to her, initially there was hardly anything beyond friendship. But during the shoot of the movie Uttarayan, something changed between them. The shadow she felt precipitously behind her in the make-up room was none other than the veteran actor. And what happened after that is still a mystery to all. She blushed and reddened narrating her experience of first kiss with Uttam Kumar in the make-up room for the shoot of Uttarayan.
Suchitra Sen used to pull Supriya Devi’s leg numerous times and she hardly let out any opportunity to make fun with her. Benu Di used to enjoy this subtle chats and this was pretty pleasurable for her too. She recollects an incident where she got a call from Suchitra Sen and Sen wanted to talk to Uttam. Unfortunately by that time Uttam Kumar already left for work and knowing that, Sen regretted that it’s a pity, she thought of kissing him. Anyways, it was not always an adoring and buttery relationship between Benu Di and Uttam Kumar; there were ego clashes many a time because of which there were cessations in movie shooting for both of them. Most intriguing part is Suchitra Sen never spoke of her feelings and thoughts about the veteran actor. She was asked in many ways; either she remained clammed up or preferred to be in a deep-thoughts. Her philosophical attitude detained all to ask her further questions regarding Uttam Kumar. Now, on the other hand, Savitra Chatterjee was also strictly against Uttam Kumar leaving his family for Supriya Devi and she mentioned that Uttam Kumar loved her also, but he should not leave his family for anyone.
Benu di is still nostalgic and sensitive about Uttam Kumar and remembers probably each and every moment she spent with him. This is actually the kind of relationship today’s generation lack and crave for in their late 30s. This older generation has a lot to teach us. Let us pay our accolades to them and cram the indispensable emotions. Therefore talking about only Supriya Devi, will not define the essence of oldies because in Uttam Kumar’s last rites Suchitra Sen was also seen and when the garland she was carrying was put on his body, she was the one to utter, “Gently lest he be hurt”.
Kudos to the veterans from Team Jiyo Bangla!
