Sunil Gangopadhyay
Sunil Gangopadhyay image
Gangopadhyay in 2010
Born(1934-09-07)7 September 1934
Faridpur, Bengal Presidency, British India
(now in Bangladesh)
Died23 October 2012(2012-10-23) (aged 78)
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Pen nameNil Lohit, Sanatan Pathak, and Nil Upadhyay[1]
OccupationWriter
LanguageBengali
NationalityIndian
Alma materUniversity of Calcutta
Period1953–2012
Literary movementKrittibas
Notable works
Notable awardsAnanda Puraskar (1972, 1989)
Sahitya Akademi Award (1985)
Spouse
Swati Bandopadhyay
​
(m. 1967)​
[2]
ChildrenSouvik Gangopadhyay (b. 1967)[2]
Signature
Sunil Gangopadhyay signature in Bengali
Website
sunilgangopadhyay.org

Sunil Gangopadhyay or Sunil Ganguly (7 September 1934 – 23 October 2012)[1] was an Indian poet, historian and novelist in the Bengali language based in the city of Kolkata.[3] He is a former Sheriff of Calcutta. Gangopadhyay obtained his master's degree in Bengali from the University of Calcutta. In 1953 he and a few of his friends started a Bengali poetry magazine, Krittibas. Later he wrote for many different publications.

Ganguly created the Bengali fictional character Kakababu whose real name is Raja Roy Chowdhury and his passion is to solve mysteries. He wrote 36 novels in Kakababu series which became significant in Indian children's literature. He received Sahitya Akademi award in 1985 for his novel Those Days (Sei Samay).[4] Gangopadhyay used the pen name Nil Lohit, Sanatan Pathak, and Nil Upadhyay.[1] He is regarded as one of the most popular, creative and celebrated Bengali Writers of the present era.[5][6]

Early life

He was born in Faridpur into a Bengali Hindu family in what is now Bangladesh. He came to live in Kolkata from his ancestral town at an early age. Later, his ancestral town fell within East Pakistan after the Partition of India in 1947. He studied at the Surendranath College, Dum Dum Motijheel College, City College, Kolkata – all affiliated with the University of Calcutta. Thereafter, he obtained his master's degree in Bengali from the University of Calcutta in 1954.[2]

He married Swati Banerjee on 26 February 1967. Their only son, Souvik, who stays in Boston, was born on 20 November 1967.[2]

Literary career

Krittibas

Sunil in the Krittibas stall in Nandan

Gangopadhyay was the founder editor of Krittibas, a seminal poetry magazine started publishing from 1953, that became a platform for a new generation of poets experimenting with many new forms in poetic themes, rhythms, and words.[1][7]

Other works

Later, he started writing for various publications of the Ananda Bazar group, a major publishing house in Kolkata and has been continuing it for many years.[1] He became a friend of the beat poet Allen Ginsberg while he was travelling in India. Ginsberg mentioned Gangopadhyay most notedly in his poem September on Jessore Road. Gangopadhyay in return mentioned Ginsberg in some of his prose work. After serving five years as the Vice President, he was elected the President of the Sahitya Akademi on 20 February 2008[8]

Sunil, along with Tarun Sanyal, Jyotirmoy Datta and Satrajit Dutta had volunteered to be defence witnesses in the famous trial of Hungry generation movement poet Malay Roy Choudhury.[9]

Works

Gangopadhyay in 2006

Author of well over 200 books,[1] Sunil was a prolific writer who has excelled in different genres but declares poetry to be his "first love".[7] His Nikhilesh and Neera series of poems (some of which have been translated as For You, Neera and Murmur in the Woods) have been extremely popular.

As in poetry, Sunil was known for his unique style in prose. His second novel was Atmaprakash and it was also the first writing from a newcomer in literature published in the prestigious magazine- Desh (1965).[10] It was critically acclaimed but some controversy arose for its aggressive and 'obscene' style. Sunil said that he was afraid of this novel and went away from Calcutta for a few days. Satyajit Ray thought to make a film on it but it wasn't possible for reasons. The central character of 'Atmaprakash' is a young man of core-calcutta'- Sunil, who leads a bohemian life-style. The novel had inspiration from ' On the road' by Jack Kerouac, the beat generation writer. His historical fiction Sei Somoy (translated into English by Aruna Chakravorty as Those Days) received the Indian Sahitya Akademi award in 1985. Sei Somoy continues to be a best seller more than two decades after its first publication. The same is true for Prothom Alo (also translated recently by Aruna Chakravorty as First Light), another best selling historical fiction and Poorba-Pashchim, a raw depiction of the partition and its aftermath seen through the eyes of three generations of Bengalis in West Bengal, Bangladesh and elsewhere. He is also the winner of the Bankim Puraskar (1982), and the Ananda Puraskar (twice, in 1972 and 1989).

Sunil Gangopadhyay giving autographs to his fans in Kolkata Book Fair 2010

Sunil wrote in many other genres including travelogues, children's fiction, short stories, features, and essays. Among his pen-names are: Nil Lohit, Sanatan Pathak, and Nil Upadhyay.[1]

Though he wrote all types of children's fiction, one character created by him that stands out above the rest, was Kakababu, the crippled adventurist, accompanied by his young adult nephew Santu, and his friend Jojo. Since 1974, Sunil Gangopadhyay wrote over 35 novels of this popular series, most of which appeared in Anandamela magazine.

Adaptations of his literary works

Death

Sunil Gangopadhyay died at 2:05 am on 23 October 2012 at his South Kolkata residence, following a heart attack.[1][13][14] He was suffering from prostate cancer for some time[15] and went to Mumbai for treatment. He returned to Kolkata on the day of Mahalaya.[16] Although he was a communist and an atheist. Controversially, Gangopadhyay's body was cremated following Hindu custom on 25 October at Keoratola crematorium with several dignitaries and numerous fans paying their last tributes. Ganguly was not a Hindu or Muslim but a committed atheist.[17]

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee condoled the death of Gangopadhyay saying–[14]

Gangopadhyay had enriched Bengali literature through his unique style. He was one of the best intellectuals among his contemporaries. The vacuum created by his death cannot be filled

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, who was closely associated with the writer since 1964, said that Bengali literature would remain indebted to him.[18]

Controversies

  • In 1970 Satyajit Ray's film Pratidwandi released which was based on Gangopadhyay's novel. In the novel Gangopadhyay depicted how a poor nurse used to entertain men for some moolah. This arose controversy and nurses across the city of Kolkata protested against such depiction.[19]
  • In 2006 novel Ardhek Jibon, he expressed his carnal desire for Hindu goddess Saraswati created some controversies. A retired IPS officer lodged a case against Gangopadhyay in the Calcutta High Court. Against this controversy Gangpadhyay felt– he had no freedom to express what he felt. Another Bengali writer Buddhadeb Guha found this a cheap gimmick and he told– "I don't support such cheap gimmicks. An author should set an example for the younger generations. If an author thinks it's cool to say that he loves to booze and enjoys going to Sonagachhi, then this only speaks poorly of him."[19]
  • In September 2012 Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen accused Sunil Gangopadhyay of sexually harassing her and other women. She also alleged that Gangopadhyay was involved in banning her novel Dwikhandito and her "banishment" from West Bengal.[20][21]

List of major works

Poetry

  • Hathat Nirar Janya[10]
  • Bhorbelar Upohar
  • Sada Prishtha tomar sange
  • Sei Muhurte Nira
  • Kaydata Shikhe Nebe
  • Jodi Nirbason Dao
  • Pagol Kota

Novels

  • Atmaprakash (1964)[10]
  • Sonali Dukkho
  • Chaya Darshon
  • Anno Jiboner Shad
  • Shopno Somvob
  • Suniler Satdin
  • Rani O Obinash
  • Kothay Alo
  • Sudur Jhornar Jole
  • Jol Jongoler Kabbo
  • Ekti Rat Tinti Jibon
  • Jomoj Kahini
  • Madhu Kahini
  • Otyagsahan
  • Gonesh Diye Shuru
  • Unmochoner Muhurte
  • Adhar Raater Atithi
  • Aakash Paatal
  • Asroy
  • Alpona Aar Shikha
  • Achena Manush
  • Aamar Swapna
  • Nadir pare khela
  • Satyer Aral
  • Eka Ebong Koyekjon
  • Sei Somoy
  • Pratham Alo
  • Poorba-Pashchim
  • Hirok Deepthi
  • Nihsanga Samrat (2005)
  • Moner Manus (2008)
  • Bosudha o tar meye (2010)
  • Saraswati-r pa-er kacche (2012)
  • Radha Krishna (2015)
  • Jibon J Rokom
  • Payer Tolay Sorshe

Autobiography

  • Ardhek Jibon
  • Chabir Deshe, Kabitar Deshe

Travelogue

  • "Bijone Nijer Sathe"
  • "Amader Choto Nadee"
  • "Tin Samudro Satash Nadee"

Kakababu series

  • Sabuj Dwiper Raja
  • Kakababu O Sindukrahasya
  • Kakababu O Bajralama
  • Santu Kothay, Kakababu Kothay
  • Vijaynagarer Hire
  • Jangaler Modhe Ek Hotel
  • Bhayankar Sundoor
  • Santu O Ak Tukro Chand
  • Kakababu Herey Gelen?
  • Kolkatar Jongole
  • Bhopal Rahashya
  • Pahar Churae Atanka
  • Khali Jahajer Rohosyo
  • Agun Pakhir Rohoshyo
  • Kakababu Bonam Chorashikari
  • "Sadhubabar haat(Short Story)"
  • Ulka Rahoshsho
  • Kakababu O Ek Chhodmobeshi
  • Ebar Kakababur Protishodh
  • Mishor Rohoshsho(Mystery in Egypt)
  • Kakababu O Ashchorjo Dweep
  • Agneyogirir peter madhye
  • Kakababu O Jaladashu
  • Golokdhandhay Kakababu
  • Kakababu Samagra (1–6)
  • 'Kakababu O Chadan Dossu'

Translated books

  • First Light[22] ISBN 978-0-14-100430-3
  • Those days[22] ISBN 0140268529
  • East-West[22] Penguin Books India
  • The Lovers and the other stories[22] ISBN 81-7189-838-6
  • Pratidwandi[22] ISBN 81-250-1902-2
  • Murmur in the Woods[22] ISBN 81-220-0568-3
  • The Youth[22] ISBN 81-291-0125-4
  • Ranu O Bhanu[22] Translated by Sheila Sengupta
  • The Lonely Monarch[22] Translated by Swapna Dutta, ISBN 978-93-5009-628-4
  • Blood[23] Translated by Debali Mookerjea-Leonard

Awards and honours

Awards

Honors

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Bengali writer Sunil Gangopadhyay dies of a heart attack at 78". CNN-IBN. 23 October 2012. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Spouse and children of Gangopadhyay". Sunil Gangopadhyay website. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  3. ↑ "Sunil Gangopadhyay". Library of Congress. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  4. ↑ Ruth Vanita; Saleem Kidwai (22 September 2001). Same-Sex Love in India: Readings from Literature and History. Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 336–. ISBN 978-0-312-29324-6. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  5. ↑ "The man who "carried the modern consciousness of Bengal" - The Hindu". The Hindu. 23 October 2012.
  6. ↑ "Sunil Gangopadhyay".
  7. 1 2 "Bengal's literary chameleon". The Age. 1 November 2012. Retrieved 31 October 2012.
  8. ↑ "Gangopadhyay elected Sahitya Akademi president". The Hindu. 21 February 2008. Archived from the original on 4 March 2008. Retrieved 4 April 2009.
  9. ↑ Indian and Foreign Review. Publications Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. 1969. p. 271. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  10. 1 2 3 "Sunil Gangopadhyay dies". BD News. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  11. ↑ Tsui, Clarence (3 October 2013). "Vara: A Blessing: Busan Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  12. ↑ "Yugantar (Old Doordarshan TV Serial)". Free Online India. 4 October 2016. Archived from the original on 27 January 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  13. 1 2 3 4 "Eminent Bengali writer Sunil Gangopadhyay passes away". Bengal Newz. 20 February 2008. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  14. 1 2 "Eminent litterateur Sunil Gangopadhyay passes away at his Kolkata residence". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  15. ↑ "Bengali writer Sunil Gangopadhyay dies". NDTV. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  16. ↑ "Amaratwa ke tachhilya korte chaiten tini". Anandabazar Patrika. 26 October 2012.
  17. ↑ "The discovery of utility in death". Yahoo News. Archived from the original on 18 October 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  18. ↑ "Sunil Gangopadhyay passes away". The Hindu. 23 October 2012. Archived from the original on 26 October 2012. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  19. 1 2 "The freedom song". The Times of India. 19 June 2006. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  20. ↑ "Taslima Nasreen accuses author Sunil Gangopadhyay of sexual harassment". The Times of India. 4 September 2012. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  21. ↑ "Taslima tweets: Sunil molested me". BDNews. Archived from the original on 7 September 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Translated Books of Sunil Gangopadhyay". Sunil Gangopadhyay's website. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  23. ↑ Datta, Sudipta (23 May 2020). "Moving out, moving on: Review of 'Blood' by Sunil Gangopadhyay, trs Debali Mookerjea-Leonard". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Sunil Gangopadhyay awards". Sunil Gangopadhyay website. Archived from the original on 31 August 2012. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  25. 1 2 3 "Eminent Litterateur Sunil Gangopadhyay Dead". Outlook India. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
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