Sharadindu bandyopadhyay biography of christopher
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However, his forte was short stories and novels.
Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay (1899–1970) remains a towering figure in Bengali literature, best known for creating the iconic fictional detective Byomkesh Bakshi, often referred to as the “Satyanweshi” or “truth-seeker.” His contribution to Indian literature spans across genres—detective fiction, historical novels, short stories, plays, and screenwriting—making him a truly versatile writer whose works continue to captivate readers and viewers across generations.
Early Life and Education
Sharadindu was born on March 30, 1899, in Jaunpur, then part of the United Provinces (modern-day Uttar Pradesh), into a Bengali family.
However, his forte was shortstories and novels. One of his earliest stories, Raktasandhya, appeared in Bengali in 1939. He was also actively involved with Bengali cinema as well as Bollywood. Stories like Pother Kanta, Chiriyakhana, Arthamanartham, and Adim Ripu are widely celebrated and have been adapted multiple times in films and television.
Master of Historical Fiction
While detective fiction made Sharadindu a household name, his foray into historical fiction further cemented his status as a literary giant.
They are deeply rooted in Indian settings, especially Kolkata, and portray the evolving urban middle class of early 20th-century Bengal. Between 1938 and 1952, he worked in Bombay (now Mumbai) as a screenwriter for Bombay Talkies, one of the pioneering studios in Indian cinema. His most famouscreation is the fictionaldetectiveByomkesh Bakshi.
He wrotedifferentforms of prose: novels, short stories, plays and screenplays.
Besides, he wrote many songs and poems.
Personal life and education
He was born to Tarabhushan and Bijaliprabha Bandyopadhyay.
He passed the matriculation examination in 1915 and took admission in Vidyasagar College, Calcutta. He was a storyteller par excellence, a custodian of Indian history, and a keen observer of human nature.
His Byomkesh stories were adapted into a hugely successful TV series in the early 1990s, starring Rajit Kapur in the title role.
ISBN 978-81-7625-849-4.
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| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bandyopadhyay, Sharadindu |
| Alternative names | |
| Short description | |
| Date of birth | 30 March 1899 |
| Place of birth | |
| Date of death | 22 September 1970 |
| Place of death | |
- Indian novelists
- Bengali writers
- People from Kolkata
- Bengali-language writers
- Recipients of the Rabindra Puraskar
- Indian children's writers
- Indian screenwriters
- Vidyasagar College alumni
- University of Calcutta alumni
- 1899 births
- 1970 deaths
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Films by directors like Rituparno Ghosh, Dibakar Banerjee, and Anjan Dutt have explored different dimensions of Byomkesh’s personality and universe.Apart from Byomkesh, his other writings are still in print, widely read, and studied in academic settings.
The experience, however, enhanced his narrative skills, which reflected in the cinematic style of his later stories.
Style and Themes
Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay’s writing is notable for its clarity, elegance, and economy of language. He began contributing regularly to Bengali literary magazines such as Bichitra and Prabasi, and soon developed a devoted readership.
His early works often reflected the social fabric of Bengal, with vivid character sketches and gripping plots.
His works offered a refreshing alternative to the British colonial interpretation of Indian history, reasserting the pride and glory of India’s past.
Contribution to Cinema and Screenwriting
Sharadindu was also associated with the film industry. It was later included in The Scarlet Dusk (2003), a collection of 5 of his stories translated into English.
He moved to Bombay in 1938 to write screenplays for Bombay Talkies and other film banners.
The series is expected to be followed by the other two stories Chitrachor and Kohen Kobi Kalidas.
Hindi
- Trishagni (1988) is an award-winning film directed by Nabendu Ghosh, based on Sharadindu's historical short story Moru O Sangho.
Awards
Bandyopadhyay was awarded the Rabindra Puraskar in 1967 for the novel Tungabhadrar Tirey.
His first story, “Jadughar” (The House of Magic), was published when he was just 20.