Mem Saheb


Mem Saheb is a 1972 Bengali film directed by Pinaki Mukherjee who also acts in this film. The film was produced by Ashima Bhattacharya and production company by Pompy Films. The story was based on the novel of same name by Nimai Bhattachariya. The film's music was composed by Ashima Bhattacharya. This film won the Filmfare Awards East in 1972. It stars Uttam Kumar and Aparna Sen in the lead roles. Others such as Gita Dey, Sumitra Mukherjee, Bikash Roy, and Jahor Roy play supporting roles.
Director Pinaki Mukherjee did a superb job by combining the political world and romance of that period. Aparna Sen excelled as the young, educated Professor, who falls in love with a hotshot journalist played by Kumar. While both stand for each other and dream for a happy future, this is cut short by political violence. This film, despite its romantic elements, brought the ethics of journalism to the big screen.

Cast

Production

The film was directed by Pinaki Bhusan Mukherjee and produced by Ashima Bhattachriya, who also composed the music. This producer-director duo worked with Uttam Kumar before in the cult hit Chowrangee in 1968. At first the role of Kajal Suchitra Sen was the first choice but later she was found not suitable for this role then Aparna Sen was selected instead. The indoor scenes of the film were shot in Technicians Studio and NT Studio 2.

Reception

This is one of the best films in both Uttam Kumar and Aparna Sen's career. Uttam Kumar's performance became greatly acclaimed. The Times Of India wrote Uttam Kumar, playing her male counterpart, turns out to be her only inspiration. In this romantic drama, the legendary actor essayed out a hotshot journalist who enjoys great connections to several political personalities. The film became a blockbuster hit and ran to full houses for 12 consecutive weeks and ran over 100 days in theaters. The film also became one of the highest grossing Bengali films of 1972.