Samaresh Basu


Samaresh Basu was an Indian writer in modern Bengali literature, known for his versatility and vast range of themes. He wrote under the pen name Kalkut. Basu was awarded the 1980 Sahitya Akademi Award in Bengali, by Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters, for his novel, Shamba. He won the 1983 Filmfare Awards for Best Story for Namkeen.

Biography

Basu was born on 11 December 1924 in Bikrampur, Dhaka. He married Gauri Basu in 1942. In his early days, he worked at a factory at Ichapore, West Bengal. He was imprisoned between 1940 and 1950 for his involvement in trade unions and Communist party. It was in prison, he penned his first published novel, Uttaranga. After release, he devoted his time entirely to writing, refusing his old job offer. He wrote over 200 short stories and 100 novels under the pen names, Kalkut and Bhromor, revolving around themes of political activism, middle class life and sexuality, two of which were banned for a brief period with charges of obscenity.
Basu received the Sahitya Akademi Award for Shambo in 1980 and Filmfare Award for Namkeen in 1983.
Samaresh Basu died on 12 March 1988.

Works

Aam MahatoAbosesheAchinpurer KathokataApadartho Aparichito BaghiniBibar, made as a film in 2006, it is also mentioned in Mrinal Sen's 1971 film Interview.Bibekban/BhiruBijon Bibhui Bijorito B.T. Roader Dhare, translated as The Hollow by Saugata GhoshChaya Dhaka MonDahoDekhi Nai Phire Dosh Deen Pore Dui Aronyo Ganga Goenda Ashok Thakur Samogro Hariey Pawa Hridayer MukhJabab Jhile Nagar Jug Jug Jiye Kamona BasonaKe Nebe MoreKhondita Mahakaler Rother Ghora, translated in English as Fever Marsumer Ek Din Mohamaya Nithur Dorodeel'Noyonpurer Mati PadokkhepPancho Bonhi PathikPatok Prajapati PrakritiPran ProtimaPunaryatra Raktim BasontoRanir Bazar Samaresh Basu Rochonaboli Shalgherir SimanaySekol Chera Haater Khoje SwarnochanchuTanaporen Teen Purush Tin Bhubaner Pare
  • ''Uddhar''

Works as Kalkut

Amrita Bisher Patre Amrita Kumbher Sandhaney, translated as In Search of the Pitcher of Nectar Arab Sagorer Jol LonaDhyan Jnan Prem Ek Je Chhilen Raja Juddher Shesh Senapoti Kalkut Rachona Samagro Kothaay Pabo Tarey Ponnyo Bhume Punya Snan
  • Pritha Purno Kumbho Punascho Shambo
  • ''Prachetosh''

Works for children

  • Adrisya Manusher Haatchani
  • Bandha Ghore'r Awaz
  • Bhul Barite Dhuke
  • Bideshi Garite Bipod
  • Buno Hati'r Bandhuttwo
  • Goa i Gogoler Prothom Kirti
  • Gogol Amonibas
  • Gogol Chikkus Nagalande
  • Gorokhkhonathbabur Notebook
  • Jangal Mohol E Gogol
  • Jonaki Bhuter Bari
  • Jwor'er Ghore Shona
  • Sei Gari'r Khoje
  • Simul Gore'r Khune Bhut

Gogol

Samaresh Basu created two fictional detective characters: Gogol for children, and Ashok Thakur for adults. Gogol, the child detective, is more famous and widely read. Most of the Gogol stories are assembled in the Gogol Omnibus. Notable ones include:
  • Aayna Niye Khelte Khelte
  • Adrishya Manusher Haatchani
  • Buno Hati'r Bandhuttwo
  • Chora Hati Shikari
  • Durger Garhkhai Er Durghatono
  • Garadheen Jaanalay Rakkhos
  • Gogol Kothay?
  • Gogoler Keramati
  • Gogoler Royraja Uddhar
  • Harano Buddhagupti
  • Indurer Khut khut
  • Jonaki Bhuter Bari
  • Kairong Moth Er Gogoler Kando
  • Mahishmardini Uddhar
  • Pashchimer Balcony Theke
  • Rajdhani Expresser Hatya Rahasya
  • Ratna Rahasya O Gogol
  • Sonali Parer Rahashya
  • Telephone Aaripatar Bipad

Adaptations

Films

A number of films are based on his works including-Ganga by Rajen TarafdarNirjan Saikate by Tapan SinhaTeen Bhubaner Pare by Ashutosh BandhopadhyayAparichita by Salil DuttaSwarna Shikhor Prangane by Piyush BasuCalcutta 71 by Mrinal SenMouchak by Aurobindo MukhopadhyayChhera Tamsuk by Purnendu PattreaBikele Bhorer Phool by Piyush BasuChhutir Phande by Salil Sen and Honeymoon by Premendra Bikash Chaki Kitaab and Namkeen by GulzarShaukeen directed by Basu ChatterjeeAmrita Kumbher Sandhane by Dilip RoyPaar by Goutam GhoseGenesis by Mrinal Sen