Bengali film industry is one of the oldest film industries in the history of Indian film. During 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s it was one of the best in the country. In 1919, the first Bengali movie “Billwamangal” was made which was a silent movie. The film “Chandidas” directed by Debaki Bose was noted for it’s breakthrough in sound recording. The movie “Rajat Jayanti”, a popular Bengali comedy was probably the first of its kind. Another historical film was ‘Biyallis(42)’ based on the Quit India movement which was banned for political reason. Bengali cinema can not be completed without mentioning one of it’s finest actor, Soumitra Chatterjee. His performance in the role of Apu and Felu-da is excellent in Ray’s movies. Ranjit Mallick, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Tapas Pal, Chiranjit Chakrabarty - are few of the contemporary actors who perform in leading roles. List of most popular film actors in West Bengal are in the following,
1. Soumitra Chatterjee
Photo Gallery
http://moviemazic.com/SearchResults.php?query=%20Soumitra%20Chatterjee&stype=Images&insid=A.4072
Saumitra Chatterjee is the most famous and most talented actor from Bengal. Most of his films are under the direction of the great director Satyajit Ray. His first film was “Apur Sansar” directed by Satyajit Ray . He appeared in 14 films of Satyajit Ray. Other notable collaborations of him with Ray included “Teen Kanya”, “Charulata”, “Aranyer Din Ratri” and “Ashani Sanket”. Soumitra won the lasting affection of Bengali film goers through his portrayal of Feluda, a popular detective character in films such as “Sonar Kella” and “Joi Baba Felunath” Directed by Ray. He also acted in the films directed by Mrinal Sen and Tapan Sinha. He is also a playwright and director. He is a well-known poetry reciter, and has acted on TV and in indigenous folk drama. His intelligent looks and multilayered acting style made him out to be a ‘thinking man’s actor. Soumitra has received the ‘Officier des Arts et Metiers’, the highest award for arts given by the French government, and a lifetime achievement award from Italy. He also got Padma Shri award and Padma Bhushan award from the president of India. At last, he won national award for his superb performance in the recent Bengali film “Padakkhep”.
2. Uttam Kumar
Photo Gallery
http://moviemazic.com/SearchResults.php?query=Uttam%20Kumar&stype=Images&insid=A.4096
Uttam Kumar was a legendary actor, director and producer of Bengali film. His original name was Arun Kumar Chatterjee. He is fondly called the Mahanayak or the “Great Hero” of Bengali cinema. His first released Bengali film was “Drishdidaan ” directed by Nitin Bose. His comedy movie “Saarey Chuattor” with Suchitra Sen was big hit. From that time onwards, the Uttam-Suchitra romantic jody produced a series of popular films throughout a period which is known as the golden age of commercial Bengali cinema. Uttam-Suchitra combination became a legendary and household name. Uttam Kumar’s performance in Satyajit Ray’s movie “Nayak” was remarkable. He also produced Bengali films like “Harano Sur”, “Saptapadi”, “Bhrantibilash”, “Uttar Falgun”, “Jatugriha” and “Grihadah”. We have to see his superb performance in Hindi films like “Amanush” , “Anand Ashram” , “Kitaab” and “Dooriyaan” . He was the first ever recipient of the Best Actor Award of Indian Government for his performances in “Chidiakhana” and “Anthony Firangee” . He died in 1980 from heart attack at the age of 54. He is still live in the hearts of all Bengali cinema lovers.
3. Prasenjeet Chatterjee
Photo Gallery http://www.calcuttaglobalchat.net/photogallery/thumbnails.php?album=23
Prasenjeet Chatterjee is a famous Bengali actor. He is affectionately called by Bumba Da. He started his movie carrier as a child artist in the film “Chhotto Jignasa” directed by his father Biswajeet. He got best film jury award for best child artist in this film. His first appearance as a lead hero was in the film ‘Duti Pata’. We have to see his acting performance in the films like “Pathbhola” , “Aandhiyan” , “Utsab”, “Unishe April” etc. He has displayed his acting power in both formula commercial movies as well as in parallel films. He has been the leading star of Bengali commercial cinema for the past two decades.
4. Ranjit Mallick
Ranjit Mallick is prominent Bengali actor. He started his career in the film “Interview” directed by Mrinal Sen. He received the Best Actor in Karlovy Vary International Film festival award for his performance of this film. He become a popular romantic hero and he starred many memorable films like “Mouchak”, “Devi Chaudharani”, “Raag Anuraag”, “Sayang Siddha” etc. The blockbuster film “Shatru” transformed him from a romantic hero to an angry action hero. He is excellent in leading roles as well as supporting roles in many of the films.
5. Jeet
Photo Gallery http://www.calcuttaglobalchat.net/photogallery/thumbnails.php?album=24
Jeet is a new actor of Bengal. He is the Bengali nayak of present era. Jeet means victory. He really deserves that name, because he is wanted for victory. Jeet’s first film is in Telugu named “Chandu”. His second film is in Bengal named “Saathi”, directed by Haranath Chakravarty. Jeet’s soft, romantic, screen image really steals the Bengali audience. His just released film “Aakrosh”, Jeet has evolved into an action-hero for the first time. He proved his talents in the films like “Naater Guru”, “Amar Maayer Shapath”, “Champion and Shongi”. He will be most popular in coming years in the hearts of Bengali movie lovers.