| 4 | | Bengali actress, born in Bhagalpur; her family was associated with the performing arts. Related to Hindi star [[Ashok Kumar]]. Early lessons in classical Hindustani music from Bundi Ustad and in Calcutta from K.C. Dey who introduced her in Debaki Bose films. First lead role in Sonar Sansar. Achieved a national reputation as Rani Lakshmibai in Bidyapati. Performed on AIR as a singer. Her demure but seductive style managed to convey sexually charged messages through devotional gestures. Early films mainly with Jyotish Bannerjee. Often formed a screen pair with Chhabi Biswas. Later developed a formidable actorial presence, notably in Tapan Sinha films (Nirjan Saikate, Hatey Bazarey, Apanjan) and [[Arundhati Devi]]’s Padi Pishir Barmi Baksha. Acted in early Mrinal Sen (Raat Bhore, Abasheshe). Also sang in some films, e.g. Rikta, Amar Geeti, Harmonium. |
| | 4 | Bengali actress, born in Bhagalpur; her family was associated with the performing arts. Related to Hindi star [[Ashok Kumar]]. Early lessons in classical Hindustani music from Bundi Ustad and in Calcutta from [[K.C. Dey]] who introduced her in [[Debaki Bose]] films. First lead role in [[Sonar Sansar]]. Achieved a national reputation as Rani Lakshmibai in [[Bidyapati]]. Performed on AIR as a singer. Her demure but seductive style managed to convey sexually charged messages through devotional gestures. Early films mainly with [[Jyotish Bannerjee]]. Often formed a screen pair with [[Chhabi Biswas]]. Later developed a formidable actorial presence, notably in [[Tapan Sinha]] films ([[Nirjan Saikate]], [[Hatey Bazarey]], [[Apanjan]]) and [[Arundhati Devi]]’s [[Padi Pishir Barmi Baksha]]. Acted in early Mrinal Sen (Raat Bhore, Abasheshe). Also sang in some films, e.g. Rikta, Amar Geeti, Harmonium. |