Chhaya Devi (b. 1914)

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.

FILMOGRAPHY: 1936: Pather Sheshey; Sonar Sansar/Sunehra? Sansar; Prabas Milan; Chino Haar; 1937: Ranga Bou; Bidyapati/Vidyapati?; 1938: Bekar Nashan; Halbangala; Khana; 1939: Tumhari Jeet; Janak Nandini; Debjani; Rikta; Vaman Avatar; Jakher Dhan; 1940: Abhinetri/Haar? Jeet; Swami Stri; Amar Geeti; 1941: Banglar Meye; 1942: Chowringhee; Pativrata; Avayer Biye; Mera Gaon; 1943: Shri Ramanuja; Samadhan; 1944: Bideshini; Samaj; 1945: Stree Durga; Bondita; 1946: Uttara Abhimanyu; 1947: Jharer Parey; Burmar Pathey; 1948: Anirban; Bish Bichar Agey; Dhatri Debata; Mahakal; 1949: Abhijatya; Abhimaan; 1950: Indranath; Apabaad; Sati Simantini; Mahasampad; 1951: Ratnadeep/ Ratnadeepam; 1953: Chirantani; 1954: Maa-o-Chhele; 1955: Sanjher Pradeep; Bratacharini; Era Bator Sur; 1956: Raat Bhore; Saheb Bibi Golam; Sadhana; He Maha Manab; Shankar Narayan Bank; Trijama; Rajpath; Daner Maryada; Shubha Lagna; 1957: Bardidi; Shesh Parichaya; 1958: Bagha Jatin; Marmabani; 1959: Shri Radha; Gali Theke Rajpath; Bhranti; Shubha Bibaha; 1960: Saharer Itikatha; 1961: Manik; Sadhak Kamalakanta; Agni Sanskar; Swayambara; Pankatilak; Saptapadi; 1962: Bipasha; Kancher Swarga; Atal Jaler Ahwan; Dada Thakur; Abasheshe; 1963: Nisithe; Saat Pake Bandha; Nirjan Saikate; Shesh Prahar; Uttar Falguni; Deya Neya; Kanchan Kanya; Barnali; 1964: Bibhas; Natun Tirtha; Arohi; 1965: Thana Theke Aschhi; Antaral; Raja Rammohun; Surya Tapa; Mukhujey Paribar; Eki Ange Eto Rup; Tu Hi Meri Zindagi; 1966: Galpa Holeo Satti; Harano Prem; Kanch Kata Hirey; Manihar; Pagal Thakur; Mamata; 1967: Akash Chhoan; Ajana Shapath; Antony Firingee; Hatey Bazarey; Kedar Raja; Mahashweta; 1968: Apanjan; Baghini; Charan Kabi Mukundadas; Neel Kamal; 1969: Andhar Surya; Arogyaniketan; Balak Gadadhar; Chena Achena; Maa-o-Meye; Mon- Niye; Parineeta; Pita Putra; Protidan; Sabarmati; 1970: Kalankita Nayak; Muktisnan; Pratham Kadam Phool; Duti Mon; Megh Kalo; Rajkumari; 1971: Kuheli; 1972: Padi Pishir Barmi Baksha; Shesh Parba; Zindagi Zindagi; Haar Mana Haar; 1973: Roudra Chhaya; Shesh Pristhay Dekhun; 1974: Alor Thikana; Debi Choudhrani; Sujata; 1975: Chhoto Nayak; Harmonium; Kajal Lata; Nagar Darpane; Harano Prapti Niruddesh; Swayamsiddha; Sei Chokh; Phool Sajya; 1976: Ek Je Chhilo Desh; Pratisruti; Rajbansha; Mom Batti; 1977: Brajabuli; Babu Moshai; Ae Prithibi Pantha Niwas; Jaal Sanyasi; Pratima; Proxy; Alaap; 1978: Dhanraj Tamang; Maan Abhiman; Nadi Theke Sagare; Singhdwar; Karunamayi; Pronoy Pasha; 1979: Arun Barun-o-Kiranmala; Nabadiganta; Mother; Samadhan; 1980: Aro Ekjan; Raj Nandini; Pipasa; Bandhan; 1981: Surya Sakhi; Faisla; Samarpan; Manikchand; Nyay Anyay; Subarnalata; Kalankini; 1982: Raj Bodhu; Bandini Kamala; Simanta Raag; Agradani; 1983: Chena Achena; Rang Birangi; Prayashchitta; Deepar Prem; Srinkhal; 1984: Didi; Lal Golap; Rashifal; 1985: Hulusthul; Kenaram Becharam; 1987: Apan Ghare; Pratikar; Swarnamoir Thikana; 1988: Boba Sanai; 1993: Tomar Rakte Amar Sohag.

Actor