'''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]]