Dhiraj Bhattacharya (1905-59)
Actor born in Jessore (now Bangladesh). Degree in literature. Started as a policeman, then Bengali film star from the 20s to the 50s. Began at Madan Theatres in Jyotish Bannerjee silents. Worked with Modhu Bose in Giribala? and with Priyanath Ganguly (Kal Parinaya, Jamuna Puliney). Developed his reputation as actor in films like Charu Roy’s seminal Bangalee?, Ardhendu Sen’s Adarsha Hindu Hotel (having earlier done the role of Hajari Prasad on stage, at the Rungmahal Theatre, 1953), and several Premendra Mitra films, including samadhan?, Kuasha, Kankantala Light Railway, Moyla Kagaj. Known later for his refined villain roles. One of the few Bengali stars not to emerge from the Calcutta Theatres stage, he turned to the theatre later as an established film star, acting in plays like Sindhu Gaurab (1932) and Charitraheen (1935). His autobiography was published in two volumes, one dealing with his life as a policeman, the other, on his film career, came out in 1956.
FILMOGRAPHY (* also d): 1925: Sati Lakshmi; 1930: Giribala; Kal Parinaya; Mrinalini; 1932: Nauka Dubi (all St); Krishnakanter Will; 1933: Jamuna Puliney/ Radha Krishna; Annapurna (St); 1934: Chand Saudagar; Daksha Yagna; Rajnati Basantsena; Seeta; 1935: Kanthahaar; Satya Pathe; Basabdatta; 1936: Krishna Sudama; Bangalee; Sonar Sansar; Bala Ki Raat; Joyar Bhanta*; Chino Haar; 1937: Rajgee; Mandir; 1938: Sarbajanin Bibahotsab; Abhinaya; Rupor Jhumko; 1939: Pathik; Nara Narayan; Parasmani; 1940: Kumkum/Kumkum? the Dancer; Byabadhan; Rajkumarer Nirbashan; 1941: Epar Opar; Nandini; Banglar Meye; 1942: Pashan Devata; Milan; Avayer Biye; 1943: Sahadharmini; Swamir Ghar; Samadhan; Dwanda; Shri Ramanuja; Nilanguriya; Daabi; Shahar Theke Dooray; Wapas; 1944: Bideshini; Iraada; 1945: Kato Door; Mane Na Mana; Kalankini; 1947: Natun Khabar; Giribala; 1948: Pratibad; Jayjatra/Vijay? Yatra; Kalo Chhaya; Sankha Sindoor; Taruner Swapna; 1949: Kuasha; 1950: Rakter Tan; Kankantala Light Railway; Eki Gramer Chhele; Kankal; Pattharar Kahini; 1951: Chiner Putul; Niyati; Sparshamani; Setu; 1952: Rani Bhabani; 1953: Chirantani; Chikitsa Sankat; Dui Beyai; 1954: Maa-o- Chhele; Moyla Kagaj; Ora Thake Odhare; Maraner Pare; Sati; Amar Prem; 1955: Sanjher Pradeep; Dakinir Char; 1956: Mahanisha; He Maha Manab; Manraksha; Amar Bou; Rajpath; 1957: Bardidi; Adarsha Hindu Hotel; Raat Ekta; Neelachaley Mahaprabhu; Shrimatir Sansar; Tamasha; 1958: Manmoyee Girls’ School; Bagha Jatin; Leela Kanka; Dhoomketu; 1960: Gariber Meye; Aparadh.