Robi Ghosh, (1931-97)

Major Bengali comedian. Best known in the role of Bagha in Satyajit Ray’s fantasy, [[Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne]], repeating the character in Hirak Rajar Deshe and in Sandeep Ray’s sequel Goopy Bagha Phere Elo, as well as for the unemployed youth in Aranyer Din Ratri. Stage actor with Utpal Dutt’s Little Theatre Group (1953-60), e.g. Chhayanat and Angar. 60s films continued in the line of Bengali film comedians (e.g. Tinkari Chakraborty, Indu Mukherjee, Amar Mullick, etc.). Ghosh regarded Tulsi Chakraborty, along with Harold Lloyd and Harry Langdon, as his main influence. Also acted in other Ray films (Abhijaan, Mahapurush, Aranyer Din Ratri, Jana Aranya), for Tapan Sinha (Apanjan, Sabuj Dwiper Raja) and Mrinal Sen (Abasheshe, Chorus). Also acted in almost all Dinen Gupta films between 1972-85. His small body, mobile face and extraordinary timing was acclaimed by his stage mentor, Utpal Dutt, for its Brechtian ability to slip in and out of the characters and stereotypes (used subversively in the role of Mr Mitter in Jana Aranya). Ghosh regards the comedian as uniquely able to communicate with diverse audiences, having assimilated both the boisterous folk comedy and the urbane comedy of manners. Ran the amateur stage group, Chalachal, which closed in 1970. Returned to the professional stage with e.g. Bibar (1973), Shrimati Bhayankari (1980), Kane Bibhrat (1983) and Sabash Peto Panchu (1988). Also directed two films, one (1974) under the pseudonym Ekalavya.

FILMOGRAPHY (* also d): 1959: Kichhukshan; 1961: Megh; 1962: Hansuli Banker Upakatha; Abhijaan; Agun; Abasheshe; 1963: Nirjan Saikate; Palatak; Shesh Prahar; Chhaya Surya; Binimoy; Nyayadanda; 1964: Saptarshi; Kashtipathar; Natun Tirtha; Momer Alo; Lal Patthar; Subaho- Debatargrash; Mahapurush; 1965: Ek Tuku Basa; Surer Agun; Kal Tumi Aleya; 1966: Dolgobinder Karcha; Galpa Holeo Satti; Griha Sandhaney; Manihar; Swapnaniye; Uttar Purush; 1967: Ashite Ashio Na; 1968: Apanjan; Baghini; Baluchari; Hansa Mithun; Panchasar; Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne; 1969: Arogyaniketan; Bibaha Bibhrat; Teen Bhubhaner Parey; Satyakam; Aranyer Din Ratri; Teer Bhoomi; 1970: Sheela; Ae Korechho Bhalo; Rupasi; 1971: Dhanyi Meye; Kuheli; Pratibad; 1972: Ajker Nayak; Chhayatir; Padi Pishir Barmi Baksha; Shesh Parba; Basanta Bilap; Chitthi; Marjina Abdallah; Shriman Prithviraj; Alo Amar Alo; Maa-o-Mati; Subse Bada Sukh; Calcutta ’71; 1973: Megher Pare Megh; Achena Atithi; Daabi; Pranta Rekha; 1974: Sadhu Judhishthirer Karcha*; Bikele Bhorer Phool; Chorus; Jadu Bansha; Phuleshwari; Rakta Tilak; Sangini; Thagini; Chhutir Phande; Mouchak; Premer Phande; 1975: Raag Anuraag; Sansar Simantey; Salaam Memsaab; Jana Aranya; Mohan Baganer Meye; Sudur Niharika; Harano Prapti Niruddesh; 1976: Nidhi Ram Sardar*; Ek Je Chhilo Desh; Ananda Mela; Dampati; Era-Ek- Jug; Jatayu; Samrat; Sankhabish; 1977: Abirvab; Brajabuli; Mantramugdha; Pratima; Proxy; Bar Bodhu; 1978: Nadi Theke Sagare; Ganadevata; Lattu; Charmurti; Tilottama; 1979: Jhor; Chirantan; Malancha; Nauka Dubi; Ghatkali; Sabuj Dwiper Raja; Samadhan; Satma; Shahar Theke Dooray; Sonay Suhaga; Krishna Sudama; 1980: Kuhasa; Bandhan; Bancha-ramer Bagan; Ae To Sansar; Gopal Bhanar; Hirak Rajar Deshe; Paka Dekha; Priyatama; Batasi; 1981: Baisakhi Megh; Kalankini; Pahari Phool; Subarna Golak; Meghmukti; Swami Stri; Maa Bipat Tarini Chandi; Pratishodh; 1982: Amrita Kumbher Sandhaney; Rashmayir Rashikala; Raj Bodhu; Matir Swarga; Simanta Raag; 1983: Aparoopa; Ae Chhilo Mone; Amar Geeti; Din Jay; Indira; Jay Parajay; Jiban Maran; Robi Shom; Kauke Bolo Na; Aloye Phera; Samarpita; Srinkhal; Banashree; Duti Pata; Mohaney Dike; 1984: Prarthana; Rashifal; Shorgol; Uncle; Vasundhara; Inquilab Ke Baad; 1985: Abasheshe; Hulusthul; Kenaram Becharam; Pratigya; Tagori; 1986: Abhishap; Abhimaan; Bouma; Jiban; 1987: Lalan Fakir; Aaj Ka Robin Hood; Bidrohi; Antarjali Jatra/ Mahayatra; Raj Purush; Samrat-o-Sundari; Amor Sangi; 1988: Agni Sanket; Koroti; Antaranga; Ora Charjon; Madhuganjer Sumati; 1989: Shubha Kamana; Amar Tumi; 1990: Chakranta; Chetana; Jwar Bhata; Abhimanyu; 1991: Prashna; Amar Saathi; Palatak; Antarer Bhalobasha; Goopy Bagha Phere Elo; Agantuk; 1992: Padma Nadir Majhi; Anutap; Priya; Gunjan; Shaitan; Ananya; Adhikar; 1993: Mon Mane Na; Kuchbaron Kanya; Maya Mamata; Krantikaal; Shanka; Prajapati; 1994: Tobu Mone Rekho; Geet Sangeet; Sagar; Phiriye Dao; 1995: Kahini; Mohini; Pratidhani; Kumari Maa; Mejo Bou.

Actor