Greetings and best wishes on the birthday of the legendary Bengali novelist Shankar, whose writing has mesmerised generations of readers. Born as Manishankar Mukhopadhyay, he is affectionately known across literary circles by his pen name, Shankar.
Satyajit Ray’s creative insight was the first to shine a spotlight on Shankar’s literary brilliance. Ray adapted “Seemabaddha” and “Jana Aranya” into memorable films, while Shankar’s timeless novel “Chowringhee” found cinematic life through Uttam Kumar’s extraordinary performance. That era witnessed a rare and remarkable confluence of literature and cinema.
Shankar was born on 7 December 1933 in Banagram of Jessore, an area that is now part of West Bengal’s 24 Parganas. His father, lawyer Haripada Mukhopadhyay, relocated the family to Howrah before the outbreak of the Second World War. Howrah became the setting for his childhood, intellectual awakening, and the early blossoming of his literary aspirations.
His early life was deeply challenging. He earned a living at different points as a hawker, a typewriter cleaner, a private tutor, a teacher, and a junior clerk in a jute brokerage. Through these struggles, he gathered rich life experiences, which later emerged as invaluable assets in his literary creations. It was the inspiration of an Englishman that encouraged him to begin writing.
The publication of his debut novel “Bodhodoy” brought him immediate and significant acclaim. Renowned author Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay sent him a message describing his work with three defining words:
“Bright, Bold, Beporoa.”
Those words appeared to announce the essence of his literary future.
Standing at the threshold of ninety, Shankar continues to write with unwavering dedication. In recent years, his attention has been deeply centred on Swami Vivekananda. His exploration of Swamiji’s life, philosophy, and lesser-known dimensions, especially through the book “Ami Vivekananda Bolchhi”, remains a bestseller. These works allow readers to encounter a new, unknown, and astonishing Vivekananda.
Among his extensive body of work, notable titles include: Kato Ajanare, Charan Chhuye Jai, Shri Shri Ramakrishna Rahasyamrita, Asha Akanksha, Tirandaj, Patabhumi, Kamona Bashona, Anek Dur, Seemanta Sangbad, Chowringhee, Ekdin Hothat, Jekhane Jemon, Banglar Meye, Ghorer Modhye Ghor, Manab Sagor Tire, Sonar Sangsar, Subarna Sujog, Seemabaddha, Sthaniya Sangbad, and many more.
On this auspicious occasion, heartfelt wishes are conveyed to Shankar. May he enjoy good health, longevity, and an ever-continuing creative journey that brings joy to all readers. May his luminous legacy remain eternally bright in the realm of Bengali literature.
Glive24/SS