Master movie director Tapan Sinha passes away

The journey is over for Kabuliwala. Renowned film director Tapan Sinha died at a hospital here on Thursday morning after a prolonged illness. He leaves behind son Anindya Sinha, a noted scientist. His wife, noted Bengali actress Arundhati Devi, had died in 1990.

Born in Kolkata on October 20, 1924, Tapan believed in highlighting the struggle of the common man through his films. His characters were always from the middle and lower classes of society.

Tapan was a critics’ darling, with his Bengali as well as Hindi films bagging several national awards, 19 to be precise, before the ultimate Dadasaheb Phalke honour.

Before taking up film direction as a career, Tapan completed masters in physics from the University of Calcutta. He caught the attention of critics in his very first film, Ankush, which was released in 1954. A number of classics, such as Kabuliwala, Lauha Kapat, Jhinder Bandi, Sagina Mahato and Ek Doctor Ki Maut, followed.

Besides making films on contemporary subjects, Tapan mastered the art of directing children’s movies. Safed Hathi, Anmol Moti and Sabuj Dwiper Raja are some of his classics in this category.

Tapan also wrote lyrics for songs in films such as Harmonium and Ek Je Chilo Desh, among others. He was quite popular in the film world for his genial behaviour and work ethic.

Recalls actress Shatabdi Roy, who acted in many of his films, “Tapanda was a perfect British as regards to time-management and etiquette. He always insisted that while shooting a film, all concerned should concentrate only on the job at hand.”