The first Mahalaya telecast on television began in the 1990s, and one performance left an unforgettable mark. Actor Amal Kumar Chowdhury, whose portrayal of the demon Mahishasura struck fear into viewers' hearts, became a familiar face to Bengalis as 'Amal Asur'. His thunderous laughter during Mahalaya still echoes in Bengali homes every year. Amal Kumar Chowdhury passed away on Poush Sankranti at the age of 66, bringing an end to a memorable chapter of a golden era in television.
A resident of Ashoknagar, Amal Kumar Chowdhury entered the world of acting almost by chance. His screen debut was as Mahishasura, a role that defined his career. Over the years, he was often seen playing powerful characters such as demons, Yamaraj, and military generals. Alongside acting, he also taught drawing to students in his neighbourhood, quietly balancing art and livelihood.
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From spotlight to silence
With time, however, the spotlight slowly moved away from him. Opportunities reduced, and the studios that once welcomed him gradually forgot his presence. The actor who had once been so recognisable faded from public memory, even though his performances continued to live on in recorded broadcasts.
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A lonely end, a lasting memory
The later years of his life were marked by poverty, illness, and loneliness. One by one, his loved ones passed away, leaving him to live alone in a tin-roofed house, surviving on small drawing jobs. He fought his struggles silently until the end. His death has cast a shadow of grief over Ashoknagar and stands as a stark reminder that when the light of publicity fades, artists, too, are often forgotten.
