'Books or wife — whom would you prioritise?' Perhaps veteran journalist, litterateur and literary critic Ranjan Bandyopadhyay had already pondered such a question that might come his way.
So before the question could fully settle, the answer came — 'There's no comparison at all. A wife comes to torment you. But books? They're friends in all circumstances.' At the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair, such a comment could only happen in one place — at the 'Ei Samay' pavilion. Enter through gate number four of the Central Park fairground and walk a little ahead to find the 'Ei Samay' stall. An adda (informal discussion) was held there on Sunday evening. The main attraction of the adda was Ranjan Bandyopadhyay.
ALSO READ | Padma Shri awardee Prosenjit Chatterjee’s heartfelt welcome steals the spotlight at Book Fair
No one can 'accuse' any gathering that Ranjan has joined of not being colourful and engaging. At his age, many might not object to receiving the title of 'Grand Old Man'. But Ranjan is an exception. So while he doesn't object to being 'Grand' or 'Man', he does object to being 'Old'.
In that day's discussion, he walked down memory lane. We heard stories of his connection with the legendary actor Uttam Kumar and his experience of critiquing the superstar's films during the peak of his success. A large part of his experience naturally included Uttam Kumar, Bengal's eternal 'matinee idol', and Suchitra Sen was not left out either.
It was the very end of the 1970s. In his film review, Ranjan had written, "The superstar is hammering nails into his own coffin."
Right after that review was published, the critic was summoned to the superstar's house on Mayra Street. What the superstar told the young and rising journalist there was published verbatim. After that, Uttam Kumar sent a lawyer's letter to the newspaper office. Do journalists in Bengal today have the same environment and editorial support that allowed fearless reporting back then? 'Absolutely not,' was Ranjan's clear comment. To give an example, he shared how he had started sending love letters to Suchitra Sen to get an interview with her. Ranjan mentioned that the legendary actress took the whole matter very amicably.
When Ranjan is in a discussion and there's no mention of Rabindranath Tagore — that never happens. Sunday evening's discussion was no exception. He was asked, "We hear you don't acknowledge Rabindranath Tagore as 'Vishwakavi' (World Poet)? Is this true?"Stirring up controversy, he said, "There's no such thing as a world poet. So I don't accept that term. But I can say this much — no genius as great as Rabindranath Tagore has been born in India since. I believe he is the world's greatest composer and lyricist."
ALSO READ | Ei Samay’s ‘Galpo Swalpo’ begins its journey at International Kolkata Book Fair
He didn't get the opportunity to see Rabindranath Tagore in person. However, he came into contact with Satyajit Ray many times. Ranjan says, "In my long life, I've seen many creative people up close. But I haven't seen a genius as great as Satyajit Ray."
Ranjan means sexuality. Ranjan means controversy. Is this 'unnecessary'? The veteran journalist's voice didn't waver even slightly while answering — 'Absolutely not.' He said, "Right now, none of those listening to this discussion in this Ei Samay pavilion came to this world for spirituality — everyone came for sexuality. So sexuality is never unnecessary."
Those who were standing and listening to the discussion applauded thunderously in appreciation.
