Bollywood Home » Film Makers in Bollywood » Basu Bhattacharya

Basu Bhattacharya was one of the most distinguished film directors in the Bollywood film industry. This talented film maker directed a number of excellent movies over a period of three decades. Basu Bhattacharya not only worked as a director, but as a scriptwriter and film producer as well.

Born in the year 1934, Basu Bhattacharya started his movie career in the year 1958 by assisting Bimal Roy in films like 'Madhumati' and 'Sujata'. Basu Bhattacharya made his directorial debut with the film Teesri Kasam, which released in the year 1966. The film was produced by the poet-cum-lyricist Shailendra. Starring Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rahman in the lead roles, this film is still considered as one of the best films directed by Basu Bhattacharya. This is the film he is most known for. The film was nominated for the 'Grand Prix' award at the 1967 Moscow International Film Festival.

In the same year released the film 'Uski Kahani.' In the following years Basu Bhattacharya directed several films that gradually helped him to make his foothold in Bollywood. The other films directed by Basu Bhattacharya are -

• Anubhav (1971)
• Avishkaar (1973)
• Daku (1975)
• Tumhara Kalloo (1975)
• Sangat (1976)
• Madhu Malti (1978)
• Griha Pravesh (1979)
• Madhuman (1981)
• Solar Energy (1986)
• Science India (1986)
• Panchavati (1986)
• Ek Saas Zindagi (1991)

Basu Bhattacharya passed away in the year 1997. The last film directed by this ace director was 'Aastha: In the Prison of Spring.' It released in 1997. Starring Om Puri and Rekha is the lead roles, this film dealt with a very sensitive subject. It was the story of a sexually repressed wife played by Rekha who takes up part time prostitution. The film turned out to be a runaway hit, thus bringing a perfect end to the glorious movie career of Basu Bhattacharya.

The films directed by Basu Bhattacharya belonged to the category of middle-of-the-road cinema. These kinds of films are perfect blends of realistic films and commercial films. In fact, Basu Bhattacharya was one of the finest exponents of this kind of cinema. His style of film making was appreciated by one and all. The films were artistic as well as raised social awareness.

The absence of Basu Bhattacharya is felt even today. Counted among the best film makers the Bollywood film industry has ever witnessed, Basu Bhattacharya will always remain as one of the stalwarts of this industry.

For more information on Basu Bhattacharya, visit sitagita.