Chhoti Si Baat, Chitchor, Rajnigandha, Piya Ka Ghar, Khatta Meetha, Baton Baton Mein, Shaukeen, Chameli Ki Shaadi… the list is long! Wanna guess what is common in these films? If you are an avid filmmaker, you will notice these films. They center on the lives of common people, or their subjects mirror your surroundings. A major highlight is their portrayal of common sorrows and traumas, often with gentle humour. Basu Chatterjee, a brilliant filmmaker, made these classic ‘uncommon’ films about the ‘common’ man’s life.
On June 4, 2020, Basu Chatterjee breathed his last at the ripe age of 93. Mourning his sad demise, renowned actor cum filmmaker Amol Palekar lamented, “I feel sad because Basu Da was never given the paramount status that he deserved in the Indian film industry. He was one of the pioneers of the ‘Middle of the Road Cinema’ cinema, which was a perfect blend of Art and Commercial Cinema.”
Palekar explained Basu Da’s films. His movies were realistic and earthly, similar to Satyajit Ray and Shyam Benegal’s work. Yet, they also achieved huge commercial success, like films by Manmohan Desai or Prakash Mehra. Surprisingly, the film industry and media never acknowledged his contribution.
Basu Chatterjee Shares An Rare Coincidence
Basu Chatterjee shared a rare incident with the two legendary filmmakers; B.R. Chopra and K.A. Abbas. Like these two legends, Basu Chatterjee too began his career in media. He worked as a cartoonist for Mumbai’s popular newsweekly Blitz. Basu Chatterjee’s career took a new turn when he assisted his friend filmmaker Basu Bhattacharya, on the film Teesri Kasam(1966). The film starred Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman. Two years later he made his debut film, Sara Akash, in 1969. This film earned him recognition, as he won the prestigious Filmfare Best Screenplay Award.
Impressed by histalent,t film legend Tarachand Barjatya of Rajshri Films offered him to direct Piya Ka Ghar (1972). The film was made on a shoestring budget but proved a gold mine at the box-office. Encouraged by the success of Piya Ka Ghar, Tarachand Barjatya repeated Basu Chatterjee for Chitchor (1976). Once again, Basu Chatterjee hit a sixer at the box office! The film celebrated the Silver Jubilee and Basu Chatterjee became a name to reckon with.
Basu Chatterjee’s Unique Element
Basu Chatterjee became a Master Filmmaker by creating offbeat, ‘Hat Ke’ commercial silver jubilee hits. He did it during the 70s, an era dominated by ‘Dishoom-Dishoom’ action-packed masala films. These typically starred actors such as Amitabh Bachchan (Sholay, Don, Zanjeer, etc.) and Dharmendra (Yaadon Ki Baraat, Kahani Kismat Ki, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, etc.).
Overwhelmed by Basu Chatterjee’s Golden Touch at the box office, even superstars of the ’70s willingly worked with Basu Chatterjee, like Rajesh Khanna (Chakravyuha), Amitabh Bachchan (‘Manzil’), Dharmendra (‘Dillagi’), Dev Anand (Man Pasand), Jeetendra (‘Priyatama’), Sanjeev Kumar (Tumhare Liye), etc. Besides superstars, even top film producers invited Basu Chaterjee to direct their films, like B.R. Chopra’s (Chhoti Si Baat), Prakash Mehra’s (Chameli Ki Shaadi), and Mahesh Bhatt’s (Gudgudee).
Interestingly, even the commercial Filmfare Awards saluted Basu Chatterjee as Basu Da won the Filmfare Best Director Award in 1978 for his film Swami, overtaking Manmohan Desai, who was nominated the same year in the Best Director category for Amar Akbar Anthony.
Basu Chatterjee’s Television Debut
Besides cinema, Basu Chatterjee created waves on television with his hard-hitting TV serial ‘Rajani,’ which motivated the housewives to fight for their rights. Other serials that became successful were ‘Kakkaji Kahin,’ Darpan, ‘Byomkesh Bakshi,’ and others.
With the death of Basu Chatterjee, the era of good, healthy cinema that could be watched with the family has come to an end. Indian Film History pays its humble condolences to Basu Chatterjee and prays to let his soul RIP!
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