Satyajit Ray:
The Man Who Made Me Fall in Love With Science Fiction!
I just finished reading an interview of Satyajit Ray with Ashchorjyo Magazine, a popular science fiction magazine published from Calcutta (those days its was pronounced as Calcutta and not Kolkata). During his interview, Ray, kind of gives a roadmap for his upcoming movie The Alien. He talks about who are his shortlisted cast, where is his probable location, and the like. What’s interesting is that the interview has been conducted into two halves; the reason being that Ray had to travel to the US due to his prior commitments.
The other half was conducted after he returned to Calcutta from the States. Like the first part, the second part too consisted of relevant information regarding when would he begin shooting, whether he would take the technicians along, who would be the producer and so forth..
The interview concluded on a great hopeful note where Ray concluded by saying that there has been a foreign amalgamation for the first time ever! But, what’s disheartening is that the film never got made actually. In fact, in an interview with All India Radio, Ray claimed that his script has been used in some Hollywood films, but unfortunately he couldn’t sue for defamation. How strange!!
Now, my point of writing this article is majorly to express my obeisance to this great person. What an impeccable talent was he born with! A remarkable writer, an excellent sketched and a fabulous director. While watching 'Shatranj Ke Khiladi’, I am particularly in love with the scene where 'Meer Saab' indulges in a cock fight and his friend 'Mirza Saab' just watches him in disbelief. What a spectacular expression that was! Ah! I can still remember it as I speak of it.
Now, coming directly to the matter of science fiction or Sci Fi as we call it. This genre never really instilled interest in me. In fact I remember reading about 'The Avu Observatory' during my childhood by HG Wells. Well, to call it extremely impressive would be over be an overstatement. But I was somewhat impressed. 'Bankubabur bondhu' was my next and as I mentioned in my most recent one was 'The Alien’.
To talk about the creation and the plot where exactly do I begin. As there were such vibrant characters from different sections of the society, and each one was unique in its own way. What’s even more interesting is the presence of the 'Alien' from a different planet. Each one of them teaches us a lesson. Like the one in Bankubabu teaches us about personality, self confidence and grit. The other one teaches us about self help and asceticism! Their characters, though might give off a vibe of being ordinary and innocent, yet they teach us huge lessons in life.
Seriously, in our daily lives, we tend to be so complicated, confused, egoistic and under confident. We constantly think of what can we get from people, instead of what we can do for people. On a serious note, why complicate our lives unnecessarily? For what joy?
Science fictions are special indeed. I guess more than anything else they teach us to be more loving, generous and pious. As did happen with me!
And the credit goes to Mr. Ray!
Image Credit: Swarjyamag.com
