Unveiling Satyajit Ray: A Colourful Retrospective Through Nemai Ghosh’s Lens

In an evocative exploration of Satyajit Ray’s cinematic legacy, an exhibition showcasing the vibrant photographs of renowned photographer Nemai Ghosh is set to open in Delhi. From May 9 to July 4, visitors to Windsor Palace will have the opportunity to admire a selection of Ghosh’s colour images that capture Ray during pivotal moments in his illustrious career.

The bond between Ghosh and Ray traces back to 1968, when Ghosh first encountered the iconic filmmaker amid the making of the fantasy classic Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne. This meeting marked the beginning of a longstanding collaboration, as Ghosh became Ray’s official photographer, chronicling the maestro’s creative process both on set and in his personal life in Kolkata.

Ghosh’s work extended from the production of Ray’s earlier films to his final project, Agantuk, which was released in 1991. Throughout this period, Ghosh became known as a loyal companion to Ray, metaphorically shadowing him to capture the essence of his genius. In his own words, Ghosh articulated this devotion by stating, “…wherever he went, I went. In other words, I started following him like his shadow.”

Regrettably, Ghosh passed away in 2020 at the age of 85, leaving behind a treasure trove of black-and-white photographs that have been extensively exhibited and compiled into books. His portfolio includes a remarkable collection of colour photographs of Ray, which were later featured in the book Faces and Facets: Satyajit Ray in Colour, published in 2011 by the DAG art institution. These images provide a fresh perspective on the legendary filmmaker, showcasing not just his work but also glimpses into his life beyond the camera.

In the essay accompanying Faces and Facets, acclaimed biographer Andrew Robinson commended Ghosh’s remarkable ability to document Ray’s multifaceted personality and artistry. The exhibition promises to offer an intimate view of Ray’s world during a significant era, capturing him from the production of his documentary Sikkim to the final years of his creative journey.

Source: scroll.in