Mukhopadhyay, Shailajananda
Mukhopadhyay, Shailajananda (1901-1976) novelist and film director, was born on 21 March 1901 at his maternal grandparents' home at Andalgram in Burdwan. His father was Dharanidhar Mukhopadhyay, of Rupashipur in Birbhum, and his mother was Hemlata Devi. Shailajananda started his education at Raniganj School, where kazi nazrul islam was among his classmates. When he was in class nine, the First World War started and Shailajananda tried to join the army, but failing to do so, returned home. After the war ended, he returned to his studies and passed the Matriculation examination. He briefly took admission in college, but dropped out and started working at Kailakuthi. In 1932 he left his job and devoted himself to literature and films.
Shailajananda initially wrote poems, but afterwards confined himself to fiction. The first film he directed was Nandini, based on a story he himself had written. The other films he directed include Bandi, Shahar Theke Dure, Abhinay Nay, Mane Na Mana, etc. As a writer he was associated with the Kallol group. He wrote about two hundred novels, among them Kaila Kuthir Deshe, Jhado Hawa (1330), Badhubaran, Joyar Bhata (1333), Matir Ghar (1931), Sola Ana, Rakta Lekha, Matir Raja, Purnachchhed (1936), Narimedh, Banbhasi, Niharika Watch Company, Banglar Meye (1332), Nandini (1338), Anahuta (1339), Anibarya (1339), Dinmajur, Kharasrota, Bahubachan, Maran Mantra, Raychaudhuri (1354), Laha Pranam, Shobha Yatra, Jiban Nadir Tire, Abhishap (1340), Purbapar, Shubha Din, Paus Parban (1338), Homanal, Maha Yuddher Itihas, Krauvcha Mithun, Bijayini, Rupabati, Ganga Jamuna, Sati Asati, Arunoday, Patal Puri, Akash Kusum, Ami Bada Haba, Ek Man Dui Deha, Aparupa, Rupang Dehi, Sara Rat, Keu Bhale Keu Bhale Na, Ye Katha Bala Hayni, etc. His stories depict the lives of common people, like labourers and coal miners. He also edited the journal Kalikalam.
Shailajananda received the Prafulla Kumar and Suresh Chandra Memorial Award (1959). He died on 2 January 1976. [Badiuzzaman]
