NewKerala.com

Eminent Bengali Writer Mani Shankar Mukherjee 'Shankar' Dies at 92

Eminent Bengali writer Mani Shankar Mukherjee, popularly known as Shankar, has passed away in Kolkata at the age of 92. His novels, known for exploring corporate culture and social issues, were adapted into acclaimed films by legendary director Satyajit Ray, including "Seemabaddha" and "Jana Aranya". West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep shock, calling his death an irreparable loss to the cultural world. Mukherjee is survived by his two daughters.

Key Points: Bengali Author Mani Shankar Mukherjee 'Shankar' Passes Away

  • Died at 92 in Kolkata
  • Novels inspired Satyajit Ray films
  • Wrote 'Chowringhee', 'Seemabaddha'
  • Explored corporate life and unemployment
  • CM Mamata Banerjee paid tribute
2 min read

Noted Bengali writer Mani Shankar Mukherjee passes away

Renowned Bengali writer Mani Shankar Mukherjee, whose novels inspired Satyajit Ray films, dies in Kolkata at 92. CM Mamata Banerjee mourns the loss.

"His death marks the fall of one of the brightest stars in the world of Bengali literature. - Mamata Banerjee"

Kolkata, Feb 20

Eminent Bengali writer Mani Shankar Mukherjee, who was popularly referred to as 'Shankar' in the literary circles across West Bengal and the country, died at a hospital in Kolkata on Friday at the age of 92.

He was admitted at a Kolkata hospital for quite some time due to age-related ailments and finally breathed his last at that hospital. The Bengali writer is survived by his two daughters.

Besides being an eminent writer, Mukherjee had led the corporate communications departments of some noted companies for a long time.

Precisely, that is why the culture and complexities of corporate lifestyle have been important subjects in many of his novels, the most prominent among which was "Shimaboddho (Company Limited)".

A film based on that book, which was directed by the Oscar-winning, iconic Indian film director, late Satyajit Ray, became a super-hit.

Another popular film directed by Satyajit Ray was based on another novel written by Mukherjee, christened "Jana Aranya (The Crowd)", based on the massive unemployment problem in the country in the sixties and seventies, which also received critics' accolades.

A popular movie based on Shankar's novel, "Chowringhee", depicting the complexities in the lives of a group of employees of a reputed five-star hotel in Kolkata, also received critics' accolades and was a superhit at the box office.

What made Mukherjee's books especially attractive to the literary connoisseurs was his in-depth research and fieldwork on the subjects of his novels.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee mourned the death of the noted Bengali writer and wrote in a statement on her official X account, saying: "I am deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of the renowned Bengali litterateur Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay (Shankar). His death marks the fall of one of the brightest stars in the world of Bengali literature. From "Chowringhee" to "Koto Ajanaare", from "Seemabaddha" to "Jana Aranya" -- his timeless creations have enchanted generations of Bengali readers. Through his pen, the untold stories of the struggles of ordinary people came vividly to life. His profound research and works on Swami Vivekananda, in particular, remain an invaluable treasure for us. His demise is an irreparable loss to our cultural world. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family, loved ones, and countless admirers."

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Very sad news. His novels like "Jana Aranya" captured the anxiety of unemployment so perfectly, a theme that remains painfully relevant even today. He had a unique ability to blend literary depth with popular appeal. A great loss for Bengali and Indian literature.
A
Aman W
While his passing is a loss, I sometimes feel we glorify writers only after they are gone. Were his later years and contributions to Swami Vivekananda studies given enough attention by the literary establishment while he was alive? Just a thought. Nevertheless, a remarkable life.
S
Sarah B
As someone who discovered Bengali literature through translations, Shankar's "Company Limited" was a fascinating insight into India's corporate culture. His research was impeccable. Condolences to his family and all his readers in West Bengal and beyond.
K
Karthik V
92 is a full life, but the end of an era. My father used to talk about reading "Chowringhee" serialized in a magazine. Shankar had the rare gift of making the ordinary sound extraordinary. May his soul attain sadgati. Om Shanti.
M
Meera T
His work on Swami Vivekananda is a national treasure. He brought the saint's philosophy to the common reader. A multifaceted genius—writer, corporate communicator, researcher. Bengal has lost a true son. Deepest condolences.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50