Sunil Gangopadhyay

Sunil Gangopadhyay or Sunil Ganguly (7 September 1934 – 23 October 2012) was an Indian poet, novelist, short story writer, historian, and critic in the Bengali language. He was one of the foremost poets experimenting with new forms, themes, rhythms, and words in Bengali poetry in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1953, along with Deepak Majumder and Ananda Bagchi, he founded the Bengali poetry magazine, Krittibas. He is regarded as one of the most prolific and popular writers in Bengali since Rabindranath Tagore.

He is best known for his novels Atmaprakash (1964), Aranyer Din Ratri, Sei Somoy, Pratham Alo (1996), and Purba Paschim; travelogues Payer Tolay Sorshe (Vol. 1 and 2); the poetry collections Eka ebong Koekjon (1958), Ami Ki Rokom Vabe Beche Achi (1966), and Hathat Nirar Janya. Sunil Gangopadhyay introduced the fictional character Kakababu, writing 36 novels in the series that became influential in Bengali children's literature. In 1985, he received the prestigious Sahitya Akademi award for his historical fiction Those Days (Sei Somoy).

His prose style, conversational and colloquial, simple and lucid yet deeply penetrating with often a thin layer of dry humor, has by now created a niche of its own which have influenced many later writers, not only in Bengal but elsewhere too. Sunil, according to Shankha Ghosh, "used to narrate the story using contemporary language, which often allows readers to find aspects of themselves they may have not seen, perhaps did not want to see. In doing so, Sunil skillfully turned his personal confession into a shared experience for a wide readership." Sitanshu Yashaschandra observed that in his works "the personal is never sacrificed in favor of the 'regional,' nor is 'Bengaliness' ever given up to aspire for any larger status. He is a writer of international stature, simply because he is a writer, such a good writer."

Early life
He was born in Madaripur into a Bengali Hindu family in what is now Bangladesh. At an early age, he moved to Kolkata from his ancestral town, which became part of East Pakistan after the 1947 Partition of India. He studied at the Surendranath College, Dum Dum Motijheel College, City College, Kolkata – all affiliated with the University of Calcutta. Thereafter, he obtained his master's degree in Bengali from the University of Calcutta in 1954.

He married Swati Banerjee on 26 February 1967. Their only son, Souvik, who stays in Boston, was born on 20 November 1967.

Krittibas
Gangopadhyay was the founder editor of Krittibas, a seminal poetry magazine started publishing from 1953, that became a platform for a new generation of poets experimenting with many new forms in poetic themes, rhythms, and words.

Other works
Later, he started writing for various publications of the Ananda Bazar group, a major publishing house in Kolkata and has been continuing it for many years. He became a friend of the beat poet Allen Ginsberg while he was travelling in India. Ginsberg mentioned Gangopadhyay most notedly in his poem "September on Jessore Road." Gangopadhyay in return mentioned Ginsberg in some of his prose work. After serving five years as the Vice President, he was elected the President of the Sahitya Akademi on 20 February 2008.

Sunil, along with Tarun Sanyal, Jyotirmoy Datta and Satrajit Dutta had volunteered to be defence witnesses in the famous trial of Hungry generation movement poet Malay Roy Choudhury.

Works
Author of well over 200 books, Sunil was a prolific writer who has excelled in different genres but declares poetry to be his "first love". His Nikhilesh and Neera series of poems (some of which have been translated as For You, Neera and Murmur in the Woods) have been extremely popular.

As in poetry, Sunil was known for his unique style in prose. His second novel was "Atmaprakash" and it was also the first writing from a newcomer in literature published in the prestigious magazine – Desh (1965). It was critically acclaimed but some controversy arose for its aggressive and 'obscene' style. Sunil said that he was afraid of this novel and went away from Calcutta for a few days. Satyajit Ray thought to make a film on it but it wasn't possible for reasons. The central character of Atmaprakash is a young man of core-calcutta'- Sunil, who leads a bohemian life-style. The novel had inspiration from "On the road" by Jack Kerouac, the beat generation writer. His historical fiction Sei Somoy (translated into English by Aruna Chakravorty as Those Days) received the Indian Sahitya Akademi award in 1985. Sei Somoy continues to be a best seller more than two decades after its first publication. The same is true for Prothom Alo (also translated recently by Aruna Chakravorty as First Light), another best selling historical fiction and Poorba-Pashchim, a raw depiction of the partition and its aftermath seen through the eyes of three generations of Bengalis in West Bengal, Bangladesh and elsewhere. He is also the winner of the Bankim Puraskar (1982), and the Ananda Puraskar (twice, in 1972 and 1989). Sunil wrote in many other genres including travelogues, children's fiction, short stories, features, and essays. Among his pen-names are: Nil Lohit, Sanatan Pathak, and Nil Upadhyay.

Though he wrote all types of children's fiction, one character created by him that stands out above the rest, was Kakababu, the crippled adventurist, accompanied by his young adult nephew Santu, and his friend Jojo. Since 1974, Sunil Gangopadhyay wrote over 35 novels of this popular series, most of which appeared in Anandamela magazine.

Adaptations of his literary works

 * Satyajit Ray made two films Pratidwandi and Aranyer Din Ratri based on the works of Ganguly.
 * One of Sunil Gangopadhyay's cult poems, Smritir Shohor has been turned into a song for the film Iti Mrinalini (2011) directed by Aparna Sen.
 * Six of his Kakababu series novels have been adapted into big screen—
 * Sabuj Dwiper Raja (1979) directed by Tapan Sinha
 * Kakababu Here Gelen? (1996) directed by Pinaki Chaudhuri
 * Ek Tukro Chand (2001) directed by Pinaki Chaudhuri
 * Mishor Rahasya (2013) directed by Srijit Mukherji
 * Yeti Obhijaan (2017) directed by Srijit Mukherji
 * Kakababur Protyaborton (2021) directed by Srijit Mukherji
 * Shyamaprasad adapted his novel 'Hirek Deepti' as Malayalam feature Ore Kadal in 2007, and his novel 'Megh Brishti Alo' short story into the 2012 Malayalam film Arike
 * The movie Hotath Neerar Jonnyo (2004), is based on Sunil's short story Rani O Abinash.
 * The movie Moner Manush (2010), directed by Goutam Ghose a film based on Sunil's novel by the same name which depicts the life of Lalon Fakir, a famous Bengali philosopher and a Baul saint.
 * The movie Aparajita Tumi (2012), directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, is based on Sunil's novel Dui Nari Hate Tarbari.
 * Vara: A Blessing (2013), English film directed by Khyentse Norbu, is based on his short story Rakta Aar Kanna (Blood and Tears).
 * Yugantar, an Indian television series that aired on DD National in the 80s was based on Gangopadhyay's novel Sei Somoy.

Death
Sunil Gangopadhyay died at 2:05 am on 23 October 2012 at his South Kolkata residence, following a heart attack. He was suffering from prostate cancer for some time and went to Mumbai for treatment. He returned to Kolkata on the day of Mahalaya. Although he was a communist and an atheist. Controversially, Gangopadhyay's body was cremated following Hindu custom on 25 October at Keoratola crematorium with several dignitaries and numerous fans paying their last tributes. Ganguly was not a Hindu or Muslim but a committed atheist.

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee condoled the death of Gangopadhyay saying: "Gangopadhyay had enriched Bengali literature through his unique style. He was one of the best intellectuals among his contemporaries. The vacuum created by his death cannot be filled."

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, who was closely associated with the writer since 1964, said that Bengali literature would remain indebted to him.

Controversies

 * In 1970 Satyajit Ray's film Pratidwandi released which was based on Gangopadhyay's novel. In the novel Gangopadhyay depicted how a poor nurse used to entertain men for some moolah. This arose controversy and nurses across the city of Kolkata protested against such depiction.
 * In 2006 novel Ardhek Jibon, he expressed his carnal desire for Hindu goddess Saraswati created some controversies. A retired IPS officer lodged a case against Gangopadhyay in the Calcutta High Court. Against this controversy Gangpadhyay felt– he had no freedom to express what he felt. Another Bengali writer Buddhadeb Guha found this a cheap gimmick and he told– "I don't support such cheap gimmicks. An author should set an example for the younger generations. If an author thinks it's cool to say that he loves to booze and enjoys going to Sonagachhi, then this only speaks poorly of him."
 * In September 2012 Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen accused Sunil Gangopadhyay of sexually harassing her and other women. She also alleged that Gangopadhyay was involved in banning her novel Dwikhandito and her "banishment" from West Bengal.

Poetry

 * Hathat Nirar Janya
 * Bhorbelar Upohar
 * Sada Prishtha tomar sange
 * Sei Muhurte Nira
 * Kaydata Shikhe Nebe
 * Jodi Nirbason Dao
 * Pagol Kota

Novels

 * Atmaprakash  (1964)
 * Sonali Dukkho 
 * Chaya Darshon 
 * Anno Jiboner Shad
 * Shopno Somvob 
 * Suniler Satdin
 * Rani O Obinash
 * Kothay Alo
 * Sudur Jhornar Jole
 * Jol Jongoler Kabbo
 * Ekti Rat Tinti Jibon
 * Jomoj Kahini 
 * Madhu Kahini
 * Otyagsahan
 * Gonesh Diye Shuru
 * Unmochoner Muhurte
 * Adhar Raater Atithi
 * Aakash Paatal
 * Asroy
 * Alpona Aar Shikha
 * Achena Manush
 * Aamar Swapna
 * Nadir pare khela
 * Satyer Aral
 * Eka Ebong Koyekjon
 * Sei Somoy
 * Pratham Alo
 * Poorba-Pashchim
 * Hirok Deepthi
 * Nihsanga Samrat (2005)
 * Moner Manus (2008)
 * Bosudha o tar meye (2010)
 * Saraswati-r pa-er kacche (2012)
 * Radha Krishna (2015)
 * Jibon J Rokom
 * Payer Tolay Sorshe

Autobiography

 *  Ardhek Jibon
 * Chabir Deshe, Kabitar Deshe

Travelogue

 * "Bijone Nijer Sathe"
 * "Amader Choto Nadee"
 * "Tin Samudro Satash Nadee"

Kakababu series
• Sabuj Dwiper Raja

• Kakababu O Sindukrahasya

• Kakababu O Bajralama

• Santu Kothay, Kakababu Kothay

• Vijaynagarer Hire

• Jangaler Modhe Ek Hotel

• Bhayankar Sundoor

• Santu O Ak Tukro Chand

• Kakababu Herey Gelen?

• Kolkatar Jongole

• Bhopal Rahashya

• Pahar Churae Atanka

• Khali Jahajer Rohosyo

• Agun Pakhir Rohoshyo

• Kakababu Bonam Chorashikari

• "Sadhubabar haat(Short Story)"

• Ulka Rahoshsho

• Kakababu O Ek Chhodmobeshi

• Ebar Kakababur Protishodh

• Mishor Rohoshsho(Mystery in Egypt)

• Kakababu O Ashchorjo Dweep

• Agneyogirir peter madhye

• Kakababu O Jaladashu

• Golokdhandhay Kakababu

• Kakababu Samagra (1–6)

• Kakababu O Chadan Dossu

Translated books

 * First Light ISBN 978-0-14-100430-3
 * Those days ISBN 0140268529
 * East-West Penguin Books India
 * The Lovers and the other stories ISBN 81-7189-838-6
 * Pratidwandi ISBN 81-250-1902-2
 * Murmur in the Woods ISBN 81-220-0568-3
 * The Youth ISBN 81-291-0125-4
 * Ranu O Bhanu Translated by Sheila Sengupta
 * The Lonely Monarch Translated by Swapna Dutta, ISBN 978-93-5009-628-4
 * Blood Translated by Debali Mookerjea-Leonard

Awards

 * 1972: Ananda Puraskar in general category
 * 1979: "National poet" honour was given by Akashbani Kolkata
 * 1983: Bankim Puraskar for the book Sei Somoy
 * 1984: Sahitya Akademi Award for the book Sei Somoy
 * 1989: Ananda Puraskar for the book Poorba-Pashchim
 * 1989: Sahitya Setu puroskar
 * 1999: Annada-Snowcem puroska for the story Nil Lohiter Golpo
 * 2003: Annadashankar puroskar
 * 2004: Saraswati Samman for Prothom Alo
 * 2011: The Hindu Literary Prize, shortlist, The Fakir
 * 2012: Sera Bangali Lifetime Achievement Award by Star Ananda

Honors

 * 2002: Sheriff of Kolkata.
 * Honorary D.Litt. from the University of Burdwan