Kamal Mitra

Kamal Mitra was an eminent Bengali actor who appeared in more than 90 films spanning more than four decades. Along with Chhabi Biswas ( 1900 - 1962 ) and Pahari Sanyal ( 1906 - 1974 ) he dominated the Bengali silver screen mostly in the 50s and 60s in elderly character roles; in fact, Mitra "carried his bat" well into the 70s. Though he is, perhaps, mostly remembered for the role of B.K.Roy [as father of Prasanta (Uttam Kumar), the hero) in popular 1963 Bengali movie Deya Neya starred by Uttam Kumar and Tanuja, Mitra played a number of prominent roles in mythological and social movies. His characterisation of "Kansa", the merciless ruler of Mathura and maternal uncle of Lord Krishna in the film Kansa is still regarded as one of the most powerful performance by an actor in a legendary negative figure. In this film he brought out the inner pangs and outward passion of the main character in a manner that remains unparalleled even to this day. He performed with equal aplomb the character of "Mahishasur" in Mahishasur Badh in the beginning of his film career and of "Daksha" in Daksha Yagna in the fag end, an illustration of the dedication, devotion and hard work for which he is remembered and respected. In his performance as "Badar Munshi" in Louha Kapat [ story : Jarasandha; direction : Tapan Sinha ] he created a permanent niche for himself in the history of Bengali films. Kamal Mitra also performed in a number of plays (almost thirty) in theatre and jatra . Many attribute his powerful performances on the screen and stage to his disciplinarian style which developed while he was in the military during his early years, immediately after his graduation. Hailing from the well-known Mitra family of Barddhaman (town), he was a keen sportsman and a good footballer in younger years. Before launching into films, he had worked in the District Magistrate & Collector's Office in Barddhaman. He was an avid reader and a collector of rare books. He donated his vast collection to Nandan, the centre of films, film studies and film-archive, in Kolkata. He also performed in radio-plays. His voice and height - both formidable - added extra muscle to his prowess and that created an impact on the audience, irrespective of the characters he portrayed on screen. His mastery over diction and his style of throwing catapulted him to the peak of success as an actor. His autobiography named as "Flashback" provides an insight to the world of Bengali cinema in the decades which were witness to his acting and is also a commentary on the gradual modernisation and growth of Bengali films as a medium that influenced the contemporary society. He left acting at a time (1981) when he was very much sought for by producers, directors, his co-performers and the audience in general. Selected Filmography :-