Sunday 27 March 2016

My Final Post- Touching Obituaries and An Emotional Meeting with Dharmendraji.



March 8, 2016 was the 44th death anniversary of my father. I started this blog to share all that I knew about my father and the world of cinema during his time. I knew that there were some diehard fans of old Hindi films who would enjoy this blog, beyond that I did not give it much thought. This blog’s unexpected success (going by the statistics) has been a pleasant surprise for me. I think any writer of non-fiction would be very happy to see his/her work being used as a reference material. I am no different, I was definitely happy to see writer Jai Arjun Singh include this blog in the recommended reading list in his book The World of Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

With Nanda in Gumnaam



Gumnaam hai koi-- My father in Gumnaam,
 one of his most popular films

In this final post I would like to share a few things, one of them is the wonderful obituaries that were written about my father 44 years back when he passed away and I would also like to share the heartwarming and emotional experience of  meeting with Dharmendraji.

 Those days television was yet to arrive in Bombay, therefore when my father passed away it was the press and radio that covered the news of his sudden demise. The common thread in all the obituaries was how popular he was in the film industry for example in the report below that appeared in Cine Advance the journalist observes, A sober man of amiable deportment, Tarun Bose was as much popular amongst the film folk as he was amongst the film fans.


Almost all the obituaries in various languages were quite moving, however for this post I have selected two of the  most touching obituaries. One appeared in Bharat Jyoti (below)  which used to be the Sunday supplement of The Free Press Journal, this was written by a journalist by the name of Ajab, I guess that was his pen name.



Here are some excerpts from his article.


Despite the fact that he played father to many a young heroine,  Tarun Bose was too ‘tarun’ (young) to embark post-haste on his last journey.

Tarun Bose attained his histrionic maturity through sustained hard work, understanding and a knack of putting his teeth into the character effortlessly.

Tarun Bose had his own way of portraying villainy on the screen. He avoided hysterics and overtones. His last appearance in ‘Hum Tum Aur Woh’ bore this out.

Hum Tum Aur Woh

The other one is in Hindi, it featured in Madhuri. Apparently this journalist from Madhuri,  Mr. Lachiram Choudhary, knew my father during his Nagpur days. He wrote about dad’s devotion to his work and gave the following example: All India Radio was to broadcast a play ‘Narmada’—this was while he was still in Nagpur — the play was a 100 minute play in which dad was doing a cameo, rehearsals for the play were going on for fifteen days and Choudhary writes that although dad’s role was small he took a 15-day leave from work to rehearse for the play. Yes indeed to the casual onlooker it would appear to be deep devotion to his craft, but my mum used to say that he definitely did not enjoy his clerical job; it was just a means to an end. Therefore if he was given a choice of rehearsing for a play or going to the office, obviously the rehearsals won hands down.



I am translating this little portion from Choudhary's article from which it is obvious to see the kind of impression my father left on people with whom he got acquainted. Choudhary recalled that he had got a break in a radio play. Plays in those days were not recorded but broadcast live. Since this was Choudhary’s first play he was nervous, he writes—‘the moment it was my turn to deliver the dialogue my hand which was holding the script began to shake. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder; the touch was soothing and encouraging. I can still feel the warmth and affection of that touch.’ Choudhary was obviously referring to dad’s touch.
If you would like to read the articles, write click on the image and click on 'view image' and enlarge the image, you should have no difficulty reading it.

Back to Bimal Roy Productions
Rinki Roy Bhattacharya, filmmaker Bimal Roy’s eldest daughter, invited me and my brother  to the annual event held in memory of her father. She wanted us to be present along with some old timers who were going to be honoured at this event. She said that she wanted to honour our father's memory as he was a part of Bimal Roy Productions by gifting us with some mementos.

Rinki Bhattacharya founded the Bimal Roy Memorial Committee in February 1997. She started the tradition of commemorating film personalities from the past as well as contemporary film personalities.


My father with Dharmendra in Bimal Roy's Bandini
One of the yesteryear personalities (two of the other noteworthy names were Kamini Kaushal and Helen) to be honoured this year was Dharmendra. Meeting Dharmendraji at this event was an emotional moment for both my brother and me. His first reaction on learning that we are Tarun Bose’s children was one of joy, he expressed his deep affection for 'Tarunda' (that's how most film people addressed my father).  He expressed his sorrow at our father’s untimely death saying,Tarunda bahut jaldi chale gaye." He further lamented, woh din pakadke to nahin rakh sakte( it is not possible to hold on to those days). Needless to mention a remark like that tugged at our heartstrings. Up on the stage too he expressed his joy at meeting us. So yes, it was a wonderful heartwarming evening for us.



On that day Rinki Roy Bhattacharya gifted us a copy of Sujata’s poster and her book Bimal Roy’s Madhumati – Untold Stories From Behind the Scenes.  To know about the book read my post Madhumati (concluding part)

 After this satisfying journey, I take my leave from you all. Most of my father's films are available on YouTube. For his film list click on the Filmography tab above








39 comments:

  1. What a lovely way to end this blog journey, Shilpi. My condolences once again - the grief of loss just stays dormant; it never quite goes away.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much Anu, yes u are right grief never goes away, it lays dormant.

      Delete
  2. What a beautiful little post, Shilpi. Thank you for sharing those tributes with us. It's obvious how much your father meant to those he worked with - which is evidence enough of his character. I especially loved that anecdote about his placing an encouraging hand on Choudhary's shoulder during that radio play. That really touched me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much Madhu. Actually when I first read Choudhary's article I too was overwhelmed, yes, you could say overwhelmed with a huge sense of loss at having lost such a father so early in life.

      Delete
    2. I can imagine, Shilpi. Your life would probably have been very different if you had had the chance to know him firsthand when you were older. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. *hugs*

      Delete
    3. Yes Madhu,I often wonder how things would have been, but then I am also happy to have known him for a short while at least. Thanks for those hugs, feels good.

      Delete
    4. True. And of course you should be proud to have a father who was not just so well-respected in the industry, but also so obviously well-liked.

      Delete
    5. Oh yes, we are, it feels really nice to see people react with such happiness when they learn we are his children.

      Delete
  3. I swing between being entertained and moved to tears everytime I read a post on your blog, Shilpi and this one is no different. Thank you once again for so generously sharing your memories of your father with us. I hope the act of "talking" about your father through this blog brought some measure of comfort to you. The films immortalized the actor, but this blog immortalizes the father and the man.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Shalini for those kind words. Actually for me it was a joy to share everything and the response from all of you has made the effort worth it.

      Delete
  4. I accidentally found this blog what a great actor wonderful dialogue he use give all his movie dearly miss Mr Bose

    ReplyDelete
  5. i m always stuck on Tarun Bose... i want to knoe more and more about him...very lovely actor...very lively..i want him back in life...i love love love him...oh god...how nice he was...i am in tears

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a wonderful fan you are! You have me in tears with your lovely comment.

      Delete
  6. Greetings from California Shilpi...I am not sure where you are living but hope this finds you well. I have been moved to tears and laughter reading your blog and was glad to see you were still seeing comments from people . I just watched "Gumnaaam" for the 3rd time and enjoyed it all over again . As a non-Hindi speaker , it was even fun the first time without subtitles. Your Father was an excellent actor and I am happy to know a good person , So many times information about a person just does not exist on the internet , such as my Favorite dancer / Actress Laxmi Chhaya , and I always wonder why when they are above and beyond in their craft but never get their "big break". Sad, as she lived to 2004. You have made your father proud with this blog....thank you for taking the time to honor your father .. Regards and best wishes, Dan Knoll, Santa Cruz, CA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Such a heartwarming comment. I frankly do not know how to react. Thank you so much. I just had this dream of having a website but there was so much to tell that I knew only a blog could do justice to my father. I got my brother (Aroop Bose) to design the blog and got started. It was well receive but that it will continue to draw readers long after I ended it, was unexpected. I am therefore glad I took time out to do this.
      Thank you once again for those kind words.

      Delete
    2. Your Welcome Shipli... I have been blessed to have my parents still, though my mother is 85 and suffering from Lewy Body Dementia like the actor Robin Williams had, and is a convalescent home. My Father continues to stay as well as an 85 year old man with Diabetes can be ... as he says , he has survived death 3 times ( pulmonary embolism x 2 , aorta transplant.) We live in an era of advanced medicine, we are very lucky . It would have been wonderful had your father had access to that back then , but then one never knows. My ex and my wife now are from the Philippines: I have seen a lot of sad medical things there since 2002, things that should never have happened. On a happier note, I am convinced watching your fathers acting, he would have done very well in Hollywood had he made the transition. You should be proud...take care and stay healthy .....Dan

      Delete
    3. I am sorry for this late response, I did not have the time to check either my mail or the blog.
      Yes it is a blessing to have our parents with us, but to be honest what makes me happy is that although my father did not have the chance to live longer and enjoy all the things that life has to offer, he at least dd not suffer. He had a painless exit from this world.
      About Hollywood, he did have a slight brush with it through MGM's Maya TV series. I have written about it in this blog.

      Delete
  7. I recently saw some old time movies during lockdown such as Sujata,Anupama,gumnaam and realised what a great actor Mr.Bose was,I searched about him and found that he had left the world at only 43.Salute to his superb performances.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Madam you see I saw the film Love in Tokyo in that film I saw your Legendary Father playing the role of sympathetic Doctor but what I felt bad his role very much very small compared to such artists like Mehmood Madan Puri Pran etc.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He did this film in the early stages of his career. I do not know why he decided to do this film, but this much I know that actors sometimes say yes to roles that are not so good because of the relationship they have with producer or director or because the money is good.

      Delete
  9. Not only that your legendary father could give a hot contest to such actors such extra ordinary talent your legendary father had🙏🙏

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe, but kismet/ destiny willed otherwise. Anyway, what makes me and my brother happy is that he was able to fulfill his dream of becoming a film actor even if it was for short time.

      Delete
  10. Hi Shilpi!
    It is somewhat sad to see your last post, but it is also somehow right. It is very touching to read your post and feel the love and warmth in them.
    Thank you that you took so much effort to build this blog and write the posts in remembrance of your father. I highly enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is Shilpi's brother. I have to inform you that my sister Shilpi passed away on 9th September 2021. I happened to notice your comment now so I am sorry that I couldn't reply earlier. This blog was Shilpi's labour of love. Although this post was meant to be her last post and it was so. However I will be writing a post in a few days and that will be the final post in this blog, it will be accompanied with a video which I am editing now. Last month I happened to visit Nagpur where our father was brought up and I shot some video clips, I would like to share those with the readers. Shilpi had mentioned you several times so in am familiar with your name.

      Delete
  11. Hope this finds you well Aroop... I think I speak for all of us (again) when we say we appreciate you telling us about your recent travels, and really appreciate you caretaking your sister's blog and keeping her and your fathers memory alive. I look forward to seeing anything you post...regards and stay well ,
    Firemandk (Dan) in California

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Than you Firedan for your kind words. I wish to inform you that I have edited the videos I shot in Nagpur where my father was brought up and I plan to share them in this blog in a day or two. Please accept my greetings for this festive season.

      Delete
  12. Your quite welcome, and again, appreciate you keeping your Dad and sisters memories alive. Look forward to watching, even though my Wife is from the Philippines, I would love to visit India some day . Always will be a fan of your dad and Laxmi Chhaya , and I love trains, I just wish they still had all the steam trains they used to have there. There is a film Laxmi Chhaya did in 1962 when she was 15 or 16, "Royal Mail"...it is on YouTube and is the wonderful Narrow Guage trains ...The engine still exists on on static display, just as the Airplane from "Gumnaam" still exists. Have a wonderful New Year, lets hope and pray this world gets a little more peaceful this coming year .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have been trying to post a reply to your comment but I couldn't, it simply does not allow me when I am signed in. So I am posting as an outsider. Hope it is visible to you. I don't know if there are any steam engines which are coal-fired, I doubt it. The metre gauge train which takes passengers to Ooty (a hill-station in South India) uses steam engine but is not coal-fired but is oil-fired as far as I can tell, there are other such trains in other parts of India. If you visit India do let me know, my email address is aroopbose.bombay@gmail.com.I would love to meet you if possible. Have a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year!

      Delete
    2. Aroop, thank you so much ! I hope some day that happens! I know the railroad you speak of : I have several really great books including the one that talks about the last Steam Engines in India . If you have the chance , watch "Royal Mail" on YouTube... I get the impression being a non-hindi speaker it is quite a silly movie , but the railroads and Laxmi Chhaya make it a fun watch even not knowing what is being said . I would love to see it with captions, to know what the dialog is ! The Movie looks like a combination of "Zorro", "The Arabian Knights" and some early John Wayne movies all mixed together !!!!! Have a Happy and Wonderful New year .... My hopes at this point is take care of my parents as best I can and go back to the Philippines at some time as my wife misses her family so badly!

      Delete
  13. Dear Aroop, Your father Mr Tarun Bose is a legend.Watching Anupama brings out so pure emotions. The whole movie remains with you forever. Such is the beauty of cinema and artist.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello Shilpi Didi, I read your vlog today. Wonderful to know about your father and at the same time sad to know that he passed away so early. I have watched some of his movies and he is no less than a legend. Be proud of your father always just like thousands of his fans.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello! I am brother of Shilpi Bose. I thank you for posting a comment. I am sorry to inform you that my sister passed away on September 9, 2021. I would request you to please click 'Home' above and see the latest post by me in this blog.

      Delete
  15. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have a different perspective on I think any writer of non-fiction would be very happy to see his/her work being used as a referencematerial, but I appreciate your point of view. It's important to have a healthy debate and exchange of ideas. Thank you for starting the conversation.same as check it out in our website for latest blogs9xflix

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have a different perspective on I think any writer of non-fiction would be very happy to see his/her work being used as a referencematerial, but I appreciate your point of view. It's important to have a healthy debate and exchange of ideas. Thank you for starting the conversation.same as check it out in our website for latest blogs9xflix.vip

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for this lovely memorium of your father and actor Tarun Bose, one whom always left a lasting impression of his performances.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment Sanjeevji. I am Shilpi Bose's brother Aroop Bose. I have to inform you that my sister, the author of this blog, passed away in September 2021. This was meant to be the last post and in fact this is her last post in the blog. There after I wrote a small post on the occasion of my father's 50th death anniversary year, here is the link to the post https://tarunbosencinema.blogspot.com/

      Delete