Wielding The Political Pen

The story of a storyteller who wielded his pen to de-construct power and later tried to link it to the ordinary essence of everyday humans and their lives

Mohit Chattopadhyay; Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Beginning

Born in 1934 to a home in Barisal, Bangladesh, thirteen-year-old Mohit Chattopadhyay immigrated to Bengal and lived in Kolkata (then Calcutta) with his family. As it goes, the prolific writer was an avid reader, and his career in writing started with a love for reading. He would visit the Chaitanya Library in Bidon street frequently.

He went to school at Chitpur Bharati Boys School and would write in a study he created on the terrace's stairs. His writing can be linked to his mother, who secretly wrote poetry.

It was when he started City College in 1950 that he began writing poetry seriously. A short story of his was published and thus began Chattopadhyay's illustrious career. His teacher, also a writer, Narayan Gangopadhyay, encouraged him to explore more possibilities. Thus, Mohit's first play, Kanthanalite Surya, was born The play was appreciated but not immediately staged.

He befriended many like-minded individuals who became illustrious poets, writers, and playwrights during his college days. Among them were Shibshambhu Pal, Sunil Gongopadhyay, Soumitra Chatterjee, Shakti Chattopadhay, and Sandipan Chattopadhyay.

In his academic pursuits, the young scribe finished his Masters's degree from the University of Calcutta and lectured at Jangipur College in Murshidabad before becoming a Reader at City College.

Work: What Is It?

Chattopadhyay's career started as a poet but then shifted to plays and is known for them distinctly. His first play for the public to be seen on stage was Shyamal Ghosh's direction and called Mrityu Sangbad.

Bibihas Chakraborty and Ghosh were the ones who gave a platform to Chatopadhyaya's distinct and variable style and gave him leeway.

Among the known plays produced include Captain Hurra, Chandraloke Agnikando, and Socrates.

Ghosh even coined a term for Mohit's work, Kimitibadi, which translates into "what is it" because of its nondescript nature.

A new era of his work began with Lathi when the target of his work and its intent change. He moved from a political commentary that was nuanced to everyday people and their stories that, often not told in its honesty, to enable the people to feel their strength even in the ordinariness, yet uphill battles of life.

Much Deserved Applause

Chattopadhyay was a changing face of Bengali Literature in terms of exploring power and its manifestations. Many of his plays were translated into different languages. His appreciation also came in the form of film and television scripts. His directorial stint for Megher Khela received critical recognition.

With over a hundred plays to his name, Mohit Chatopadhyaya was the Sangeet Natak Akademy Award recipient and other state awards such as the Girish Award and Nandikaar Award.