Cinemaazi remembers Bankim Chandra on death anniversary

One of the most influential writers of modern Bengali literature, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee passed away on this day in 1894. Making significant contributions to the development of the modern Bengali novel, he was a key figure of the Bengali renaissance. His writings had an immense impact on the early nationalist movement, proclaiming the spiritual superiority of India over the west. Alongside his huge influence on literature, he remains one of the most adapted authors in cinema.
The earliest Bankim Chandra adaptation was Madan Theatres' Bishabrikkha (1922) directed by Jyotish Bannerjee. Madan's strategy of adapting classic Bengali literature meant they would produce several more adaptations. Jyotish Bannerjee and Priyanath Ganguly helmed several of these projects, often starring Durgadas Bannerjee. Some of these were Krishnakanter Will (1926), Durgesh Nandini (1927), Kapal Kundala (1929) and Rajsingha (1930). Debaki Bose made Chandrasekhar in 1947 while Nitin Bose's Mashal (1950) was based on Rajani. Hemen Gupta made his Hindi film debut with an adaptation of Anandmath in 1952. Suchitra Sen gave a memorable performance in 1974's Debi Choudhurani (1974). Dinen Gupta adapted Rajani in 1978. One of the more recent adaptations was Raja Sen's Krishnakanter Will (2007) which won the National Award for Best Costume Design.