Satyajit Ray Biography

Satyajit Ray, Affectionately Known As Manik, Was A Multifaceted Genius In The Realm Of Indian Cinema. Born On May 2, 1921, He Excelled As A Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Composer, Writer, And Graphic Designer.

Satyajit Ray Age, Death, Wife, Children, Family, Biography & More

Ray’s Contributions To Cinema Were Profound, Pioneering New Storytelling Techniques And Portraying The Nuances Of Indian Society With Unmatched Depth And Sensitivity. His Cinematic Masterpieces Continue To Inspire Generations Of Filmmakers Worldwide.

Early Life

Satyajit Ray was born into a family of artistic and literary prominence, with his father, Sukumar Ray, being a renowned Bengali writer and poet, and his mother, Suprabha Ray, a talented singer. His paternal grandfather, Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, was a multifaceted figure in literature, art, and entrepreneurship. Ray’s early life was steeped in creativity and cultural heritage, shaping his future as one of India’s most influential filmmakers.

Physical Stats

Satyajit Ray’s height and body measurements are not known, but he had brown eyes and black hair.

Education

Satyajit Ray, an Indian by nationality, hailed from Kolkata. He attended Ballygunge Government High School and pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Economics Honours at The Presidency College, Calcutta, and Fine Arts at Visva-Bharati University. Ray was an atheist in his religious views.

Age

Satyajit Ray, born on May 2, 1921, in Kolkata, West Bengal, was a renowned Indian filmmaker. He passed away at the age of 70, leaving behind a lasting legacy in cinema. His zodiac sign is Taurus.

Wife and Children

Satyajit Ray was married to Bengali actress and playback singer Bijoya Ray until her passing. They had a son named Sandip Ray, known for his contributions as a Bengali film and music director. At the time of Satyajit Ray’s death, he remained married, with their marriage taking place on October 20, 1948.

Family

Satyajit Ray’s father, Sukumar Ray, was a celebrated Bengali writer and poet, while his mother, Suprabha Ray, was a talented singer. His paternal grandfather, Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, was a prominent figure in literature, art, and entrepreneurship. Through marriage, Ray was connected to Indian freedom fighter Deshbandhu and Bengali singer Sati Devi. Additionally, his familial ties extended to Indian cinema, with his niece, Ruma Guha Thakurta, being an accomplished actress and singer, and his mother’s lineage tracing back to philanthropic zamindar Kali Narayan Gupta.

Satyajit Ray Youngage Picture

Satyajit Ray Parent’s Picture

Satyajit Ray with his wife Bijoya Ray

Satyajit Ray Son Sandip Ray

Death

Satyajit Ray passed away on April 23, 1992, due to heart and lung ailments. His departure marked the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy that continues to shape the art of filmmaking. Ray’s profound impact on cinema remains evident, as his timeless works continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Career

Satyajit Ray’s career is a testament to his unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema. Beginning with his groundbreaking debut, “Pather Panchali” in 1955, Ray’s films were characterized by their deep humanism, realism, and attention to detail. He went on to create a remarkable body of work that explored various themes and genres, earning him international acclaim and numerous awards, including an Academy Honorary Award in 1992. Ray’s legacy extends beyond filmmaking; he was also a prolific writer, composer, and graphic designer. His influence on Indian cinema and world cinema at large remains profound, continuing to inspire generations of filmmakers and cinephiles alike.

Film List

Contributed to by Ray

Net Worth

Satyajit Ray’s net worth was estimated at $120 million, reflecting his substantial financial success.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Satyajit Ray

• The Satyajit Ray Film and Study Collection, established in 1993 by the University of California, Santa Cruz, houses Ray’s works in both 35mm film and videocassette formats, along with his publications, artwork, writings, and still images.
• Satyajit Ray’s father, Bengali writer and poet Sukumar Ray, passed away when Ray was merely two years old, succumbing to black fever in 1923.
• Satyajit and Bijoya Ray, his wife and first cousin, were introduced at a young age, with their union formalized in a secret ceremony in Mumbai, later accepted by their families.
• Ray transitioned to Signet Press the same year, where he honed his skills in book cover design under D. K. Gupta’s tutelage, implementing his artistic vision.
• Ray achieved the seventh position in the Sight & Sound Critics’ poll of ‘Top 10 Directors’ in 1992, marking him as the highest-ranking Asian filmmaker in the poll.
• Rabindranath Tagore, a close associate of Ray’s grandfather, personally advocated for Ray’s enrollment at Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan.
• Originally Bengali Kayasthas, Ray’s ancestors adopted the surname “Ray” upon embracing Vaishnavism, the worship of Lord Vishnu.
• On January 29, 1992, Ray was admitted to Belle Vue Hospital in Kolkata after experiencing breathing difficulties. He spent 87 days in the hospital before passing away in April 1992.
• Joining the advertising industry in 1943, Ray initially worked as a junior visualizer at DJ Keymer’s Calcutta office before advancing to the role of art director.
• In 2000, the Commonwealth of Dominica Post issued two stamps valued at 1.65 dollars each, featuring Satyajit Ray’s portrait on one stamp, commemorating the esteemed director and his cinematic contributions.
• In 1990, Satyajit Ray incorporated Gregorian Chant and the orchestral compositions of Bach and Beethoven into his Bengali film “Shakha Proshakha.”
• In 1947, Ray co-founded the Calcutta Film Society alongside luminaries such as Chidananda Dasgupta and R. P. Gupta, marking a pivotal moment in the Indian film society movement.
• In 1942, amidst the bombing of Calcutta by the Japanese, Satyajit Ray abandoned his fine arts studies at Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, West Bengal, due to waning interest.

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