Discovery of Chunibala Devi

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A tale spun by Satyajit Ray’s own words,

Just as Uttam Kumar in “Nayak” soared,

Chunibala Devi, her presence vital,

For “Pather Panchali,” a story so vital.

In the role of Indir Thakrun, we see,

Chunibala Devi, an international glee,

India’s first actor to earn such fame,

A legend attached to her very name.

Little known to many, this tale untold,

About Chunibala Devi, a story to unfold,

Today, before you, I present this lore,

Of Chunibala Devi, forevermore.

When “Pather Panchali” took its flight,

Harihar, Sarbajaya, and Durga’s light,

In all these roles, actors were found,

Except for Indir, an actress yet unfound.

Searched high and low, Ray sought her grace,

Aging, weathered, in a different space,

Chunibala Devi, a seasoned star,

Fitting the role, near and far.

In a village small, on a path obscure,

Chunibala Devi, calm and demure,

Satyajit Ray appeared one day,

At her doorstep, he had his say.

Years ago, in a small movie scene,

Chunibala Devi’s act was seen,

Satyajit Ray inquired with care,

Could you play Indir, if you dare?

Chunibala, her dentures out wide,

Smiled and replied with joyous pride,

“Of course, I can,” her voice did sing,

With a grin, she embraced the thing.

“Can you sing as Indir, my dear?”

Satyajit asked, his intentions clear,

Chunibala sang, “The day has waned,

Evening falls, my heart’s restrained…”

The song, her voice, touched his heart,

Satyajit was moved, a work of art,

Recording her voice, a memory cast,

Chunibala’s presence, a role steadfast.

“Pather Panchali” on screen did grace,

A journey of love, life’s intricate maze,

In 1952, it took its first stride,

Three years to create, a cinematic ride.

In Manila, the world would then acclaim,

Chunibala Devi, a celebrated name,

But she couldn’t witness her praise,

Before the release, she’d left her days.

Satyajit sensed, before the mirth,

Chunibala Devi’s significant worth,

To her house, projector in hand,

He showed her the film, so grand.

Chunibala saw herself on the screen,

A role she’d played, a heartfelt scene,

Moved, Satyajit stood beside,

For his masterpiece, he’d taken a ride.

The ultimate surprise, a radiant dawn,

Manila Film Festival, her honor drawn,

Chunibala Devi, in revered name,

India’s first, international acclaim.

But alas, she’d passed away,

Before she could in Manila sway,

If only Chunibala still could be,

Today she’d turn a hundred and fifty.

So today, we remember her with grace,

Chunibala Devi, a cherished embrace,

In Indir Thakrun’s role, she’ll forever shine,

A story of talent, now eternally entwined