Exclusive Feluda exhibition before Satyajit Ray's 91st birth anniversary

An exhibition on Satyajit Ray's iconic sleuth Feluda was inaugurated on Sunday, ahead of the maestro's 91st birth anniversary on May 2.

Ninety-five exhibits, which included photos from Ray's famous Kheror Khata (doodles and random rough illustrations of films and stories), are on display at the exhibition.

Besides, shooting schedules of the film Sonar Kella, manuscripts and illustration of other Feluda books like Bosepukure Khunkharapi, Darjeeling Jamjamat, Apsara Theatrer Mamla and Gangtoke Gandogol are being exhibited.

"We have managed to put up less than 30 percent of Baba's voluminous works," Ray's director son Sandip said.

He said the 95 exhibits were chosen to portray the multifaceted personality of his father, who was a writer, illustrator and novelist besides being a film maker.

"We would definitely like to put them for permanent display if given a proper venue. We are looking for one such place," Sandip said to a question.

The inauguration was attended by several actors who worked in Ray's and Sandip's movies.

Sonar Kella actor Kushal Chakraborty, who immortalised the child character of 'Mukul' said: "I am seeing this shooting schedule doodle for the first time as I was only a six-year-old boy when the film was made in 1974."

Recalling his first shooting experience, Kushal said: "I remember he did not scold me and I did not realise how he got the job done. I know I was pampered on set."

Sandip Ray's Feluda actor Sabyasachi Chakraborty said, "This could be the most fitting tribute to the film director, whose birthday falls on May 2. The sleuth Feluda also turned 50 this year."

'The Society for the Preservation of Satyajit Ray Archives' organised the exhibition which will continue till May 4.