Legendary singer Kishore Kumar and iconic filmmaker Satyajit Ray shared a fascinating, little-known connection that went beyond their professional admiration, as revealed by Kishore’s son, Amit Kumar.
A Surprising Family Connection
Bollywood’s intertwined relationships often hold hidden gems, and the bond between Kishore Kumar and Satyajit Ray is one such story. While many knew of their mutual respect, singer Amit Kumar recently shed light on an even deeper, familial tie.
Amit revealed that his mother, Ruma Devi, who was Kishore Kumar’s first wife, hailed from a prominent artistic background. She worked alongside major industry figures and trained with renowned artists like Pandit Uday Shankar. Her artistic roots ran deep, with Amit’s grandmother even performing stage productions with Prithviraj Kapoor.
The crucial link? Ruma Devi’s aunt was none other than Bijoya Ray, Satyajit Ray’s wife. This made the two legends connected by an unexpected family tree. Amit shared that he and his mother even lived at the Ray household on Lake Avenue for a couple of years after his parents separated.
Kishore Kumar’s Generosity and Admiration
Despite this familial connection, the friendship between Kishore Kumar and Satyajit Ray blossomed on its own terms. Ray was reportedly one of Kishore’s biggest fans, admiring not just his voice but his entire persona.
A testament to Kishore’s generosity and belief in Ray’s vision came during the making of Ray’s groundbreaking debut film, “Pather Panchali.” Facing financial hurdles, Ray received crucial support from Kishore Kumar, who reportedly handed him Rs 5,000 to help complete the project. This significant sum at the time underscores the deep bond and trust between them.
The Lost Footage of a Masterpiece
Beyond financial aid, Kishore Kumar’s passion for filmmaking also intertwined with Ray’s work. Amit Kumar shared an incredible detail: his father would often follow Satyajit Ray on set with a 16mm camera.
Kishore Kumar was actively shooting behind-the-scenes footage of Ray’s films, including “Pather Panchali,” effectively documenting the making of cinematic history. Imagine the iconic singer capturing the magic of Ray’s creative process! Sadly, Amit confirmed that this invaluable footage is now nowhere to be found, a true loss for cinema enthusiasts.
- Kishore Kumar provided financial aid for Satyajit Ray’s debut film, “Pather Panchali.”
- Kishore’s first wife, Ruma Devi, was Satyajit Ray’s wife Bijoya Ray’s niece.
- Kishore Kumar secretly filmed “making-of” footage for Ray’s films, which is now lost.
This revelation from Amit Kumar offers a rare glimpse into the personal lives and intertwined histories of two titans of Indian cinema, reminding us of the profound connections that often shape artistic legacies.
