Pratikriti by Satyajit Ray [Hardcover]

His artistic talents are evident in various magazines, book covers, screenplay manuscripts, and the illustrations for his own stories and novels. Thus, introducing the artist Satyajit is somewhat redundant. Yet, it is essential to mention his collection of over a hundred portraits. Throughout his life, he captured numerous distinguished personalities from both India and abroad through his drawings. Whether out of necessity, creative inspiration, or artistic compulsion, he portrayed figures from Rabindranath Tagore to Manik Bandopadhyay, Abanindranath Tagore to M. F. Husain, Vivekananda to Subhas Chandra Bose, Shakespeare to T. S. Eliot, Charlie Chaplin to Kurosawa, and many others. Each character is brought to life in just a few lines. The style and approach of each portrait vary according to the personality of the subject. This vast world of Satyajit's untapped genius is expressed in various forms, gestures, artistic mediums, and styles. We see Picasso in Cubist lines, Vivekananda depicted with the bold strokes of a dry brush, and Rabindranath Tagore explored from multiple perspectives. Abanindranath and Jamini Roy are also represented. In the portrait of the poet Jibanananda Das, we find a different rhythm—the same rhythm found in his poetry. The round face and enigmatic, mysterious gaze are brought to life through an assembly of delicate lines. Ramkinkar’s visage reflects his own sculptural techniques. Meanwhile, in the portrayal of Shibnath Shastri, the technique mirrors the 19th-century woodcarving style. The satirical eyes of the silent face come alive in the strokes depicting Charles Chaplin. Even though he was unparalleled in the world of cinema, this work serves as a mark of reverence to other great personalities. The remarkable achievement of these portraits not only fascinates but also inspires a different artistic perspective. This book has retrieved almost forgotten but unforgettable portraits. Four portraits are published for the first time here. Perhaps more remain outside our discovery. Nonetheless, this collection highlights another rare aspect of Satyajit’s multifaceted genius. Many are unaware of this priceless creation. Some might know, but not everyone. These scattered portraits have been collected and compiled into this book after years of diligent effort by Soumyen Pal. This initiative to rediscover the unique Satyajit enriches us once again.