Shantanu Biswas

Shantanu Biswas (25 October 1954 – 12 July 2019) was a Bangladeshi dramatist, playwright, stage director, singer-songwriter and composer.[1][2] He has written and directed several full-length plays between 1975 and 2019, where he performed as an actor in more than sixteen plays. His major successes include Informer (1982), and Julius Ceasar er Shesh Shaat Din (The Last Seven Days of Julius Caesar) (1987).

Santanu Biswas
শান্তনু বিশ্বাস
Biswas
Born(1954-10-25)25 October 1954
Chittagong, East Bengal, Pakistan (now Bangladesh)
Died12 July 2019(2019-07-12) (aged 64)
Dhaka, Bangladesh
NationalityBangladeshi
Citizenship Pakistani (1954-1971)
 Bangladeshi (1971-2019)
Alma materNational University of Bangladesh
Occupation
  • dramatist
  • playwright
  • stage director
  • singer-songwriter
  • composer
Years active1975–2019
Websiteshantanubiswas.info

Born in Chittagong (now Chattogram), Biswas spent his whole life in the port city, where he struggled to establish himself as a dramatist and musician. He has released five solo and two mixed albums.[3] He made his debut album Chirkut in 2009.[1] His last solo Sritir Shohore was released posthumously in 2019 by G-Series.[4] His music as blended with modern poetry, and lyrics with diverse tunes covering different genres of world music.[1]

Early life and career

Shantanu Biswas was born on 25 October 1954 in Chittagong, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).[5] He attended Saint Placid's High School and Government Hazi Mohammad Mohsin College in Chattogram. In 1971, the Bangladesh Liberation War started, and Biswas moved to India and worked with the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra as its youngest artist. After the war, he returned to Chattogram, finished his education, and was soon employed at the conglomerate Ispahani Limited, where he served as the Chief Operational Officer of the Tea Department until his death in 2019.[6] He was also chairman of Tea Traders Association of Bangladesh (TTAB).[5][7][8]

Theater

Biswas had an interest in drama and theatre from his young age. He got his start in theatre as an actor; later on, he began his career as an original playwright, director, and translating foreign plays into Bengali, most of which he also directed. In 1974, Biswas worked with the theatre group Gonayon and later with Angon in 1976.[9] Kalo Golaper Desh is the first play written by him.[3] Then he wrote Doptori Raj Dawptore and Nobojonmo.[3] In 1982, he started his theatre group, Kal Purush Natto Shomproday. His prominent plays include Informer (1982), which was staged internationally and adapted by multiple other groups, as well as Julius Ceasar er Shesh Shaat Din (The Last Seven Days of Julius Caesar) in 1987.

Biswas translated several foreign plays into Bengali, such as Manush O Niyoti from the original play by George Bernard Shaw, Matri Chorit original play by Alan Ayckbourn, Prarthi translated from original play Applicant (1959) by Harold Pinter and Khola Hawa original play by N. F. Simpson.[10] He was also the editor of a theatre magazine, Proscenium, since 1983.

Music career

Biswas's first album, Jhinuk Jhinuk Mon, was released in 2007 from Impress Audio Vision Ltd. It was a mixed album with fellow Bangladeshi singer Arunima Islam. In 2008, he released a second mixed album, Bawhoman, along with Bappa Mazumder.

Biswas released his first solo album, Chirkut in 2009,[1][11] which attained widespread popularity with its singles "Dekhechi Shada Kalo Shari" and "Chirkute Dekhi Chotto Kore Lekha".[2] His second solo Postman[1] was released on 9 July 2011 from Agniveena.[12] His third solo Khorkuto was released on 29 March 2014 from Agniveena.[13] This album includes 11 tracks where all the lyrics and tunes were composed by Shantanu himself. Bappa Mazumder and Sudipto Saha have coordinated the music of the album.[14] His fourth studio album Shob Tomader Jonno was released in 2015. His fifth and last solo Sritir Shohore was released posthumously on 5 October 2019 by G-Series.[4][15]

Personal life and death

Biswas was married to fellow stage-actress Shubhra Biswas[16] in 1984[17] and has two daughters.[5]

On 12 July 2019, he died from cardiac arrest in United Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.[5][18] As a lifelong humanist philosopher, he donated his body for medical research to the Anatomy Department, Chittagong Medical College, the first-ever donated cadaver in the College's entire history.[17]

Legacy

After his death, the Drama Department of the Chittagong University launched a scholarship program dedicated to Biswas, named, "Nattojon Shantanu Biswas Smriti Britti" for students with outstanding academic results in the field of drama and theatre.[19]

He has also received several awards, most prominently the Zia Haider Memorial Drama Medal in 2013.[20]

Dramatography
Title Year Credited as Notes Ref(s)
Writer Director Actor Translator
Kalo Golaper Desh Yes N/A Yes N/A first performed 1978 [3][10]
Doptori Raj Dawptore Yes N/A Yes N/A first performed 1979 [3][10]
Nobojonmo Yes Yes Yes N/A first performed 1981 [3][10]
Jai Din Fagun Din N/A N/A Yes N/A first performed 21 February 1976
Informer 1980–81 Yes Yes Yes N/A first performed 1983 [3][10]
Bhaboghura (The Wanderer) Yes Yes Yes N/A first performed January 2001 [3][21][22]
Kanamachi 1992 N/A Yes N/A N/A
Khirer Putul N/A Yes N/A Yes
Rupoboti O Bamon Shatjona N/A Yes N/A N/A
Gofur Ameena Shongbad N/A N/A Yes N/A
Chawrjapoder Horini N/A N/A Yes N/A first performed January 1976
Ekti Obastob Golpo N/A N/A Yes N/A
Ameena Shundori N/A N/A Yes N/A first performed October 1976
Bajlo Rajar BaroTa N/A N/A Yes N/A first performed 1979
Mohesh N/A N/A Yes N/A
Juta Abishkar N/A N/A Yes N/A
Julius Caesar Er Shesh Shatdin N/A Yes Yes N/A first performed 1987
Manush O Niyoti 1990 N/A Yes Yes N/A Origin: George Bernard Shaw
Mrinaler Chithi 2004 N/A N/A N/A Yes
Matri Chorit 2015 N/A N/A N/A Yes Origin: Alan Ayckbourn [10]
Prarthi 2015 N/A N/A N/A Yes Origin: Applicant (1959) by Harold Pinter [10]
Khola Hawa 2015 N/A N/A N/A Yes Origin: N. F. Simpson [10]
Nirvar 2019 Yes Yes Yes N/A first performed 28 June 2019 [3][10][23]

Discography

Studio albums
Title Album details Tracklist
Chirkut
  • Released: 2009
  • Label: G-Series
  • Format: CD
Tracklist[24][25]
  1. "Road Brishty Jhor e" (3:45)
  2. "Chirkute Dekhi Chotto Kore Lekha" (3:46)
  3. "Kathalchapar Gondhe Bibhore" (5:09)
  4. "Jadhughor ar Aziz Super" (3:50)
  5. "Dekhechi Shada Kalo Shari" (5:04)
  6. "Jey Meyeti Burigongar Dhar e" (3:45)
  7. "Bhije Megh e Dupur Jodi Hoy" (3:45)
  8. "Ghum Ghum Maya Maya Lagchey" (3:37)
  9. "Akdin Shobai Dukkho Bhule Bolbe Esho" (4:33)
  10. "Amon Borsha Tao Nodi Holona" (4:17)
Postman
  • Released: 9 July 2011
  • Label: Agniveena
  • Format: CD
Tracklist[26][27]
  1. "Postman" (5:27)
  2. "Tumi Chuye Dile" (5:05)
  3. "Shobar E Sreshtho Somoy" (4:03)
  4. "Tomay Niye" (4:29)
  5. "Megher Onek Upore" (4:18)
  6. "Ekhane Amra Kojon" (3:54)
  7. "Jodi Footpath" (4:43)
Khorkuto
  • Released: 29 March 2014
  • Label: Agniveena
  • Format: CD
Tracklist[28][29]
  1. "Ki Hoil Ki Hoil" (3:40)
  2. "Probonchona" (4:22)
  3. "Bodle Bodle Jacche" (4:44)
  4. "Swopno Shimahin" (3:25)
  5. "Prochare Proshar" (3:31)
  6. "Goplo" (4:12)
  7. "Khorkuto" (3:14)
  8. "Chatimtola" (3:44)
  9. "Gaan Vanga Ghore" (3:19)
  10. "Cheleti" (4:05)
  11. "Boli Khela" (3:48)
Shob Tomader Jonno
  • Released: 2015
  • Label: Girona Entertainment, India
  • Format: CD
Tracklist[30][31]
  1. "Bangla Bangladesh" (5:24)
  2. "Khoj" (4:28)
  3. "Tomader Jonno" (4:30)
  4. "Lojja" (5:13)
  5. "Dotanay" (4:45)
  6. "Abul Kalam" (4:09)
  7. "Reporter" (4:54)
  8. "Etota Poth Ekay" (4:35)
Sritir Shohore
  • Released: 5 October 2019[4]
  • Label: G-Series
  • Format: CD
Tracklist[32][33]
  1. "Shomoyer Chakata" (3:26)
  2. "Krishnokoli" (4:49)
  3. "Emono Dine Tare" (4:16)
  4. "Dekhchi Aar Vabchi" (3:44)
  5. "Bolle Ami Jai" (3:49)
  6. "Sritir Shohore" (4:29)
  7. "Shokal Belar Pakhi" (3:56)
  8. "Dheu Tolo" (3:57)

Mixed albums
Title Album details Tracklist
Jhinuk Jhinuk Mon
(with Arunima Islam)
  • Released: 2007
  • Label: Impress Audio Vision Ltd.
  • Format: CD
Tracklist[34]
  1. "Jhinuk Jhinuk Mon" (4:20)
  2. "Jhinuk Jhinuk Mon" (4:06)
  3. "Amar Piya Ashe Jaay" (5:02)
  4. "Moner Kotha Mone Rekhe Dile" (3:49)
  5. "Chailei Shob Pawa Jeto Jodi" (5:22)
Bawhoman
(with Bappa Mazumder)
  • Released: 2008
  • Label: Agniveena
  • Format: CD
Tracklist[35]
  1. "Je Akash Dorte Chay" (5:11)
  2. "Haat ta ke Chueso" (4:01)
  3. "Sokal Bikal Vhabi" (4:01)
  4. "Muk Thekhe Oor Ber Houa" (3:31)
  5. "Taar Alta Deya Payete" (4:49)

Bibliography
  • Two Plays: Informer and Bhoboghure (2002)
  • Shantanu Bishash-er Charti Natok (2018)[36]
  • Nattotroyie (2019)[5]
  • Khirer Putul (2016)
  • Gaaner Kobita Khola Pith (2018)[5][3]
  • Proscenium (2020, July), edited, posthumous, ISBN 9789848241288

References
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  2. Dey, Arun Bikash (9 February 2013). "Shantanu Biswas An artiste who shies away from publicity". Chittagong: The Daily Star. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  3. "Shantanu Biswas dies". The Daily Observer. 14 July 2019. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  4. "ALBUM OF SHANTANU BISWAS' UNRELEASED SONGS LAUNCHED". The Daily New Nation. 12 October 2019. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  5. Dey, Arun Bikash (13 July 2019). "Shantanu Biswas passes away". Chittagong: The Daily Star. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  6. "Ispahani's reality show on Bangla to air soon". The Daily Star. 26 February 2017. Archived from the original on 19 November 2017. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  7. Das, Uday Sankar (24 April 2013). "Move to shift tea auction centre from Ctg draws fury". Chittagong: The Daily Star. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  8. Mirdha, Refayet Ullah (7 July 2008). "Local tea prices shoot up on high demand". Chittagong: The Daily Star. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  9. স্তব্ধ হলো শান্তনু বিশ্বাসের কণ্ঠ, থেমে গেল সুর [Stopped Shantanu Biswas's Voice, Stopped the Melody] (in Bengali). Prothom Alo. 12 July 2019. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  10. "Archived copy" শান্তনু বিশ্বাস : প্রসেনিয়ামের মন. Bhorer Kagoj. 13 July 2019. Archived from the original on 14 July 2019. Retrieved 17 May 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. "Shantanu Biswas to perform at IGCC". Dhaka Tribune. 18 June 2013. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  12. "Postman". The Daily Star. 13 July 2011. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  13. ‘ভাবনাকে প্রকাশ করার একমাত্র বাহন গান’ [Music is the only vehicle to express thoughts] (in Bengali). Prothom Alo. 29 March 2014. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  14. "Shantanu Biswas' Khorkuto released". The Daily New Nation. 31 March 2014. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  15. শান্তনুর রেখে যাওয়া গান নিয়ে ‘স্মৃতির শহরে’ ['Sritir Shohore' with songs left by Shantanu] (in Bengali). Prothom Alo. 6 October 2019. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  16. Urmi, Shahenoor Akther (17 July 2012). "Monsoon greeted with recitation". Chittagong: The Daily Star. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  17. Chowdhury, Biswajit (18 July 2019). সুরে ও বাণীতে আবার দেখা হবে... [See you again in tune and message...] (in Bengali). Prothom Alo. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  18. "Artiste Shantanu passes away". Chittagong: New Age. 14 July 2019. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  19. চবিতে নাট্যোৎসব উদ্বোধন [Drama Festival Inaugurated at CU] (in Bengali). Chittagong: Suprobhat Bangladesh. 16 January 2020. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  20. Dey, Arun Bikash (31 October 2013). "Zia Haidar Memorial Drama Medal awarded". Chittagong: The Daily Star. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  21. "Bhaboghure". The Daily Star. 26 June 2004. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  22. "Bhabaghurey". The Daily Star. 24 June 2004. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  23. Anondomoyee, Farhana (5 July 2019). "Nirvar" নির্ভার : ভালোবাসার অপর পিঠে কেবল থাকে ভালোবাসা. Dainik Azadi. Archived from the original on 5 July 2019. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
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  35. ""Bawhoman" Release by Bappa Mazumder & Shantanu Biswas". musicbrainz.org. MusicBrainz. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
  36. Biswas, Shantanu (2018). Shantanu Bishash-er Charti Natok. Nalanda. ISBN 9789849318545.
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