From Rani Rashmoni to Prothoma Kadombini: Bengali TV shows inspired by real-life characters

The small screen is no longer dominated by saas-bahu sagas. A number of shows inspired by real-life characters have gained immense popularity - be it a historical character or an iconic figure. With already successful shows like ‘Netaji’, ‘Rani Rashmoni’ and recently launched ‘Prothoma Kadaombini’, Bengali television has many shows which are based on real-life characters. Let’s take a look. (Photo: Facebook)

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s life inspired many filmmakers to narrate his story on the big screen. Bengali television too finally launched a show based on the life of one of the greatest national heroes. In Bengali television serial ‘Netaji’ actor Abhishek Bose is playing the titular character. The show has a strong cast.

A number of TV shows have a reference of Ramakrishna Paramahansha and Maa Sarada in the storyline. But ‘Jagat Janani Maa Sarada’ is worth mentioning because of a strong cast and an equally strong narrative. Actor Suman Kundu essayed Ramakrishna’s character while Arpita Mondal played Devi Sarada. In ‘Ditipriya Roy starrer Rani Rashmoni’, actor Sourav Saha is playing Ramakrishna. The actor is quite convincing as Ramakrishna; no wonder the show started dominating the numero uno spot on the TRP charts ever since the storyline started narrating about Ramakrishna Paramahansa.

Rani Rashmoni, the founder of Dakshineswar Kali Temple, left an indelible mark in the history of Bengal. During British raj, when women were only allowed inside the house, Rashmoni was way ahead of her time with her intelligence and fearless attitude. She not only used her intelligence in business but also took an interest in social reforms and was a well-known philanthropist. In fact, she dared to go against British rulers when most of the influential Indians were afraid of them. Actress Ditipriya Roy is playing the titular role in the daily soap based on Rashmoni’s life. The show is quite popular and rules the TRP chart; thanks to the interesting storytelling and Ditipriya who left the audience mesmerized with her powerful acting. (Photo: Facebook)

Dr. Kadambini Ganguly was the first female medical practitioner of British-ruled India. Two Bengali television shows are based on her life. ‘Prothoma Kadombini’ starring Solanki Roy was launched yesterday while upcoming daily soap ‘Kadambini’ featuring Ushasi Ray will be launched soon.

Bamacharam Chattopadhyay popularly known as Bamakhyapa was a saint. Many shows have been made based on Sadhak Bamakhyapa and the latest addition is ‘Mahapeeth Tarapeeth’. Actor Sabyasachi Chowdhury is playing Bamakhyapa’s character in the show. Previously, actor Arindam Ganguly was seen playing the titular role in the TV show ‘Sadhak Bamakhyapa’. The actor was highly praised for his powerful performance.

Based on Lokenath Brambhachari’s life, the television show ‘Joy Baba Lokenath’ was launched in 2018. Young actor Ankit Mazumder played the childhood avatar of Lokenath. Later, actor Souptic Chakraborty was seen playing the titular role as the show took a leap of a few years. Bhaswar Chatterjee replaced him a few months ago as Soupic left the show due to health reasons.

Sean Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma starrer show ‘Ami Sirajer Begum’ was based on Mughal emperor Siraj ud-Daulah's life. Pallavi played Lutfunnisa, who was Siraj’s begum. Actress Chandrayee Ghosh played Ghaseti Begum while actor Badshah Moitra essayed Mir Jafar’s character.