BOOK REVIEW: Mrinal Chatterjee : A Chronicle and Beyond

Abstract

Dr. Gauri D. Chakraborty, a FTII alumna who teaches Film Studies at Delhi based Benett University conceptualised and edited this beautifully designed and produced book which chronicles FTII’s women alumni and their contribution to the world of cinema. Early phases of film as well as theatre in India saw near-absence of women in its making. So much so that the first Indian film Raja Harishchandra had a male playing the role of heroine. This happened in film and television education too. FTII was established in 1961. There were no female student in the first two years. Parvati Menon was the first woman student, who joined in 1963 in ‘Screen Play Writing cum Elements of Direction’ course. She became the Chief Producer of Childrens’ Film Society India (CSFI) and CEO and Executive Director for their international film festivals. Gradually more women joined different courses in FTII and made their mark in the industry. Rehana Sultana graduated in the Acting course in 1963, Rita Saluja in 1969, Jaya Bhaduri in 1970, Shabana Azmi in 1973. In ‘Direction’ After Parvati Menon and Bani Datta, Vijay Saxena graduated in 1974. She directed award winning documentary films and went on to become the Director of UP State Institute of Educational Technology (SIET). Aruna Patil graduated in 1969 at the age of 23 as one of India’s first female technicians from FTII. She made critically acclaimed feature films. Anjuli Shukla became the first woman cinematographer to win a National Film Award. The list is long.