Satyajit Ray would have turned 100 today. The centenary celebrations of the iconic filmmaker are muted as the coronavirus pandemic takes a heavy toll on public. Amid this dilemma of how to mark the centenary celebrations of Ray, an artist’s poignant tribute to Ray has left people moved online.
Mumbai-based artist and short-filmmaker, Aniket Mitra reimagined 10 of Ray’s iconic films amid Covid time, and the posters have taken social media by storm.
From Pather Panchali to Mahanagar, the 32-year-old highlighted the woes of common people in his homage to the renowned filmmaker, reinterpreting them as people continue to battle the debilitating second wave in the country.
Admitting that this is not a time for celebration, in a candid post,
the artist said he decided to pay tribute to Ray, remembering his humble origins, and how he fought hard against life to establish not just a name for himself but “through each of his creations has put Bengalis in the seat of superiority in the world”. He said to remain quiet on his birthday would mean to disregard his struggles and accomplishments.