Shaktipada Rajguru

Shaktipada Rajguru ()(1922-) is an Indian Bengali writer. Several of his novels have been adapated for the screen including the Ritwik Ghatak-directed Meghe Dhaka Tara and the Shakti Samanta-directed Amanush. He has been translated in to Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam.

Early life

Shaktipada Rajguru was born in 01/02/1922 in Gopebandi, Bankura District, in what is now West Bengal, India. His early schooling was at pachthopi T.N. Institutional School in Murshidabad. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Calcutta. He began writing in 1945 with his first novel, Dinguli Mor which revolved around the sensitive topic of the plight of refugees. Since then, he has written over 100 novels.

Writing style

Shaktipada Rajguru is fond of travelling and many of his novels are set in locations such as Chota Nagpur, Maharashtra, Dandakaranya, places distant from Kolkata, where his novels are published. He is fond of describing nature in great detail and in portraying strong central characters in these locations. He cites Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay and Tarashankar Bandopadhyay as major influences.

Select bibliography

• Meghe Dhaka Tara
• Moni Begum
• Antare antare
• Jeebon Kahini
• Anusandhan
• Amanush
• Baghini

Awards

• The Bibhutibhushan Award for literary excellence
• All-India Lion's Award, Best screenplay for Amanush

References

• Biographical note in the following novel: Rajguru, Shaktipada.Kuasha jokhon, (). Anjali Prokashoni. Kolkata. 2005. ISBN 81-87114-54-1.

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