Sankar, Legendary Bengali Author, Dies at 92

Eminent Bengali author Mani Shankar Mukherjee, widely known by his pen name Sankar, passed away in Kolkata at the age of 92. The Sahitya Akademi Award-winning writer died in a private hospital due to age-related ailments. He is survived by two daughters. His death marks the end of a remarkable literary era that shaped modern Bengali fiction for over seven decades.

Sankar’s writings captured the complexities of urban life, middle-class aspirations and moral dilemmas, earning him a devoted readership across generations.

Early Breakthrough and Literary Rise

Sankar made his literary debut in 1955 with “Kata Ajanare” (The Great Unknown), a work based on the final years of British barrister Noel Frederick Barwell at the Calcutta High Court. The book became an instant success and established his reputation as a chronicler of contemporary Bengal.

He followed this with several acclaimed novels, including “Chowringhee”, “Jana Aranya” and “Seemabaddha”. These works delved into corporate ambition, unemployment and the psychological strains of middle-class life. His sharp realism and narrative depth distinguished him in post-Independence Bengali literature.

Influence on Cinema and Cultural Impact

Sankar’s novels significantly influenced Indian cinema. Two films in Satyajit Ray’s celebrated city trilogy — “Seemabaddha” (Company Limited) and “Jana Aranya” (The Middleman) — were adapted from his works. Both films examined moral compromise and socio-economic pressures in urban society.

The 1968 film adaptation of “Chowringhee”, starring Uttam Kumar, became a major hit and further popularised his storytelling. Through literature and cinema, Sankar’s works portrayed the unseen struggles of ordinary individuals navigating social change.

Recognition and Intellectual Contributions

Throughout his career, Sankar wrote numerous novels and short stories exploring domestic relationships, social transformation and ethical conflicts. He also authored scholarly works on Ramakrishna Paramhamsa and Swami Vivekananda, reflecting his interest in spiritual and philosophical themes.

He received several honours, including the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2021, acknowledging his enduring contribution to Indian literature.

Important Facts for Exams

• Sankar’s real name was Mani Shankar Mukherjee.
• “Kata Ajanare” was published in 1955.
• “Seemabaddha” and “Jana Aranya” were adapted by Satyajit Ray.
• He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2021.

Tributes from Political Leadership

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow, describing his passing as an irreparable loss to Bengali culture. She highlighted the enduring appeal of works such as “Chowringhee”, “Kata Ajanare”, “Seemabaddha” and “Jana Aranya”, noting their profound portrayal of the common man’s struggle and their lasting place in the literary heritage of Bengal.