Revisiting Satyajit Ray's ‘Nayak’, a timeless classic

Satyajit Ray's "Nayak" mesmerised audiences upon its release in 1966. 55 years later, the film still feels new and relevant. The more I watch it, the more enamoured I am of it.

"Nayak" showcases different aspects of the life of a superstar, and how fame separates him from everything else. It is the tale of an ordinary man's extraordinary rise to stardom. Like his character in the film, Uttam Kumar, too, started out as a theatre actor, before stepping into the world of cinema. It certainly seems like Ray was inspired by Kumar's real life for "Nayak".

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In the film, Arindam Mukherjee (Uttam Kumar), a matinee idol, reveals his insecurities, mistakes, and regrets to a young journalist by the name of Aditi Sengupta (Sharmila Tagore). As Arindam talks about his fame and loneliness, we are told his story through splendidly presented flashbacks.

"Nayak" is a must-watch for fans of Satyajit Ray and Uttam Kumar. The film received the Special Jury Award at the 1966 Berlin Film Festival. It also won the National Film Award for Best Film and Best Screenplay.

Translated by Shababa Iqbal