Basu Chatterjee is called the pioneer of middle-of-the-road cinema. He made films that struck a balance between mainstream entertainment and parallel cinema. There was neither much masala nor heavy cinema art in his films.

Stories of common life and relationships
Simple love stories, everyday life of middle class families, problems of married relationships and light humor were seen in Basu Chatterjee’s films. There was no unnecessary drama or action in his films like ‘Rajnigandha’, ‘Chhoti Si Baat’ and ‘Baaton Baaton Mein’. 10th January is the birth anniversary of Basu Chatterjee.

Birth and early career
The special thing about Basu Chatterjee was that his stories seemed exactly like those of common people. He was born on 10 January 1930 in Ajmer (Rajasthan) in a Bengali family. He started his career as a cartoonist and illustrator in Mumbai and worked in a magazine for about 18 years.

Entry into the world of films and first film
In the year 1966, he entered films and became an assistant director. His first film as a director was ‘Sara Aakash’ released in 1969. In this film, the problems that come after marriage were shown with utmost truth and sensitivity.

Not a hero but a common man became a star
In Basu Chatterjee’s films, the hero did not fight with goons but was seen managing love and relationships in small matters. He made Amol Palekar the face of a middle class man. This common man’s style was seen in films like ‘Chhoti Si Baat’, ‘Rajnigandha’, ‘Khatta-Meetha’, ‘Chitchor’ and ‘Baaton Baaton Mein’.

Long list of hit films
Basu Chatterjee’s successful films include 1974’s ‘Rajnigandha’, 1975’s ‘Chhoti Si Baat’, ‘Chitchor’, ‘Khatta-Meetha’ and ‘Baaton Baaton Mein’. These films won people’s hearts without much fanfare.

Left a deep mark in the world of TV too
Along with films, Basu Chatterjee also did excellent work on TV. He created the iconic serial ‘Byomkesh Bakshi’ for Doordarshan, which ran from 1993 to 1997. In this, Rajit Kapoor played the role of a Bengali detective. In the TV show ‘Rajini’ released in 1985, Priya Tendulkar took social issues to the common people. Both these shows were seen in every household in the eighties and nineties and had a huge fan following. Basu Chatterjee’s films were liked not only by the people but also by the people of the film industry. He made his first film ‘Sara Akash’ based on the experience he gained from French, German, Italian and Mexican films.

Special praise to Mrinal Sen
According to Basu Chatterjee himself, the most special praise for ‘Sara Aakash’ was given by the famous director Mrinal Sen. Mrinal Sen had said, ‘We make films for the people but you have made this film for us.’

timeless legacy
Basu Chatterjee’s contribution to cinema and TV is timeless even today. He died on 4 June 2020 at the age of 93, but his compositions like ‘Rajnigandha’, ‘Chhoti Si Baat’ and ‘Byomkesh Bakshi’ are still alive in the hearts of people.

Amol Palekar is the shining star of Hindi cinema who has filled the lives of people with colors of happiness through his art. With his perfect comic timing and tremendous characters, he tickled the audience and made them laugh loudly. The actor will celebrate his 81st birthday on November 24. On this occasion, we will know about his 5 interesting films which you can enjoy on OTT platform sitting at home.

Watch Amol Palekar’s movies on OTT

1. Tuberose
This film of Amol Palekar was released in 1974. Through this film he took his first step in Hindi cinema. Through this, the legendary actor spread his art to such an extent that it is still alive in the minds of people. The film was a huge hit at the box office and was included in the list of highest grossing films of that year. You can watch this movie on Netflix and Prime Video.

2. small talk
This is the second film of Amol Palekar’s career. This romantic comedy film was released in 1976. This masterpiece, directed by Basu Chatterjee, has been rated as the best comedy Hindi film of the 70s. Amol Palekar was seen with Vidya Sinha in the film and it also made bumper earnings at the box office. You can watch this film on OTT on Prime Video.

3. Round Goods
The pair of Utpal Dutt and Amol Palekar did wonders in this film. The jugalbandi of both of them had rained money in the theatres. Even today, if you watch this film, you will feel pain in your stomach while laughing at the tuning of Amol Palekar and Utpal Dutt. Amitabh Bachchan, Bindiya Goswami and Deven Verma also made important contributions in this movie. You can watch this film, released in 1979, on Prime Video, MX Player and YouTube.

4. In conversation
This film of Amol Palekar was also released in 1979. In this he shared the screen with Tina Munim. Like every time, this time too he spread his art in such a way that it got imprinted in the minds of the audience. Not only this, Asrani and David also put in their entire efforts to make the film entertaining. It is available on Prime Video and YouTube.

5. soft hot
Made under the direction of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, this film was released in 1981. In this too, the jugalbandi of Amol Palekar and Utpal Dutt forced the audience to laugh loudly. You can comfortably enjoy this classic film sitting at home with your family. It is available on OTT platform Prime Video, MX Player.