Ruma Guha Thakurta (1934-2019) was a celebrated actress and singer in the Bengali film and music industry. Throughout her illustrious career, she made significant contributions to both cinema and music, leaving an indelible mark on the arts in West Bengal and India.
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Ruma Guha Thakurta
Early Life and Background:
Ruma Guha Thakurta was born on 3 November 1934 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. She hailed from a prestigious Bengali family, which undoubtedly influenced her inclination towards the arts.
Career Highlights:
Film: Ruma Guha Thakurta’s film journey began with Amiya Chakravarty’s film “Jwar Bhata” in 1944. Over the decades, she acted in numerous Bengali films. Some of her prominent roles were in movies like “Ganga” (1959), “Palatak” (1963), “Balika Badhu” (1967), “Dadar Kirti” (1980), “36 Chowringhee Lane” (1981), and “Abhijan” (1962), directed by the iconic Satyajit Ray. She worked with leading directors of the Bengali film industry, portraying various roles that showcased her versatility as an actress.
Music: Apart from her contributions to cinema, Ruma Guha Thakurta was also known for her singing. She founded the Calcutta Youth Choir (CYC) in 1958, which became known for its performance of Indian folk and mass songs. The choir under her leadership did not just limit itself to Bengali folk but integrated diverse languages and sounds from various parts of India.
Personal Life:
Ruma Guha Thakurta was married to the iconic singer Kishore Kumar in the early 1950s, though they later divorced. Their marriage resulted in the birth of a son, Amit Kumar, who himself became a prominent playback singer in the Indian music industry. Ruma later married Arup Guha Thakurta, with whom she had two children.
Legacy:
Ruma Guha Thakurta left behind an impressive body of work in both films and music. Her contributions have played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural tapestry of West Bengal. Her death on 3 June 2019 marked the end of an era, but her contributions continue to resonate in the hearts of countless admirers.
In addition to her cinematic and musical work, Ruma’s impact is also felt in the ongoing success and reputation of the Calcutta Youth Choir. Through the choir, her mission to preserve and propagate the diverse sounds of Indian folk continues to thrive.
Ruma Guha Thakurta remains an iconic figure in the Bengali entertainment domain. Her multi-faceted talents, dedication to the arts, and undying passion for fostering cultural unity through music have left a legacy that future generations will look upon with respect and admiration.
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