Tollywood reacts to Bappaditya Bandopadhyay's demise

PAOLI, ACTRESS

World cinema, world music and good books -I was introduced to all these by Bappada. In fact, I have no shame in admitting that I first saw Meghe Dhaka Tara in 2009 and that too when Bappada told me that I shouldn't be acting if I didn't know about Ritwik Ghatak's legacy or didn't see his great works. Bappada was an amazing teacher for any one working in films. He was a walking, talking encyclopedia on cinema. Bappada taught me how important was it to support good films no matter how less the remuneration was. He used to ask me not to worry about the length of a role as any character is capable of creating magic in two minutes of screen time. I have always followed his suggestions. He loved my performance in Natoker Moto and encouraged me to essay varied roles. I will treasure whatever he taught me all my life.

ARUNIMA GHOSH, ACTRESS

Just a few days back Bappada nar rated me a story where a woman has a double life and he told me Arunima abhinetri hisibhe nijeke aro bhangte hobe, bhalo kaj korte hole... And I said as an actress I will sur render to you and you make me act the way you want. I still remember, Bappada told me he wasn't too happy with his health. When I asked him to be a little careful, he smiled and said, `Sorir thakle kharap hoy, nothing to worry.' I worked with him in Nayika Sangbad and got to learn so many things about acting.What I liked about him was his no-nonsense attitude. He never cared about working with big production houses or acting upon his PR skills; he strongly felt his work should speak for him. Not many know he was a great poet too. Today, when he is not there, his words, his poems are rushing back to my mind.

I remember the first day I met him...After resigning from my job where I had worked for eight years, and with dream in my eyes I asked him If I could assist him. He just asked me "Are you mad? You want to give up a high salaried job and join films?" I said yes .. He then remarked with a wise nod " Good! Madness works for me" Thereafter began our journey together where he taught me all there is to learn in all aspects of filmmaking. Devaki. Kantatar. Kaal. Housefull. Kagojer Bou. Elar Chaar Adhyay.... Films that shaped and moulded my grasp of the medium. But finally .. The simple rebel - who lived life his own way, who saw people from his own pedestal, who made cinema on his own terms - finally he carved my outlook in life, attitude and persona. He was the person who on the floors of our second film together 'Kantataar' called me aside and said "Manoj , you will soon direct your own film! You have it" I can never forget that moment - It was like getting an A grade from my teacher and what a teacher he was! His mantra in life was 'Always fight for your passion' ... And probably with a smile. The fighter has moved on to the other world where he will continue to make 'his' cinema peacefully without life's ugly shades hampering his shots. There are many of us who have been blessed by his shadow that guided our formative years in our career. And we all have at least one grievance against 'you'...Trust you to go on your own terms... Without a good bye! But then we probably knew he would do this... I will miss you very much Bappa da ! Always be by my side as I try to make films and correct my mistakes. I know you will. I know it. Bappaditya Bandopadhyay - in our hearts always!

GABU, COMPOSER

I will forever remain indebted to Bappada. He was the first one to have given me a break as a music director in Kagojer Bou and after that I was part of all his films. As a director, he never interfered in my work and always gave me the space to experiment. He was a great sports lover and an avid follower of world football and cricket. At times we would just relax and watch 50 best goals of all times or some great cricketing shots in between work. He wanted to live as a lot of his work was left to be done. As a director, Bappada was always open to criticism and gave his valuable opinion on things he thought were important. On Tuesday, when I called him to ask about his health, he told me he had a great news to share but I could feel that he was not in a state to speak at length. So I asked him to take rest. Of late, he was in love with the hills and would tell me often, `Pahar amaye tane!' I can't believe that he is not there anymore!

SREELEKHA MITRA, ACTRESS

My relationship with Bappa (Bappaditya) started on a bitter note. Back then, we were shooting for Kantatar (2004). Though I played the lead in his film, we were never on cordial terms, which is a must between an actress and a director. He could figure out that I am not the actress who would never question her director. Often, there were ego clashes with both of us refusing to compromise. The directives on every scene would always come from his assistant and Bappa would just say, `Sreelekha ke bole dao erokom bhabe shot ta hobe'. After the film released and got praised by one and all, the hatred turned into friendship and we became the best of buddies. It was unreal to see him lying on the ITU bed on Saturday night. I held his hands and said we'll meet on the other side, this time around, on a sweeter note.