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Mahalaya's Voice: The Man Behind the Magic
8 Oct
Summary
- Birendra Krishna Bhadra's voice on Mahalaya became iconic.
- He had a diverse career in broadcasting, theatre, and film.
- His education laid the foundation for his multifaceted career.
Every Mahalaya, at 4 AM, the voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra reciting the Chandi Path breaks the dawn in Kolkata, stirring a profound emotional connection for Bengalis. This devotional musical production, 'Mahishasura Mardini', has been broadcast since the early 1930s, becoming synonymous with the arrival of Durga Puja.
Bhadra's influence extended far beyond this iconic radio program. A graduate of Scottish Church College, he pursued a career at the nascent All India Radio in the early 1930s. There, he excelled in the drama department, adapting literary works and mastering the art of radio production.
His career encompassed playwriting, acting, and theatre direction, including adaptations of renowned literary works like 'Sahib Bibi Gulam' for the stage. Bhadra also contributed to cinema, writing the screenplay for the 1955 film 'Nishiddha Phal'.
Though Birendra Krishna Bhadra passed away in 1991, his voice continues to resonate each Mahalaya morning. His life story highlights the potent connection between education, literature, and diverse creative mediums, proving that a degree can be a springboard for a wide-ranging professional journey.
