Bengali writer Banaphul, or Balai Chand Mukhopadhyay, was born on this day. He wrote novels, short stories, plays and poetry, and was a physician by profession.
Mukhopadhyay’s writing is noted for its humour, empathy and its psychological depth.
He adopted the name Banaphul (wild flower) in his writings.
Mukhopadhyay was born in Bihar’s Purnia district. His father was a physician, too, working in Purnia. Mukhopadhyay took admission in Calcutta Medical College, but later went to new Medical College at Patna.
He initially worked in Azimganj in Murshidabad and then in Bhagalpur. He settled in Calcutta in his later life.
He was a prolific writer. From an early age he was published in Bengali literary journals. He is loved most for his short stories, which are in hundreds and are about varied subjects, but his writing always reveals the truth of feelings and the intricacies of the human mind. He often wrote about the marginalised and experimented with language, especially with dialogue.
A few of his major novels are Trinakhanda, Dvairath, Mrigaya, Jangam, Sthabar, Hate Bajare, Agnishwarb and Bhuban Som.
Several of his novels were turned into films by eminent directors. His poetry was distinguished as were his autobiographical writings. His accounts of meeting Tagore are delightful.