Golapsundari, one of the most celebrated actresses from the early days of professional Bengali theatre, staged Apurba Sati, a play written by her, at Great National Theatre on this day.

This established her as the first playwright of modern Bengali theatre. She was a remarkable person in many ways. She had married actor Goshthobihari Dutta, which created an outrage as actresses in those days were not considered “respectable” enough. At that time Golapsundari also changed her name to Sukumari Dutta. Goshthobihari soon left for England, leaving Sukumari alone in Calcutta, who had to fend for their daughter. Apurba Sati was staged to help Sukumari. The play is about the life of a prostitute’s daughter and is considered inspired by her own life.

Sukumari was an accomplished singer as well, admired especially for kirtan. Her last years were very difficult.

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