Karuna Bannerjee was an Indian actress who is best known for her role as “Apu’s mother” in Satyajit Ray’s acclaimed film “Pather Panchali” (1955), along with her performances in “Aparajito” (1956) and “Apur Sansar” (1959). She made significant contributions to Indian cinema, particularly in Bengali films.
Personal and Family Life
Born on December 25, 1919, in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India, Karuna Bannerjee grew up in a culturally rich environment that influenced her later career in acting. While details about her family life are limited, her work in films has left a profound impact on Indian art and culture.
Acting Career
Karuna Bannerjee’s career spanned over four decades, during which she showcased her talent not only in Bengali cinema but also in Hindi films. Apart from her iconic role in the Apu Trilogy, she appeared in notable films such as “Parash Pathar” (1958) and “Mahanagar” (1963), both directed by Satyajit Ray. Her performances were praised for their emotional authenticity and depth, highlighting her versatility as an actress.
Death and Legacy
Karuna Bannerjee passed away on November 13, 2001, in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, leaving behind a legacy of impactful performances. Her work, especially in the Apu Trilogy, continues to resonate today, and she is remembered as one of the distinguished actresses in Indian cinema history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| পথের পাঁচালী | 1955-08-26 | Sarbojaya Ray |
| অপরাজিত | 1956-10-11 | Sarbojaya Ray |
| হেডমাস্টার | 1959-09-25 | Labanya |
| দেবী | 1960-02-19 | Harasundari |
| কাঞ্চনজঙ্ঘা | 1962-05-11 | Labanya Roy Chaudhuri |
| মহানগর | 1963 | Arati’s Mother |
| কলকাতা ৭১ | 1972-10-12 | |
| ইনটারভিউ | 1971-11-13 | |
| Apur Panchali | 2014-04-25 | (Archive Footage) |
| The Creative Person: Satyajit Ray | 1967-01-01 | Self |
| The Apu Trilogy | No release date | Sarbojaya Ray |
| মানময়ী গার্লস স্কুল | 1958-07-25 |