Friendship Day 2026: The Bonds Behind Bengal's Cinema, Literature, Art, and Politics
A feature in The Hindu explores the personal friendships that influenced Bengal's cultural and political landscape. It highlights the relationship between filmmaker Satyajit Ray and his collaborators, noting his difficulty in saying "Action" on set. The article also reveals that Jyoti Basu, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, was taught to drink Scotch by a friend. Additionally, it mentions two artists in Shantiniketan who bonded over Beethoven rather than Bengali culture. The piece underscores how these intimate connections shaped some of Bengal's most significant films, books, political movements, and artworks, offering a humanizing perspective on well-known figures.
Key facts
- The article discusses friendships that influenced Bengal's cinema, literature, art, and politics.
- Satyajit Ray had difficulty saying 'Action' on set.
- Jyoti Basu was taught to drink Scotch by a friend.
- Two artists in Shantiniketan bonded over Beethoven.
- The article is published by The Hindu.
- The article is part of a Friendship Day 2026 feature.
- The article revisits surprising and deeply human friendships.
- The friendships shaped Bengal's greatest films, books, politics, and art.
Entities
Artists
- Satyajit Ray
- Jyoti Basu
Institutions
- The Hindu
Locations
- Bengal
- Shantiniketan