Arun Mitra was born in Jessore which is now in Bangladesh. He moved to Kolkata when he was a young boy and did his schooling. He was a student of English. He was very interested in French Literature. After completing his college he became a journalist in Anandabazar Patrika. He married Shanti and lived with Satyendranath. Shanti was also a short fiction writer.
He had also edited `Arani` a literary magazine which leaded the anti-fascist writers` movement in Bengal. He was a staunch advocate of freedom and wisdom. In 1948 he was awarded a scholarship by the French government. He went there reluctantly. After returning to India he joined the faculty at Allahabad University and taught there till retirement. His novels and several translations were published while he was working in the Allahabad University. Thereafter he settled down with his family in Kolkata.
His love for French Literature begun when he read Victor Hugo`s Les Miserables and as well as wrote a piece on the 19th century French novelist Alfonse Daudet. This encouraged him to experiment with his own poetry. He has admitted his indebtedness to French poets. The inspiration of French style alienated him from the mainstream of modern Bengali poetry. As he lived in Tiljala in Kolkata, which was a working class neighborhood it inspired his writings. His personality made him accessible by people of all walks of life.
Literary works of Arun Mitra
He has written on all genres of Literature. It includes essays, reviews, news articles, commentaries, translations and so on. His collection of Poetry includes: Prantorekha, Utser Dikey, Ghonishto Taap, Mancher Bairey Matitey, Shudhu Raater Shabdo Noi, Prathom Poli Shesh Pathor, Khunjtey Khunjtey Eto Door, Jodio Agun Jhor Dhasha Danga, Ei Amrito Ei Garol, Tunikathaar Gherao Thekey Bolchhi, Khara Urboray Chinho Diye Choli, Andhokaar Jatokkhon Jegey Thakey, Ora Uritey Noi, Bhangoner Mati, Uchchhanno Shomayer Shukh Dukkho Ghirey.
His other collection includes: Arun Mitrer Sreshtho Kobita, Arun Mitrer Sreshtho Kobita, Kabya Shamagro, Vol. I, Kabya Shamagro, Vol. II, Bulaar Raagmala, Nirbachito Premer Kobita, Panchsho Bachhorer Pharashi Kobita, Shwanirbachito Sreshtho Kobita, Arun Mitrer Sreshtho Kobita.
His narratives include: Shikawr Jodi Chena Jai, Candide, Ba Ashabad. His prose Collections includes Pharashi Shahitto Proshongey, Srijan Shahitto Nanaan Bhabna, Aragon, Khola Chokhey, Pather Morey, Kobir Katha, Kobider Katha, Kobita Ami O Amra and Jibaner Rangey.
