Bikash Roy was a noted Bengali film actor, renowned for his character roles in movies. His dramatic versatility was commendable as he justified numerous diverse roles with his proficient acting. He was also a noted thespian. Bikash Roy was the pioneer of Audio Drama also known as Sruti Natak in which the play is read out on the stage in front of the audience and different characters read out their respective roles. In this genre, the most famous ones have been the Chirakumar Sabha and Shesher Kobita. Bikash Roy was active in the arena of films till 1980s after which he gradually moved to cameo roles due to his failing health. He had also authored two autobiographies namely Mone Pore and Aami.
Early Life of Bikash Roy
Bikash Roy did his matriculation from Mitra Institution. He graduated from Presidency College with BA degree. Later he completed his LLB from Calcutta University.
Career of Bikash Roy
Bikash Roy had acted in a number of successful Bengali flicks including Jiban-Trishna, Maruthirtha Hinglaj, Surjyo Toron, Neel Akaser Niche, Chaddabesi, Uttar Phalguni and many others. In the early 1950s he appeared in the romantic comedy Chhele Kaarin as the lead. His portrayal as the grandfather-in-law in Ogo Bodhu Sundariin in the year 1980 received much appreciation.
He essayed similar roles towards the end of his career too. His convincing portrayal of the selfless barrister committed to his beloved played by Suchitra Sen in Uttar Phalguni was unforgettable. Bikash Roy had also been a part of numerous radio plays in Akashvani. However he rose to fame through the role of a ruthless, tyrannical military officer in the film 42 in which he starred alongside stalwarts like Abhi Bhattacharyya, Sambhu Mitra and Manju Dey.
Bikash Roy established his acting versatility through the portrayals of varied roles in different films. Be it the role of an impostor who reforms himself in Ratnadeep, a prodigal hero in Naa, a strife-torn co-protagonist in Shurjomukhi or an affluent businessman who rose from the rags in Shurjo Torun, his impeccable acting have been applauded by the critics and masses alike. He was a protagonist who aspires to beat his rival but is torn within himself in Jeebon Trishna, a quarrelsome husband in Jotugriho, a quiet and intense husband in Sritituku Thaak, a caring brother in Dhuli, a patriarch in Kach kata Hire and a patriot in Masterda Shurjo Sen. Being a versatile actor, Bikash Roy had immortalized these characters through his proficiency.
Bikash Roy had also been excellent in negative roles which have been featured in films like Kacher Shorgo, Bhola Moyra, Adwitiya, Jighansa, Agni Shonshkar and Bibhash. Other prominent films of Bikash Roy include Debdas, Mayamriga, Bindur Chhele, Ramer Sumati, Arogya Niketan, Andhar Periye and many more. Apart from films he had also appeared in commercial plays with commendable performances. One of his noted plays was Nahabat which continued for over 1200 nights. He had also ventured into the field of production and direction with films like Raja Saja, Marutirtha Hinglaj, Debotar Graash and Kerry Shaheber Munshi.
