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Mahasweta Devi: Her Words on Silver Screen

WION
Written By: Mithaq KazimiUpdated: Jul 28, 2016, 11:12 AM IST
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A still from 'Gangor.' Photograph:(Others)

When Gangor, an Italian-Indian co-production, was nominated for an award at the Rome Film Festival in 2010, Mahasweta Devi, on whose story the film was based, was an incredibly prolific author, with some 300 published works to her name.

Today, she passed away at the age of 91.

A social avid activist and author of multiple award-winning books, many focussing on the dis-enfranchised many were afraid to speak out on, has not only been confined to words on paper, but has also had a few films made based on her works.

Before we go to the list of films based on her work, here is a trailer of a film based on her own life.

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Here are the list of five films credited to her name:

  • Sunghursh - A 1968 feature film by (known for writing Laila Majnu) starring Dilip Kumar who was nominated for a Filmfare for the role.
 
  • Behula - This 1989 film showcased the conflict between science and superstition through the characters of a research student from Haffkine Institute and a local witchdoctor.
 
  • Rudaali - A 1993 film directed by Kalpana Lajmi starred Dimple Kapadia and Raj Babbar won three national awards including one Filmfare critics award for best performance.
 
  • Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa  -  A 1998 film starring Jaya Bachchan was awarded the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and the Filmfare Special Jury Award.
 
  • Maati Maay - A 2006 Marathi film based on Devi’s story Baayen, Maati Maay (A Grave-keeper's Tale) premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
 
  • Gangor - A 2010 multilingual film based on Bangla short story Choli ke Peeche (Behind the Bodice) bagged various accolades around the globe.