Quick Facts
Biography
Supriya Choudhury (born 8 January 1935) is an Indian Bengali actress, who has acted in Bengali cinema for more than 50 years. Her real name is Krishna and nickname Benu. In 2011 she received Banga-Vibhushan, the highest civilian honour in West Bengal. In 2014, She was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India, the fourth highest civilian award in India, for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Early life
Supriya was born in Myitkyina, Burma. Her father was Gopal Chandra Banerjee, a lawyer. He is from Faridpur (now in Bangladesh). During World War II, her family moved to Calcutta (now in India).
Career
Supriya was seven years old when she made her acting début in two plays directed by her father. She was a dancer since her childhood even receiving an award from Thakin Nu, the then Prime Minister of Burma, who was moved by one of her dance recitals. From her childhood her closest friend was Nihar Dutta who married Guha Thakurata Family and became Mrs.Nihar Guha Thakurata, an eminent Social Worker of Burma of her time.
In 1948, the Bannerjees left Burma for good and re-settled in Calcutta. They had been refugees in 1942 when the Japanese forces occupied Burma.The young Supriya and her family were forced to undertake an arduous trek on foot to the safety of Calcutta.
In Calcutta, she resumed her dance lessons and trained under Guru Muruthappan Pillai and later under Guru Prahlad Das. Supriya and her family were in friendly terms with Chandrabati Devi, a popular character actor, who was their neighbour. It was through the Chandrabati Devi’s inspiration and contacts that Supriya Choudhury stepped into the world of Bengali films.
Personal life
In 1954, Supriya married Bishwanath Choudhury and a few years later her only daughter Soma was born. She retired from films for a while before returning in the late 1950s.. Later she lived together with Mahanayak Uttam Kumar.
Filmography
- The Namesake (2006) .... Ashima's Grandmother
- Ekti Nadir Naam (2002)
- Shesh Thikana (2000) .... Sriradha's grandmother
- Honeymoon (1992)
- Iman Kalyan (1982)
- Kalankini Kankabati]] (1981)
- Mon Niye (1981)
- Debdas (1979) .... Chandramukhi
- Dui Purush (1978) .... Bimala
- Sandhya Raag (1977)
- Sabyasachi (1977)
- Sanyasi Raja (1975)
- Jadi Jantem (1974) .... Sujata
- Bagh bandi khela (1975)
- Raktatilak (1975) .... Binata
- Bonpalashir Padabali (1973) .... Padma
- Bilambita Loy (1970)
- Duti Mon (1969)
- Chiradiner (1969)
- Mon Niye (1969)
- Sabarmati (1969) Hiren Nag Chhaya Debi
- Chowringhee (1968) .... Karabi Guha
- Teen Adhayay (1968)
- Kal Tumi Aleya (1966) .... Dr. Labanya Sarkar
- Shudhu Ekti Bachhar (1966)
- Aap Ki Parchhaiyan (1964) .... Asha
- Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein (1964) .... Meera
- Lal Pathar (1964)
- Begaana (1963)
- Surya Sikha (1963)
- Uttarayan (1963)
- Komal Gandhar (1961) .... Ansuya
- Madhya Rater Tara (1961)
- Meghe Dhaka Tara (1960) .... Nita
- Natun Fasal (1960)
- Suno Baranari (1960)
- Sonar Harin (1959)
- Basu Paribar (1952) .... Sukhen's Sister
Award
- Won-Padmashri-the fourth highest civilian award for her contribution to Indian Cinema.
- Won- Banga-Vibhushan - the highest civilian award in West Bengal in 2011.
- BFJA Award-Best Actress Award for "Tin Adhay" in 1969.
- BFJA Award-Best Supporting Actress Award for "Chhinnapatra" in 1973.