Chunibala Devi

Chunibala Devi is a Bengali Actress. She was born in 1872. She is an Indian character actress best known for her role in Satyajit Ray Biographies reveal bare details about the maverick >> Read More... ’s Pather Panchali, where she performed the role of an old aunt, Indir Thakrun. Formerly she was a theatre actress. Later, she made her debut with Bigraha in 1930. But, after her second film, Rikta, in 1939, she retired. Satyajit Ray brought her back as an actress in Pather Panchali after thirty years. When he searched for an elderly actress to play the character of Indir Thakrun, he was informed about Chunibala Devi by Reba Devi. He interviewed the old lady and was highly impressed by her, especially with the memory at this advanced age and the willingness to cooperate with them.

She was pretty active in theatre life when women were not much a part of it. Chunibala Devi is the first Indian to win the Best Actress / Actor award in an international film festival, The Manila Film Festival, for her role in Indir Thakrun of Pather Panchali. She died in Kolkata, West Bengal, at the age of 83 due to influenza in 1955, before the release of Pather Panchali.

Another Version of the Bio...

Chunibala Devi was an exceptional Indian character actress who made an indelible impact on the film industry. In the beginning of her career, she honed her abilities as a theater actress before transitioning to cinema. Her debut on the big screen was in 1930 with the film Bigraha - The God and the Image, where she showcased her natural talent that captured the interest of both audiences and industry professionals. Her spellbinding performances left viewers spellbound and fully immersed in the stories she brought to life on the silver screen. After the release of her second film, Rikta, in 1939, Chunibala made a sudden decision to retire from acting.

This unexpected choice sparked a wave of curiosity and conjecture surrounding her departure from the film industry. Chunibala Devi, who was 80 years old at the time, was persuaded to come out of retirement by the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray. Ray acknowledged the unique and incomparable talent that Chunibala possessed, and personally selected her to play the crucial role of IndirThakrun in his remarkable film, PatherPanchali - Song of the Road. Her role as the frail and endearing old aunt, IndirThakrun, in PatherPanchali was nothing short of a revelation. She breathed life into the character, merging her with a depth of emotion and vulnerability that resonated with audiences globally.

Her performance touched hearts and left an ever-lasting impression on the minds of those fortunate enough to witness her onscreen excellence. Chunibala Devi's outstanding portrayal of IndirThakrun gained international fame, making her the first Indian to win a prestigious award in the best actress category at an international film festival. The Manila Film Festival witnessed her extraordinary talent and honored her with this well-deserved accolade, forever solidifying her place in cinematic history. Beyond her landmark role in PatherPanchali, her filmography stands as a testament to her versatility and prowess as an actress.

Her brief career had a significant contribution to the world of cinema and remains timeless. Each of her performances carried a distinct charisma and a profound capability to connect with audiences. Her extraordinary performances left an indelible impact on the art form. Her legacy as an outstanding actress continues to inspire generations of artists and cinephiles alike. Her dedication to her craft, her ability to bring characters to life, and her unmatched talent have cemented her position as a true icon of Indian cinema. Chunibala Devi will forever be remembered as an exquisite performer and a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on the cinema industry.