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Ray, Satyajit (1921 – 1992)

‘I have always balked at the idea of promoting my own films, and have never had the need to do so’ 

A scarce two-page typed letter signed by  Satyajit Ray (‘Satyajit’), 7th May 1989.

The director writes a rather angry letter to ‘Pam’, opening, ‘I have explained the situation at length to Adriana who must have shown you my letter by now. Since the doctors decided against my going,  I am not obliged to give other reasons, but I will nevertheless do so if only to set the record straight.’ He goes on,  ‘Even if the doctors had permitted me to travel, I couldn’t have gone for the simple reason that I have yet to receive what can be described as a proper invitation from  Cannes which includes Bijoya, states the duration of hospitality, and assures that first class fare would be paid. All GJ seemed to be concerned with was that the film should go. There is no document on the subject from NFDC either. Mrs MTV has been maintaining a scrupulous silence. In view of this, the sudden last-minute flutter on the part of you all seems a little surprising.’

‘I have had a poor opinion of Cannes ever since they rejected CHARULATA. In the last ten years or so France has discovered S. Ray, which accounts for GJ’s apparent reverence for my work. I decided on a rapprochement in view of my popularity in France, the Legion d’Honneur etc. etc. But I am now constrained to go back to my original assessment that Cannes is run in a most slipshod manner.’

‘I have always balked at the idea of promoting my own films, and have never had the need to do so. How could I consider doing such a thing at such a late stage in my career and in my present state of health? It is true that I was very fit at the time of shooting, but that was because of the sheer enjoyment that I derived from the work after 5 years of enforced idleness. I can’t say that being grilled by international journalists and having to answer the same questions over and over again constitutes enjoyment.’

Ray conclude: ‘Please tell Kitty Cooper that (although I certainly appreciate the fact that they bought my film sight unseen) if promotion in Britan is not that important, her long telex was quite uncalled for. I hope that this will close the correspondence re Cannes.’

In fine condition. A letter of interesting content. Ray’s film Charulata, despite apparently being rejected by Cannes, has long been considered a classic of Indian cinema.