The Unknown Satyajit Ray-Part-2

This contest is fueled by the following news: 

Satyajit Ray, the first Indian to win an Oscar, was born on 2 May, 1921. His debut film, 'Pather Panchali' won 11 international awards, including one at Cannes. These facts are known by thousands, and millions have watched his movies. They still do, in fact, as proved by the new editions of DVDs that emerge in the market every year. But what about the Ray beyond the easy tag of 'great Indian film maker'? Let's explore another side of the maestro commemorating his 91st birthday.

It helps when your director is also the music composer, and technically sound at studio work. Musicians and singers found it comfortable working with Ray as it was easy to communicate ideas.

Some critics feel Ray could have made it bigger as a music director for movies, if he wasn't into direction himself. He didn't just compose for most of his own films, but for some Merchant-Ivory productions as well

In 'Devi', Ray was raising a protest against religious fanaticism. This poster is designed for Cannes, with a bilingual title. There is a threatening feel to it.

In 1985, the government of West Bengal inaugurated Nandan. This complex combines three screens, galleries, film archives and is next to a theatre hub. The logo of Nandan was designed by Ray.

Satyajit Ray was deep into fonts. He is credited with developing four new fonts, Ray Roman, Ray Bizarre, Daphnis and Holiday Script. These remain popular till date, with few users aware of the origin.

Ray worked as illustrator for other authors as well. He designed book jackets, illustrated stories, and was an executive publisher

Surprised by the design capabilities of Ray? After all, it was in his blood. Grandfather Upendrakishore ran a printing press, was author, illustrator and publisher. Father Sukumar was an author and artist as well.

Satyajit Ray inherited the children's magazine 'Sandesh' as third generation editor cum publisher. With his grandfather's press gone, it was a struggle to continue, but Ray made a good job of reviving it.

Perhaps it's important to hold on to a bit of childhood if you are a multi-talented artist. Satyajit Ray's sunny designs are a testimony to this. (Text: Dhrubaa Ghosh, Photo credit - Sandip Ray and the Satyajit Ray Society)