Entertainment

IIE DIGITAL: Former Nandan director Anshu Sur passed away at the age of 83. According to theatre director, producer and actor Soumitra Mitra, Sur had been battling age related health complications for several days and was undergoing treatment at a hospital. He breathed his last at around 6 am on Tuesday. He is survived by his wife, Jhumka Sur, and their only son, Upanshu Sur.

Sur’s last rites were performed at Keoratala Mahashmashan, where several personalities from Kolkata’s theatre and film circles were present. Among those who attended were Chaiti Haldar, wife of renowned stage and screen personality Gautam Haldar, and Soumitra Mitra.

Remembering Sur, Mitra described him as a warm hearted and exceptionally generous individual who had grown up in a culturally rich environment. His brother, Prolay Sur, was a well known professor and writer. Recalling his nature, Mitra said Sur was someone who would always extend a helping hand to others, often going beyond his own limitations to support those around him.

Sur came to Kolkata in 1946 after leaving behind his ancestral home in East Bengal. He was just four years old at the time. After completing his higher education, he began his professional journey as a WBCS officer and spent a considerable part of his career serving in various districts.

Later, he became the private secretary to former minister Subrata Mukherjee and former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. During his tenure as Bhattacharjee’s private secretary, Sur reportedly played a significant role in assisting the former chief minister during the formation of his council of ministers.

A major chapter in Sur’s career began in 1995 when he took charge as the director of Nandan. The following year, he was associated with the launch of the first Kolkata International Film Festival in 1996. He remained the director of Nandan for 12 years, a period during which the institution developed into one of Kolkata’s leading cultural and cinematic landmarks.

Under his leadership, Nandan became more than just a venue for film screenings. It evolved into a vibrant meeting point for filmmakers, artists, writers and cinema enthusiasts. The regular conversations and informal gatherings that took place there brought together several culturally inclined personalities and created an atmosphere that went on to inspire many creative minds.

During Sur’s tenure, audiences in Kolkata also got the opportunity to watch internationally acclaimed and regional films such as Jurassic Park, Titanic and Roja at Nandan. He was also closely involved with the early years of the Kolkata International Film Festival, helping organise its discussions, special sessions and cultural gatherings.

Through his work at Nandan and his association with Kolkata’s cultural landscape, Anshu Sur left behind a lasting contribution to the city’s film and artistic community.