Farewell to Shankar: The Luminary of Bengali Literature

Eminent Bengali author Mani Shankar Mukherjee, known as Shankar, passed away at 92. His novels, like 'Chowringhee,' captured urban India's soul, spanning themes of ambition and vulnerability. Adapted into films by icons like Satyajit Ray, his works remain enduring narratives of cultural and literary significance.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Kolkata | Updated: 20-02-2026 16:09 IST | Created: 20-02-2026 16:09 IST
Farewell to Shankar: The Luminary of Bengali Literature
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Eminent Bengali author Mani Shankar Mukherjee, celebrated as Shankar, has died at 92. His illustrious works turned the mundane realities of urban India into enduring narratives, some of which were adapted into films by acclaimed director Satyajit Ray.

Shankar's death marks a profound loss to the world of Bengali literature. The author, whose exquisite novel 'Chowringhee' became a sensation, chronicled the nuanced aspirations and moral dilemmas of India's middle class. His literary journey, which began with works like 'Kato Ajanare,' was characterized by a sharp wit and humanistic sensitivity.

Born in the Jessore district of present-day Bangladesh in 1933, Shankar's narratives were deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Kolkata. His passing represents not just the end of a prolific writing career but the end of an era in Bengali literature, leaving behind a legacy of timeless stories.

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