Shyamhari Chakra
On Monday morning, Odisha lost its luminous film personality Raj Gopal Mishra, popularly known as Raju Mishra.
The news was too shocking for the Odia film industry that has already lost two of its stalwarts recently – Bijay Mohanty and Ajit Das – in quick succession.
Coincidentally, Raj Gopal’s journey with Odia cinema bears some striking similarities with Bollywood legend Raj Kapoor. And incidentally, he was immensely inspired by Kapoor during his formative years.
“Following my graduation at the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, I had moved to Bombay to explore possibilities. Luckily, the famous RK Studios was opposite our office where I had started working with ad-films. I was very lucky to observe Raj Kapoor there. His persona and philosophy of filmmaking had inspired me the most,” Mishra had revealed during an interview.
Like Raj Kapoor, Raju Mishra left his indelible mark on both the genres of filmmaking – the artistic and the commercial as well, claiming both critical appreciation and commercial gains. Kapoor became bankrupt by making his landmark movie Mera Naam Joker but Bobby brought him huge monetary gain. Similarly, Mishra’s Ulka, made in 1981, claimed five State Awards but ended as a box office disaster while Mamata Mage Mula – that he admitted as his worst – reaped him huge profit.
For both the filmmakers, the shift from meaningful movie-making to money-spinning blockbusters was never a choice but a compulsion to survive in the industry.
“In 40 years of my filmmaking career, I have worked for more than 40 films of which 14 have won National Awards apart from several Odisha State Film Awards. I have also worked with 10 Assamese films of which six have got Assam State Film Awards and some National Awards as well. Landmark Odia films like Maya Miriga and Laxmira Abhisara have given me the best self-satisfaction as a filmmaker. However, I must admit that I had to dabble in making of many worthless films just for my survival,” was his candid confession.
Though trained in cinematography, Mishra made his mark in almost all departments of filmmaking including acting – like Raj Kapoor, his idol. And like his idol, he was neither tired of and nor wished to retire from his chosen avocation till his end came at the age of 72.
Born to parents who were into music, Mishra has a musician in him. He composed music for six of his movies apart from scoring background music for all the movies he directed.
As the only Odia to be the Chairperson of the Jury for National Film Awards, he has brought rare honour for the State and Odia film industry as well.
In recognition of his pioneering contribution to Odia cinema, Jayadev Samman – State’s highest honour for cinema, was conferred on him.
