Introduction

Often mistaken for Kishore Kumar's daughter, Shramana Chakraborty is a contemporary singer who is not related to the legendary Indian playback singer and actor. Kishore Kumar, with a rich legacy in the Indian music and film industry, had three children: Ashok Kumar, Anuradha Patel, and Amit Kumar. This article explores the life and career of Kishore Kumar's first wife, Ruma Guha Thakurta, an acclaimed singer and actress.

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Keywords: Kishore Kumar, Ruma Guha Thakurta, Bengali Music

Body Content

Ruma Guha Thakurta's Tragic Departure

On a Monday morning in 2019, Ruma Guha Thakurta, a celebrated singer and actress, passed away in her residence in Kolkata. She was 84. An acclaimed singer for her contributions in both Bengali and Hindi cinema, Ruma's passing marked the end of an era for Indian music and film.

Acclaimed Singing Career

Ruma was the founder of the Calcutta Youth Choir, a Left-wing cultural organisation that specialised in folk songs and mass songs. Her repertoire in Bengali films consisted of 37 movies, including notable works such as 'Abhijan' and 'Ganashatru' directed by Satyajit Ray, and 'Nirjan Saikate' directed by Tapan Sinha. She also acted in Hindi films such as 'Jwar Bhata' and 'Mashaal' and contributed to at least 10 Bengali films with her playback vocals.

Personal Life and Connections

Living in the Shadow of Legend

Ruma's personal life was intertwined with the prominent figures of the Indian film industry. She was born in Kolkata in 1934 to Satyen and Sati Ghosh. Her mother was the elder sister of Satyajit Ray's wife, Bijoya Ray. This connection to the legendary filmmaker and actor Satyajit Ray added to the allure of Ruma's life.

Secret Weddings and Memorable Moments

In a posthumously published interview, actress Zohra Segal reminisced about witnessing two almost secret weddings at Sati Ghosh's flat in Mumbai's Bandra area. One of these weddings was Ruma's marriage to Kishore Kumar, the renowned playback singer. This personal connection to Kishore Kumar brings a unique perspective to Ruma's career and her contributions to Bengali music and cinema.

Legacy and Impact

Ruma's legacy lives on through her extensive body of work and the recognition she received for her contributions to Indian music and film. Her activism through the Calcutta Youth Choir and her roles in various films ensured that her impact on Indian culture extended beyond her musical and acting careers. The news of her passing has sparked tributes from friends and colleagues who attest to the lasting impact she had on the Indian music and film industry.

Conclusion

Ruma Guha Thakurta's life and career serve as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Indian music and film. Despite the confusion with Kishore Kumar's daughter, Ruma's legacy stands on her own merits as a talented singer and actress whose contributions to Bengali and Hindi cinema have left an indelible mark on the industry.