Mani Shankar Mukherjee

Mani Shankar Mukherjee Biography

Mani Shankar Mukherjee, generally known as Shankar in English literature is a popular writer from Bengal. He writes in Bengali and English languages and is best known for his celebrated work – Chowringhee. The book published 50 years ago has stood against the test of time and is still popular among readers. The book was published in 1962. Many of his novels have been adapted to silver screen by great film directors like Satyajit Ray. Ray's last work on Calcutta trilogy series - Jana Aranya is a screen adaption of his novel with the same name. Ray’s Seemabaddha is also based on his book. Shankar is also a street food expert and has published two books on this topic.

He was born on 7 December 1933 in Bongaon, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. He grew up in Howrah district of West Bengal. Mani lost his father during his teens and hence he worked as a clerk of last British barrister, Noel Frederick Barwell at Calcutta High Court. It was Noel who introduced young Shankar to the world of literature. After Noel Barwell's sudden death, he adopted the simple name Shankar. He wrote his first novel about none other than his true inspiration, Noel Frederick Barwell. T was published with the title - "Kato Ajanare". In 1959 Ritwik Ghatak made a feature film based on this book.

His ideas to write Chowringhee took birth in his mind in 1962, though he completed and published it six years later. This work is regarded as his celebrated book. The novel was also made into a cult classic film. Known for his marketing skills, he sold his books in blue packets. Apart from novels, he has also done a few translation works. His books have been translated to many languages including foreign.

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Updated: February 20, 2016