Kobita (1977)

“Shuno Shuno Go Sabey” is a long narrative masterpiece — almost a musical parable. Its folkish melodic roots were first used by Salil in the Malayalam classic film Chemmeen (“Puthan Purakkare”), a song that became legendary in Kerala. Kishore’s voice brings an unparalleled emotional weight to the Bengali version.

“Aami To Kumeer Dhore Aanini” is filled with sharp satire and socio-political humour — very much in the vein of “Ei Duniyaay Bhaai Sobi Hoy” from Akdin Raatre. Manna Dey shines brilliantly in the performance, matching Salil’s complex melodic lines with ease.

“Bujhbe Naa Keu Bujhbe Na”, sung by Lata Mangeskar, is a haunting, delicate melody — an emotional high point of the film’s soundtrack.

This film also has a unique history: Kobita (1977) is the Bengali remake of the Tamil classic Aval Oru Thodar Kathai (1974). Kamal Haasan, who appeared in the Tamil original, reprises the same role in the Bengali version — his only appearance in Bengali cinema.

Kamal Haasan also acted in the Telugu remake Anthuleni Katha (1976) and had a guest role in the Kannada remake Benkiyalli Aralida Hoovu (1983) starring his niece Suhasini. The only remake he did not appear in was the Hindi version Jeevan Dhaara (1982).