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Anindya Chatterjee

Anindya Chatterjee (born 29 December) is an , singer, , , , , and former magazine editor based in , , renowned for his multifaceted contributions to music, , and . As the and primary of the acclaimed Chandrabindoo, which he co-founded in 1989, Chatterjee has shaped the sound of modern pop-rock through his witty, nostalgic, and philosophical songwriting that often reflects on urban life, personal introspection, and cultural shifts in . His band's satirical style and relatable lyrics have earned a dedicated following, with Chandrabindoo active since 1998 and known for blending humor with in albums and live performances. Chatterjee's foray into film began with acting roles in notable Bengali productions, including Shubho Mahurat (2003) and Satyanweshi (2013), where he showcased his versatility beyond music. He made his directorial debut with the Open Tee Bioscope (2015), a exploring friendship and youth. His lyrical prowess was nationally recognized when he shared the National Film Award for Best Lyrics with for the song "Pherari Mon" from Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury's Antaheen (2009), highlighting his ability to craft emotionally resonant poetry for cinema. Beyond entertainment, Chatterjee has contributed to literature and journalism, authoring the reflective book Niruddesh Somporke Ghoshona (2013), which meditates on nostalgia, the fall of the , and evolving culture through personal anecdotes, and serving as editor of the Bengali weekly magazine Robbar. Open about his personal struggles, he has advocated for recovery since achieving on 23 January 2008, marking over 17 years clean by 2025 and using his platform to inspire others facing .

Early life and education

Early years

Anindya Chatterjee was born on December 29 in , , . Chatterjee spent his formative years at Scottish Church Collegiate School in , where he developed early interests in , , and performance arts. In the late 1980s, during his school days, he began experimenting with , which paved the way for further involvement in festivals.

Academic background

Anindya Chatterjee attended Scottish Church Collegiate School in , where he began developing his early interests in and writing. He pursued undergraduate studies at , affiliated with the , earning a that laid the groundwork for his artistic inclinations. The vibrant college environment in the late 1980s played a pivotal role in shaping his career trajectory, as he composed and performed his original song "Sweetheart" at the annual fest Caledonia, which garnered attention and connected him with like-minded peers. This period influenced his involvement in music, leading to collaborations that extended beyond academics. Following his , Chatterjee did not pursue formal advanced degrees, instead honing his skills in music composition, songwriting, and through self-directed learning and practical in Kolkata's cultural scene. This self-taught approach allowed him to blend academic foundations with hands-on creativity, fostering his multifaceted contributions to .

Music career

Band Chandrabindoo

Chandrabindoo, a prominent Bengali rock band, was formed in 1989 by Anindya Chatterjee along with his college friends Upal Sengupta, , and Rajesh Bose while they were students at in . The band emerged from the vibrant college festival circuit of the late 1980s, where Chatterjee first performed his compositions, blending rock influences with colloquial Bengali expression. Chatterjee served as the band's , primary , and , shaping its signature sound that fused humor, , and introspection on everyday life themes. His often drew from urban middle-class experiences, delivering satirical and nostalgic commentary through witty , as evident in tracks that explored friendship, mundane routines, and existential musings. The band's key albums from the and , such as Gadha (1998) and subsequent releases, captured this essence with hits like "Bondhu Tomaye" and "Faka Naki," which resonated for their relatable, light-hearted yet profound narratives. These works helped establish Chandrabindoo in the pop-rock scene, emphasizing acoustic-driven melodies over heavy instrumentation. Chandrabindoo gained popularity through energetic live performances at college fests and cultural events, evolving into a staple of music by the early with a dedicated fanbase drawn to its unpretentious vibe. The band contributed significantly to the by popularizing introspective, rock that contrasted with more commercial trends, influencing a generation of listeners with philosophical tracks on and human connections. The band has remained active, releasing its tenth album Talobasha in 2024, featuring Chatterjee's compositions like "Kukur ar Projapoti" that continue the tradition of blending humor with deeper reflections. As of 2025, Chandrabindoo sustains its legacy through live shows, including performances at Mela and the Concert, where it shared the stage with other iconic bands, reaffirming its enduring appeal in the music landscape.

Film music and compositions

Anindya Chatterjee made his debut as a in Bengali cinema with the 2015 film , his directorial debut, where he composed the original score blending nostalgic melodies with subtle to evoke childhood memories. His work in this film marked the beginning of his contributions to mainstream Bengali cinema, focusing on emotionally resonant soundtracks that integrate acoustic elements and rhythmic patterns suited to narrative storytelling. Over the subsequent years, Chatterjee expanded his role as a composer, delivering soundtracks for more than a dozen films by 2025, including notable entries like Praktan (2016), where his compositions underscored themes of separation with poignant, melody-driven tracks, and Posto (2017), featuring folk-infused songs that complemented the film's rural setting. In Projapoti Biskut (2017), another of his directorial projects, he crafted a whimsical score incorporating light percussion and harmonious vocals to mirror the story's playful exploration of relationships. His compositions often emphasize melodic depth, allowing space for lyrical expression while maintaining a cohesive emotional arc for the films. Chatterjee's style in film music draws briefly from his experiences with the band Chandrabindoo, incorporating contemporary rhythms with traditional Bengali influences to create accessible yet layered scores. Later works include the evocative tracks for Gotro (2019), which used minimalistic arrangements to heighten familial tensions, and Belashuru (2022), a sequel where his music retained the warmth of the original Belaseshe while adding modern electronic touches. By 2024, he composed for Ahalya, blending suspenseful undertones with melodic interludes, and continued into 2025 with Aarii, featuring title tracks that highlight his evolving approach to cinematic . These contributions have solidified his reputation for soundtracks that enhance narrative intimacy without overpowering the visuals.

Film career

Directorial works

Anindya Chatterjee made his debut as a feature film director with Open Tee Bioscope in 2015, marking a transition from his established career in music and songwriting to storytelling on screen. The film, produced by Shoojit Sircar, is a nostalgic coming-of-age tale set in 1990s North Kolkata, capturing the everyday joys, friendships, and middle-class ethos of the era through a blend of humor and subtle emotional depth. Critics praised its authentic portrayal of childhood memories and youthful exuberance, with the soundtrack—featuring Chatterjee's own compositions—enhancing the film's evocative atmosphere. In 2017, Chatterjee directed , a heartfelt family drama exploring marital dynamics, , and intergenerational bonds within a joint family setup. The narrative centers on a young couple navigating societal expectations and personal growth, incorporating light-hearted moments alongside poignant reflections on love and togetherness. Featuring strong performances from newcomers like and , the film received acclaim for its relatable themes and emotional sincerity, though some noted a slower pace in the latter half. It highlighted Chatterjee's ability to infuse philosophical undertones into domestic stories, earning positive reception at Bengali film festivals. Chatterjee's 2018 release, Manojder Adbhut Bari, adapted from Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay's beloved children's novel, ventured into whimsical adventure comedy. The story follows young Manoj and his eccentric on a quest involving a missing cow and encounters with quirky characters, emphasizing themes of , loyalty, and childhood wonder. While lauded for its vibrant humor and faithful nod to the source material's wit, the adaptation drew mixed reviews for uneven pacing and execution in parts. Produced under his own banner in collaboration with others, it showcased Chatterjee's versatility in handling ensemble casts and fantastical elements. His most recent feature as of 2025, (2021), is a romantic drama delving into youthful , , and subtle social revolutions within personal and familial spheres. Set against a small-town backdrop, it follows a young protagonist's emotional journey involving love triangles and self-discovery, blending breezy romance with introspective commentary on relationships. Critics appreciated its feel-good vibe and fresh take on love stories, though some pointed to narrative looseness; the film's charm lies in its simple, heartfelt exploration of emotional growth. Across his four feature films, Chatterjee's directorial style consistently weaves humor, philosophical insights, and social observations, often drawing from everyday life to create resonant, character-driven narratives. His works prioritize emotional authenticity over commercial tropes, contributing to independent cinema's evolving landscape.

Acting roles

Anindya Chatterjee transitioned from his prominent role as a and in the mid-2000s to , initially taking on smaller parts that allowed him to explore character-driven narratives often infused with philosophical undertones. His early screen appearance came as a cameo in the 2003 thriller , directed by , where he portrayed the photographer Shubhankar in an investigating a mysterious death on a film set. Chatterjee's acting career gained momentum in the 2010s with supporting roles in several Bengali films, frequently in ensemble setups that highlighted nuanced, introspective characters. In the 2013 mystery Satyanweshi, he played Ajit, contributing to the film's exploration of detective work and personal dilemmas. He appeared as himself in the 2016 romantic drama Praktan, adding authenticity to scenes reflecting on relationships and self-reflection. Other notable performances include his role in the 2018 short film Red Cycle, again as himself, emphasizing themes of everyday introspection. In the 2019 adventure film Durgeshgorer Guptodhon, directed by Dhrubo Banerjee, Chatterjee portrayed Dr. Pinakpani Deb Roy, a scholarly figure aiding a treasure hunt steeped in historical intrigue, marking his venture into the adventure genre. His work in family comedies, such as a supporting part in the 2018 film Manojder Adbhut Bari, further showcased his versatility in lighter, whimsical ensemble dynamics. On television, Chatterjee earned acclaim for his portrayal of Rahul Sengupta in the 2022 serial (also spelled Gantchhora), a negative character depicted as a manipulative son and husband in a family drama, which spanned over 700 episodes and highlighted his ability to embody complex moral ambiguities. This role garnered him his first acting award at the Tele Samman Awards in 2022, recognizing his impactful performance in a shaded antagonistic part. By November 2025, Chatterjee had accumulated over 15 acting credits across films and television, predominantly in supporting or ensemble roles that favored philosophical and character-centric storytelling. Additional appearances include family dramas like Belaseshe (2015) and Haami (2018), as well as more recent works such as Belashuru (2022), Mayaa (2023) as Ali Junior, Shohorer Ushnotomo Din E (2023) as Siddharth, Smell (2024), Burning Butterflies (2024) as Ranojay, Killbill Society (2025), and Aarii (2025).

Lyricist contributions

Anindya Chatterjee's entry into film lyricism came with the 2008 Bengali film Antaheen, directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, where he collaborated with Chandril Bhattacharya to pen lyrics for all songs in the soundtrack, composed by Shantanu Moitra. Notable among these is "Pherari Mon," a duet by Shreya Ghoshal and Babul Supriyo, which earned Chatterjee and Bhattacharya the National Film Award for Best Lyrics at the 56th National Film Awards for its evocative portrayal of longing and transience. Throughout his career, Chatterjee has contributed lyrics to numerous Bengali films, exceeding 20 in total, frequently partnering with composers like on projects that integrate his words with melodic structures. His involvement often overlaps with music direction, allowing a cohesive artistic vision in soundtracks that enhance narrative depth. Chatterjee's lyrical approach is distinctly poetic and introspective, rooted in his philosophical outlook as expressed in his writings, and frequently delves into themes of love, societal reflections, and nostalgic reminiscence. This style infuses simplicity with emotional resonance, making his words accessible yet profound. In (2015), which he also directed, Chatterjee wrote lyrics for key tracks like "Tor Jonyo," a by Prosen and Mou, and "Maa," sung by Upal , capturing personal and familial bonds. For (2017), another directorial effort, he penned the title song "Projapoti Biskut," performed by Diptarko and Lagnajita Chakraborty, evoking childhood innocence and familial warmth through whimsical imagery. Chatterjee's lyricist work remains active into 2025, with recent contributions including songs for (2022), such as "Bhutu Bhaijaan," where his introspective verses blend with playful tones, and ongoing film projects that fuse his lyrical craft with compositional roles.

Other pursuits

Literary works

Anindya Chatterjee's literary debut came with the novel Niruddesh Somporke Ghoshona, published in 2012 as a compilation of personal prose pieces originally written as columns for the magazine Robbar over a two-year period. The work delves into nostalgic reflections on Kolkata's during the late 1980s and early 1990s, capturing a pre-globalization era marked by Soviet influences, double-decker buses, and evolving everyday traditions such as the shift from serving food on banana leaves to terracotta plates. The narrative's off-beat style blends philosophical introspection with personal anecdotes, evoking a sense of longing for simpler, less materialistic times, and has been praised for resonating with readers through its evocative portrayal of urban life. This philosophical bent aligns with broader themes in Chatterjee's writing, including subtle humor and cultural commentary that mirror the witty, reflective tone of his al lyrics. In 2015, Chatterjee released his second book, Ekdinbyapi, a 134-page hardcover in Bengali published by the independent press Dey's Publishing. This work further exemplifies his engagement with prose, though it remains less documented in public discourse compared to his debut. 's literary output, produced through small presses, reflects his independent creative akin to his filmmaking endeavors, with no additional major novels published by 2025.

Awards and recognition

Anindya Chatterjee received the for Best Lyrics at the 56th , announced in 2010, for the song "Pherari Mon" from the film , shared with bandmate ; the award recognized the lyrics' meaningful contribution to the film's narrative through simple yet evocative verses. This honor highlighted his early impact as a in cinema, stemming from his role in the band Chandrabindoo. In the realm of music and compositions, Chatterjee earned the Filmfare Award for Best Lyrics (East) in 2014 for "Raat Jaaye" from Alik Sukh, presented by , underscoring his ability to craft poignant songs that enhance emotional depth in films. His contributions to Chandrabindoo, including satirical and colloquial lyrics on cultural themes, have garnered regional music honors, cementing the band's status in Kolkata's scene since the 1990s. Chatterjee secured his first acting award in 2022 for his performance in the negative role in the Bengali TV series , marking a milestone in his transition from music and direction to on-screen roles. His directorial debut (2015) received nods at regional film festivals, including acclaim for its coming-of-age storytelling that launched young talents like , who won the Mahanayak Samman for his role. As of 2025, is celebrated for his multifaceted versatility across music, film direction, acting, and lyrics in Kolkata's vibrant cultural landscape, with ongoing performances and collaborations like the Unity Concert reinforcing his enduring influence.

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