NCERT Textbook - Patol Babu, Film Star | Literature Reader Class 10 PDF Download

 Page 1


55
CBSE
5 5
UNIT UNIT
Fiction
F. 5    Patol Babu, Film Star
1. With your partner answer the following questions:
What are your strengths?
What is your dream career?
I want to become a………
Is there any correlation between your strengths and aspirations?
Do you think you can achieve your dreams? Give reasons
2. Read this story which tells of a chance opportunity that a man called Patol Babu 
gets to fulfill a lifelong dream.
1 Patol Babu had just hung his shopping-bag on his shoulder when Nishikanto Babu 
called from outside the main door, 'Patol, are you in?' 
2 'Oh, yes.' Said Patol Babu. 'Just a minute.' 
3 Nishikanto Ghosh lived three houses away from Patol Babu in Nepal Bhattacharji Lane. 
He was a genial person. 
4 Patol Babu came out with the bag. 'What brings you here so early in the morning?' 
5 'Listen, what time will you be back?' 
6 'In an hour or so. Why?' 
Strengths Why do you feel so?
•
•
Satyajit Ray
Page 2


55
CBSE
5 5
UNIT UNIT
Fiction
F. 5    Patol Babu, Film Star
1. With your partner answer the following questions:
What are your strengths?
What is your dream career?
I want to become a………
Is there any correlation between your strengths and aspirations?
Do you think you can achieve your dreams? Give reasons
2. Read this story which tells of a chance opportunity that a man called Patol Babu 
gets to fulfill a lifelong dream.
1 Patol Babu had just hung his shopping-bag on his shoulder when Nishikanto Babu 
called from outside the main door, 'Patol, are you in?' 
2 'Oh, yes.' Said Patol Babu. 'Just a minute.' 
3 Nishikanto Ghosh lived three houses away from Patol Babu in Nepal Bhattacharji Lane. 
He was a genial person. 
4 Patol Babu came out with the bag. 'What brings you here so early in the morning?' 
5 'Listen, what time will you be back?' 
6 'In an hour or so. Why?' 
Strengths Why do you feel so?
•
•
Satyajit Ray
CBSE
Fiction
56
7 'I hope you'll stay in after that - today being Tagore's birthday. I met my youngest 
brother-in-law in Netaji Pharmacy yesterday. He is in the film business, in the 
production department. He said he was looking for an actor for a scene in a film they're 
now shooting. The way he described the character - fiftyish, short, bald-headed - it 
reminded me of you. So I gave him your address and asked him to get in touch with you 
directly. I hope you won't turn him away. They'll pay you, of course.' 
8 Patol Babu hadn't expected such news at the start of the day. That an offer to act in a film 
1
could come to a 52-year-old nonentity like him was beyond his wildest dreams .  
9 'Well, yes or no?' asked Nishikanto Babu. 'I believe you did some acting on the stage at 
one time?' 
10 'That's true,' said Patol Babu. 'I really don't see why I should say no. But let's talk to your 
brother-in-law first and find out some details. What's his name?' 
11 'Naresh. Naresh Dutt. He's about thirty. A strapping young fellow. He said he would be 
here around ten-thirty.' 
12 Buying provisions in the market, 
Patol Babu mixed up his wife's 
orders and bought red chillies 
instead of onion seeds. And he 
q u i t e f o r g o t a b o u t t h e 
aubergines. This was not 
surprising. At one time Patol 
Babu had a real passion for the 
stage; in fact, it verged on 
2
obsession . In Jatras, in 
amateur theatricals, in plays put 
up by the club in his neighbourhood, Patol Babu was always in demand. His name had 
appeared in handbills on countless occasions. Once it appeared in bold type near the 
top: 'Sitalakanto Ray (Patol Babu) in the role of Parasar'. Indeed, there was a time when 
people bought tickets especially to see him. 
13 That was when he used to live in Kanchrapara. He had a job in the railway factory there. 
In 1934, he was offered higher pay in a clerical post with Hudson and Kimberley, in 
Calcutta, and was also lucky to find a flat in Nepal Bhattacharji Lane. He gave up his 
3
factory job and came to Calcutta with his wife. It was quite smooth sailing for some 
years, and Patol Babu was in his boss's good books. In 1943, when he was just toying 
1 beyond his wildest dream- in a way he had not imagined
2 verged on obsession- could not think of anything else
3 smooth sailing- having no problems
Page 3


55
CBSE
5 5
UNIT UNIT
Fiction
F. 5    Patol Babu, Film Star
1. With your partner answer the following questions:
What are your strengths?
What is your dream career?
I want to become a………
Is there any correlation between your strengths and aspirations?
Do you think you can achieve your dreams? Give reasons
2. Read this story which tells of a chance opportunity that a man called Patol Babu 
gets to fulfill a lifelong dream.
1 Patol Babu had just hung his shopping-bag on his shoulder when Nishikanto Babu 
called from outside the main door, 'Patol, are you in?' 
2 'Oh, yes.' Said Patol Babu. 'Just a minute.' 
3 Nishikanto Ghosh lived three houses away from Patol Babu in Nepal Bhattacharji Lane. 
He was a genial person. 
4 Patol Babu came out with the bag. 'What brings you here so early in the morning?' 
5 'Listen, what time will you be back?' 
6 'In an hour or so. Why?' 
Strengths Why do you feel so?
•
•
Satyajit Ray
CBSE
Fiction
56
7 'I hope you'll stay in after that - today being Tagore's birthday. I met my youngest 
brother-in-law in Netaji Pharmacy yesterday. He is in the film business, in the 
production department. He said he was looking for an actor for a scene in a film they're 
now shooting. The way he described the character - fiftyish, short, bald-headed - it 
reminded me of you. So I gave him your address and asked him to get in touch with you 
directly. I hope you won't turn him away. They'll pay you, of course.' 
8 Patol Babu hadn't expected such news at the start of the day. That an offer to act in a film 
1
could come to a 52-year-old nonentity like him was beyond his wildest dreams .  
9 'Well, yes or no?' asked Nishikanto Babu. 'I believe you did some acting on the stage at 
one time?' 
10 'That's true,' said Patol Babu. 'I really don't see why I should say no. But let's talk to your 
brother-in-law first and find out some details. What's his name?' 
11 'Naresh. Naresh Dutt. He's about thirty. A strapping young fellow. He said he would be 
here around ten-thirty.' 
12 Buying provisions in the market, 
Patol Babu mixed up his wife's 
orders and bought red chillies 
instead of onion seeds. And he 
q u i t e f o r g o t a b o u t t h e 
aubergines. This was not 
surprising. At one time Patol 
Babu had a real passion for the 
stage; in fact, it verged on 
2
obsession . In Jatras, in 
amateur theatricals, in plays put 
up by the club in his neighbourhood, Patol Babu was always in demand. His name had 
appeared in handbills on countless occasions. Once it appeared in bold type near the 
top: 'Sitalakanto Ray (Patol Babu) in the role of Parasar'. Indeed, there was a time when 
people bought tickets especially to see him. 
13 That was when he used to live in Kanchrapara. He had a job in the railway factory there. 
In 1934, he was offered higher pay in a clerical post with Hudson and Kimberley, in 
Calcutta, and was also lucky to find a flat in Nepal Bhattacharji Lane. He gave up his 
3
factory job and came to Calcutta with his wife. It was quite smooth sailing for some 
years, and Patol Babu was in his boss's good books. In 1943, when he was just toying 
1 beyond his wildest dream- in a way he had not imagined
2 verged on obsession- could not think of anything else
3 smooth sailing- having no problems
CBSE
Fiction
57
4
with the idea of starting a club in his neighbourhood, sudden retrenchment in his office 
due to the war cost him his nine-year-old job. 
14 Ever since then Patol Babu had struggled to make a living. At first he opened a variety 
store which he had to wind up after five years. Then he had a job in a Bengali firm which 
he gave up in disgust when his boss began to treat him in too high-handed a fashion. 
Then, for ten long years, starting as an insurance salesman, Patol Babu tried every 
means of earning a livelihood without ever succeeding in improving his lot. Of late he 
has been paying regular visits to a small establishment dealing in scrap iron where a 
cousin of his has promised him a job. 
15 And acting? That has become a thing of the remote past; something which he recalls at 
5
times with a sigh . Having a good memory, Patol Babu still remembers lines from 
some of his better parts, 'Listen, O listen to the thunderous twang of the mighty bow 
Gandiva engaged in gory conflict, and to the angry roar of the mountainous club 
whizzing through the air in the hands of the great Brikodara!' It sent a shiver down his 
spine just to think of such lines. 
16 Naresh Dutt turned up at half past twelve. Patol Babu had given up hope and was about 
to go for his bath when there was a knock on the front door. 
17 'Come in, come in, sir!' Patol Babu almost dragged the young man in and pushed the 
broken-armed chair towards him. 'Do sit down.' 
18 'No, thanks. I ---- 
19 'Oh yes. I must say I was quite taken aback. After so many years.' 
20 'I hope you have no objection?' 
21 'You think I'll be all right for the part?' Patol Babu asked with great diffidence. 
6
22 Naresh Dutt cast an appraising look at Patol Babu and gave a nod. 'Oh yes,' he said. 
'There is no doubt about that. By the way, the shooting takes place tomorrow morning.' 
23 'Tomorrow? Sunday?' 
24 'Yes, and not in the studio. I'll tell you where you have to go. You know Faraday House 
near the crossing of Bentinck Street and Mission Row? It's a seven-storey office 
building. The shooting takes place outside the office in front of the entrance. We'll 
expect you there at eight-thirty sharp. You'll be through by midday.' 
25 Naresh Dutt prepared to leave. 'But you haven't told me about the part,' said Patol Babu 
anxiously. 
4 toying with the idea- considering an idea
5 recalls at times with a sigh- sometimes remembers past events and experiences fondly
6 cast an appraising look- to consider or examine somebody or something and form an opinion about 
that person or thing.
Page 4


55
CBSE
5 5
UNIT UNIT
Fiction
F. 5    Patol Babu, Film Star
1. With your partner answer the following questions:
What are your strengths?
What is your dream career?
I want to become a………
Is there any correlation between your strengths and aspirations?
Do you think you can achieve your dreams? Give reasons
2. Read this story which tells of a chance opportunity that a man called Patol Babu 
gets to fulfill a lifelong dream.
1 Patol Babu had just hung his shopping-bag on his shoulder when Nishikanto Babu 
called from outside the main door, 'Patol, are you in?' 
2 'Oh, yes.' Said Patol Babu. 'Just a minute.' 
3 Nishikanto Ghosh lived three houses away from Patol Babu in Nepal Bhattacharji Lane. 
He was a genial person. 
4 Patol Babu came out with the bag. 'What brings you here so early in the morning?' 
5 'Listen, what time will you be back?' 
6 'In an hour or so. Why?' 
Strengths Why do you feel so?
•
•
Satyajit Ray
CBSE
Fiction
56
7 'I hope you'll stay in after that - today being Tagore's birthday. I met my youngest 
brother-in-law in Netaji Pharmacy yesterday. He is in the film business, in the 
production department. He said he was looking for an actor for a scene in a film they're 
now shooting. The way he described the character - fiftyish, short, bald-headed - it 
reminded me of you. So I gave him your address and asked him to get in touch with you 
directly. I hope you won't turn him away. They'll pay you, of course.' 
8 Patol Babu hadn't expected such news at the start of the day. That an offer to act in a film 
1
could come to a 52-year-old nonentity like him was beyond his wildest dreams .  
9 'Well, yes or no?' asked Nishikanto Babu. 'I believe you did some acting on the stage at 
one time?' 
10 'That's true,' said Patol Babu. 'I really don't see why I should say no. But let's talk to your 
brother-in-law first and find out some details. What's his name?' 
11 'Naresh. Naresh Dutt. He's about thirty. A strapping young fellow. He said he would be 
here around ten-thirty.' 
12 Buying provisions in the market, 
Patol Babu mixed up his wife's 
orders and bought red chillies 
instead of onion seeds. And he 
q u i t e f o r g o t a b o u t t h e 
aubergines. This was not 
surprising. At one time Patol 
Babu had a real passion for the 
stage; in fact, it verged on 
2
obsession . In Jatras, in 
amateur theatricals, in plays put 
up by the club in his neighbourhood, Patol Babu was always in demand. His name had 
appeared in handbills on countless occasions. Once it appeared in bold type near the 
top: 'Sitalakanto Ray (Patol Babu) in the role of Parasar'. Indeed, there was a time when 
people bought tickets especially to see him. 
13 That was when he used to live in Kanchrapara. He had a job in the railway factory there. 
In 1934, he was offered higher pay in a clerical post with Hudson and Kimberley, in 
Calcutta, and was also lucky to find a flat in Nepal Bhattacharji Lane. He gave up his 
3
factory job and came to Calcutta with his wife. It was quite smooth sailing for some 
years, and Patol Babu was in his boss's good books. In 1943, when he was just toying 
1 beyond his wildest dream- in a way he had not imagined
2 verged on obsession- could not think of anything else
3 smooth sailing- having no problems
CBSE
Fiction
57
4
with the idea of starting a club in his neighbourhood, sudden retrenchment in his office 
due to the war cost him his nine-year-old job. 
14 Ever since then Patol Babu had struggled to make a living. At first he opened a variety 
store which he had to wind up after five years. Then he had a job in a Bengali firm which 
he gave up in disgust when his boss began to treat him in too high-handed a fashion. 
Then, for ten long years, starting as an insurance salesman, Patol Babu tried every 
means of earning a livelihood without ever succeeding in improving his lot. Of late he 
has been paying regular visits to a small establishment dealing in scrap iron where a 
cousin of his has promised him a job. 
15 And acting? That has become a thing of the remote past; something which he recalls at 
5
times with a sigh . Having a good memory, Patol Babu still remembers lines from 
some of his better parts, 'Listen, O listen to the thunderous twang of the mighty bow 
Gandiva engaged in gory conflict, and to the angry roar of the mountainous club 
whizzing through the air in the hands of the great Brikodara!' It sent a shiver down his 
spine just to think of such lines. 
16 Naresh Dutt turned up at half past twelve. Patol Babu had given up hope and was about 
to go for his bath when there was a knock on the front door. 
17 'Come in, come in, sir!' Patol Babu almost dragged the young man in and pushed the 
broken-armed chair towards him. 'Do sit down.' 
18 'No, thanks. I ---- 
19 'Oh yes. I must say I was quite taken aback. After so many years.' 
20 'I hope you have no objection?' 
21 'You think I'll be all right for the part?' Patol Babu asked with great diffidence. 
6
22 Naresh Dutt cast an appraising look at Patol Babu and gave a nod. 'Oh yes,' he said. 
'There is no doubt about that. By the way, the shooting takes place tomorrow morning.' 
23 'Tomorrow? Sunday?' 
24 'Yes, and not in the studio. I'll tell you where you have to go. You know Faraday House 
near the crossing of Bentinck Street and Mission Row? It's a seven-storey office 
building. The shooting takes place outside the office in front of the entrance. We'll 
expect you there at eight-thirty sharp. You'll be through by midday.' 
25 Naresh Dutt prepared to leave. 'But you haven't told me about the part,' said Patol Babu 
anxiously. 
4 toying with the idea- considering an idea
5 recalls at times with a sigh- sometimes remembers past events and experiences fondly
6 cast an appraising look- to consider or examine somebody or something and form an opinion about 
that person or thing.
CBSE
Fiction
58
26 'Oh yes, sorry. The part is that of a --- a pedestrian. An absent -minded, short-tempered 
pedestrian. By the way, do you have a jacket which buttons up to the neck?' 
27 'I think I do. You mean the old-fashioned kind?' 
28 'Yes. That's what you'll wear. What colour is it?' 
29 'Sort of nut-brown. But woollen.' 
30 'That's okay. The story is supposed to take place in winter, so that would be just right.
31 Tomorrow at eight-thirty sharp. Faraday House.' 
32 Patol Babu suddenly thought of a crucial question. 
33 'I hope the part calls for some dialogue?' 
34 'Certainly. It's a speaking part. You have acted before, haven't you?' 
35 'Well, as a matter of fact, yes.' 
36 'Fine. I wouldn't have come to you for just a walk-on part. For that we pick people from 
the street. Of course there's dialogue and you'll be given your lines as soon as you show 
up tomorrow.' 
37 After Naresh Dutt left Patol Babu broke the news to his wife. 
38 'As far as I can see, the part isn't a big one. I'll be paid, of course, but that's not the main 
thing. The thing is - remember how I started on the stage? Remember my first part? I 
played a dead soldier! All I had to do was lie still on the stage with my arms and legs 
spread. And remember how I rose from that position? Remember Mr. Watts shaking me 
by the hand? And the silver medal which the chairman of our municipality gave me? 
Remember? This is only the first step on the ladder, my dear better-half! Yes --the first 
7
step that would--God willing-mark the rise to fame and fortune of your beloved 
husband!' 
39 'Counting your chickens again before they're hatched, are you? No wonder you could 
8
never make a go of it .' 
40 'But it's the real thing this time! Go and make me a cup of tea, will you? And remind me to 
take some ginger juice tonight. It's very good for the throat.' 
41 The clock in the Metropolitan building showed seven minutes past eight when Patol 
Babu reached Esplanade. It took him another then minutes to walk to Faraday House. 
42 There was a big crowd outside the building. Three or four cars stood on the road. There 
was also a bus which carried equipment on its roof. On the edge of the pavement there 
was an instrument on three legs around which there was a group of busy people. Near 
the entrance--also on three legs--a pole which had a long arm extending from its top at 
7 rise to fame and fortune- becoming famous and wealthy
8 make a go of it- become successful
Page 5


55
CBSE
5 5
UNIT UNIT
Fiction
F. 5    Patol Babu, Film Star
1. With your partner answer the following questions:
What are your strengths?
What is your dream career?
I want to become a………
Is there any correlation between your strengths and aspirations?
Do you think you can achieve your dreams? Give reasons
2. Read this story which tells of a chance opportunity that a man called Patol Babu 
gets to fulfill a lifelong dream.
1 Patol Babu had just hung his shopping-bag on his shoulder when Nishikanto Babu 
called from outside the main door, 'Patol, are you in?' 
2 'Oh, yes.' Said Patol Babu. 'Just a minute.' 
3 Nishikanto Ghosh lived three houses away from Patol Babu in Nepal Bhattacharji Lane. 
He was a genial person. 
4 Patol Babu came out with the bag. 'What brings you here so early in the morning?' 
5 'Listen, what time will you be back?' 
6 'In an hour or so. Why?' 
Strengths Why do you feel so?
•
•
Satyajit Ray
CBSE
Fiction
56
7 'I hope you'll stay in after that - today being Tagore's birthday. I met my youngest 
brother-in-law in Netaji Pharmacy yesterday. He is in the film business, in the 
production department. He said he was looking for an actor for a scene in a film they're 
now shooting. The way he described the character - fiftyish, short, bald-headed - it 
reminded me of you. So I gave him your address and asked him to get in touch with you 
directly. I hope you won't turn him away. They'll pay you, of course.' 
8 Patol Babu hadn't expected such news at the start of the day. That an offer to act in a film 
1
could come to a 52-year-old nonentity like him was beyond his wildest dreams .  
9 'Well, yes or no?' asked Nishikanto Babu. 'I believe you did some acting on the stage at 
one time?' 
10 'That's true,' said Patol Babu. 'I really don't see why I should say no. But let's talk to your 
brother-in-law first and find out some details. What's his name?' 
11 'Naresh. Naresh Dutt. He's about thirty. A strapping young fellow. He said he would be 
here around ten-thirty.' 
12 Buying provisions in the market, 
Patol Babu mixed up his wife's 
orders and bought red chillies 
instead of onion seeds. And he 
q u i t e f o r g o t a b o u t t h e 
aubergines. This was not 
surprising. At one time Patol 
Babu had a real passion for the 
stage; in fact, it verged on 
2
obsession . In Jatras, in 
amateur theatricals, in plays put 
up by the club in his neighbourhood, Patol Babu was always in demand. His name had 
appeared in handbills on countless occasions. Once it appeared in bold type near the 
top: 'Sitalakanto Ray (Patol Babu) in the role of Parasar'. Indeed, there was a time when 
people bought tickets especially to see him. 
13 That was when he used to live in Kanchrapara. He had a job in the railway factory there. 
In 1934, he was offered higher pay in a clerical post with Hudson and Kimberley, in 
Calcutta, and was also lucky to find a flat in Nepal Bhattacharji Lane. He gave up his 
3
factory job and came to Calcutta with his wife. It was quite smooth sailing for some 
years, and Patol Babu was in his boss's good books. In 1943, when he was just toying 
1 beyond his wildest dream- in a way he had not imagined
2 verged on obsession- could not think of anything else
3 smooth sailing- having no problems
CBSE
Fiction
57
4
with the idea of starting a club in his neighbourhood, sudden retrenchment in his office 
due to the war cost him his nine-year-old job. 
14 Ever since then Patol Babu had struggled to make a living. At first he opened a variety 
store which he had to wind up after five years. Then he had a job in a Bengali firm which 
he gave up in disgust when his boss began to treat him in too high-handed a fashion. 
Then, for ten long years, starting as an insurance salesman, Patol Babu tried every 
means of earning a livelihood without ever succeeding in improving his lot. Of late he 
has been paying regular visits to a small establishment dealing in scrap iron where a 
cousin of his has promised him a job. 
15 And acting? That has become a thing of the remote past; something which he recalls at 
5
times with a sigh . Having a good memory, Patol Babu still remembers lines from 
some of his better parts, 'Listen, O listen to the thunderous twang of the mighty bow 
Gandiva engaged in gory conflict, and to the angry roar of the mountainous club 
whizzing through the air in the hands of the great Brikodara!' It sent a shiver down his 
spine just to think of such lines. 
16 Naresh Dutt turned up at half past twelve. Patol Babu had given up hope and was about 
to go for his bath when there was a knock on the front door. 
17 'Come in, come in, sir!' Patol Babu almost dragged the young man in and pushed the 
broken-armed chair towards him. 'Do sit down.' 
18 'No, thanks. I ---- 
19 'Oh yes. I must say I was quite taken aback. After so many years.' 
20 'I hope you have no objection?' 
21 'You think I'll be all right for the part?' Patol Babu asked with great diffidence. 
6
22 Naresh Dutt cast an appraising look at Patol Babu and gave a nod. 'Oh yes,' he said. 
'There is no doubt about that. By the way, the shooting takes place tomorrow morning.' 
23 'Tomorrow? Sunday?' 
24 'Yes, and not in the studio. I'll tell you where you have to go. You know Faraday House 
near the crossing of Bentinck Street and Mission Row? It's a seven-storey office 
building. The shooting takes place outside the office in front of the entrance. We'll 
expect you there at eight-thirty sharp. You'll be through by midday.' 
25 Naresh Dutt prepared to leave. 'But you haven't told me about the part,' said Patol Babu 
anxiously. 
4 toying with the idea- considering an idea
5 recalls at times with a sigh- sometimes remembers past events and experiences fondly
6 cast an appraising look- to consider or examine somebody or something and form an opinion about 
that person or thing.
CBSE
Fiction
58
26 'Oh yes, sorry. The part is that of a --- a pedestrian. An absent -minded, short-tempered 
pedestrian. By the way, do you have a jacket which buttons up to the neck?' 
27 'I think I do. You mean the old-fashioned kind?' 
28 'Yes. That's what you'll wear. What colour is it?' 
29 'Sort of nut-brown. But woollen.' 
30 'That's okay. The story is supposed to take place in winter, so that would be just right.
31 Tomorrow at eight-thirty sharp. Faraday House.' 
32 Patol Babu suddenly thought of a crucial question. 
33 'I hope the part calls for some dialogue?' 
34 'Certainly. It's a speaking part. You have acted before, haven't you?' 
35 'Well, as a matter of fact, yes.' 
36 'Fine. I wouldn't have come to you for just a walk-on part. For that we pick people from 
the street. Of course there's dialogue and you'll be given your lines as soon as you show 
up tomorrow.' 
37 After Naresh Dutt left Patol Babu broke the news to his wife. 
38 'As far as I can see, the part isn't a big one. I'll be paid, of course, but that's not the main 
thing. The thing is - remember how I started on the stage? Remember my first part? I 
played a dead soldier! All I had to do was lie still on the stage with my arms and legs 
spread. And remember how I rose from that position? Remember Mr. Watts shaking me 
by the hand? And the silver medal which the chairman of our municipality gave me? 
Remember? This is only the first step on the ladder, my dear better-half! Yes --the first 
7
step that would--God willing-mark the rise to fame and fortune of your beloved 
husband!' 
39 'Counting your chickens again before they're hatched, are you? No wonder you could 
8
never make a go of it .' 
40 'But it's the real thing this time! Go and make me a cup of tea, will you? And remind me to 
take some ginger juice tonight. It's very good for the throat.' 
41 The clock in the Metropolitan building showed seven minutes past eight when Patol 
Babu reached Esplanade. It took him another then minutes to walk to Faraday House. 
42 There was a big crowd outside the building. Three or four cars stood on the road. There 
was also a bus which carried equipment on its roof. On the edge of the pavement there 
was an instrument on three legs around which there was a group of busy people. Near 
the entrance--also on three legs--a pole which had a long arm extending from its top at 
7 rise to fame and fortune- becoming famous and wealthy
8 make a go of it- become successful
CBSE
Fiction
59
the end of which was suspended what looked like a small oblong beehive. Surrounding 
these instruments was a crowd of people among whom Patol Babu noticed some non-
Begalis. What they were supposed to do he couldn't tell. 
43 But where was Naresh Dutt? He was the only one who knew him. 
44 With a slight tremor in his heart, Patol Babu advanced towards the entrance. It was the 
middle of summer, and the warm jacket buttoned up to his neck felt heavy. Patol Babu 
could feel beads of perspiration forming around the high collar. 
45 'This way, Atul Babu!' 
46 Atul Babu? Patol Babu spotted Naresh Dutt standing at the entrance and gesturing 
towards him. He had got his name wrong. No wonder, since they had only had a brief 
meeting. Patol Babu walked up, put his palms together in a namaskar and said, 'I 
supposed you haven't yet noted down my name. Sitalakanto Ray --- although people 
know me better by my nickname Patol. I used it on the stage too.' 
47 'Good, good. I must say you're quite punctual.' 
48 Patol Babu rose to his full height. 
49 'I was with Hudson and Kimberley for nine years and wasn't late for a single day.' 
50 'Is that so? Well, I suggest you go and wait in the shade there. We have a few things to 
attend to before we get going.' 
51 'Naresh!' 
52 Somebody standing by the three-legged 
instrument called out. 
53 'Sir?' 
54 'Yes, sir. He is"--er" that shot where they 
bump into each other.' 
55 'Okay. Now, clear the entrance, will you? 
We're about to start.' 
56 Patol Babu withdrew and stood in the 
shade of a paan shop. He had never 
watched a film shooting before. How hard 
these people worked! A youngster of 
twenty or so was carrying that three-
legged instrument on his shoulder. Must 
weigh at least sixty pounds.