Summary - Patol Babu, Film Star

SUMMARY

This story portrays the hopes, dignity and quiet pride of a small-time aspirant in the world of cinema and the casual indifference of the film-people for whom films are often little more than business. Patol Babu is a middle-aged man of about fifty years, with a bald head. His neighbour, Nishikanta Ghosh, brings the news that his brother-in-law, Naresh Dutt, a film producer, needs an actor who looks like Patol Babu for a small scene. Excited by the chance, Patol Babu hurries about his day in a flutter and even makes a poor purchase at the vegetable market in his excitement. The news revives memories of his youth when he had a passionate attachment to the stage and had often acted in jatras, even attracting audiences who bought tickets specially to see him.

Patol Babu recalls his past: in 1934 he lived in Kanchrapara and worked as a clerk with Hudson and Kimberley. He once planned to start his own theatrical club, but losing his job ruined that plan. Since then he has struggled to make a living. He tried a part in a Bengali film, worked briefly as an insurance agent and visited many offices in search of work, but nothing lasted. He still remembers some of the dialogues from the plays he acted in and cherishes the artistic experience he once had.

The offer to act in a film reawakens his hopes. Naresh Dutt meets him and asks him to report to Faraday House the next morning. Naresh explains that the role is a speaking one: Patol Babu is to be an absent-minded pedestrian. He listens with joy and tells his wife that, though it is a small part, small roles lead to larger opportunities; his wife remains doubtful but he is determined.

At Faraday Building the next morning, Patol Babu sees a large crowd and film equipment being moved. Naresh asks him to wait. Nervous because he does not yet know his lines, Patol Babu watches the shooting of other scenes. He finally asks Naresh for his dialogue and is disappointed: he must speak only one word - "Oh!" - after colliding with the lead actor, Chanchal Kumar, and then continue walking. Humiliated and feeling that his morning has been wasted, he almost gives up until a memory of his old mentor, Gagon Pakrashi, returns: an artist must make the most of every opportunity. That thought lifts his spirit and he begins to practise variations of the single exclamation so that it can express different feelings.

When his turn comes, Patol Babu suggests to the director that the scene will appear more natural if he is reading a newspaper when the collision occurs. A newspaper is produced. The director adds a touch: a false moustache is stuck on his face. During the take, Patol Babu pours his whole experience into a single "Oh!" - a measured blend of surprise and anguish - and the people on the set praise his acting. Patol Babu leaves the set deeply satisfied: he feels that his ability has not faded and that he honoured the craft. For the film-people the moment is soon forgotten and the camera moves on. Patol Babu knows he will be paid a small fee (about twenty rupees), and he needs the money, but the greater reward for him is the personal satisfaction of having done the job perfectly. Ten minutes later, Naresh Dutt is surprised to find that Patol Babu has gone without collecting his remuneration; the production simply continues with the next shot.

Themes and Messages

The story explores several interwoven themes. It contrasts the dignity of an artist's inner life with the mechanical, businesslike attitude of the film world. It honours the idea that the act of doing one's best - however small the role - has intrinsic value. The narrative speaks of lost youth and the continuity of art across time: skill and devotion survive neglect and age. The story also comments on human pride, self-respect and the need for recognition versus the quiet satisfaction of personal achievement.