Bigraha (1930) was the the first film in which Chunibala Devi acted. Earlier
she had performed on the stage. However, after one or two more films
she retired as an actress, only to be brought back after about thirty
years by Satyajit Ray, who had started making his first film,
Pather Panchali (1955).
When he was on the look out for an elderly actress to play Indir
Thakrun,he was informed about Chunibala by Reba Devi (playing Sejo
Thakrun). He went to interview the grand old lady and was really
impressed, especially her memory at an advanced age and also her
willingness to cooperate - the film being shot away from Calcutta and
the artistes were required to be at location daily from Calcutta.
Unfortunately, Chunibala died before the release of the film although
Ray had been to her house to show her a projection.
