Shri Sankar Roy Chowdhury (1956–2021) A Life of Passion, Talent, and Grace
Born on 12 Jan 1956 in
the vibrant city of Kolkata, in Gokhale Road, Bhowanipur, Shri Sankar Roy
Chowdhury was a man whose life sparkled with versatility—a true polymath who
excelled in sports, arts, and the world of words. His journey was one of
dedication, leaving an indelible mark on every field he touched. He was an
alumni of St. Lawrence School, Kolkata, graduated from Calcutta University
and was employee of Steel Authority of
India from 1981-2017.
The Cricketer: A Stalwart of the Game
His love for cricket
was legendary. He started playing school
cricket at Balak Sangha, played for CAB
Bengal XI. A University Blue and a Junior Bengal all-rounder, he
wielded his bat and ball with equal brilliance for three decades in
First Division cricket in Kolkata Maidan. Even after hanging up his boots, he
continued to inspire as a coach, nurturing young talents across Kolkata’s
clubs. His tenure at SAIL was not just a professional milestone but
also a chance to lead their cricket team—blending his corporate and sporting
worlds seamlessly. His co players in SAIL India team were Surinder Amarnath,
Kirti Azad, Bishen Singh Bedi.
The Artist: A Voice That Captivated
Beyond
the pitch, his artistry thrived. He had passion for recitation, drama from his
childhood. A gifted elocutionist and actor, he began his journey early with
“Yuvabani” on All India Radio, his voice resonating with emotion and depth. He
joined the Recitation class of Shri Pradip Ghosh. Simultaneously, he continued his stage acting
with several groups, took part regularly in Audio drama in Akashvani, in
feature films and television serials. He played the role of Shri Keshab Chandra
Sen in Mr. G.V. Iyer directed film “Swami Vivekananda” premiered on India's public service
broadcaster Doordarshan on 15 August 1998, the country's Independence Day. His
performance as Narendranath in the Shruti Natok entitled “Swami
Vivekananda” with his mentor Sri Pradip Ghosh playing the role of Shri Shri
Ramakrishna was another milestone as a
performing Artist. He acted in feature films and popular TV serials with many legendary
actors including Shri Soumitra Chattopadhyay, Shri Manoj Mitra, Smt. Sabitri
Chattopadhaya, Shri Anjan Dutta et al. The stages of Rabindra Sadan and beyond became his second home, where he
brought poems and stories to life through recitation, audio drama and
storytelling. His performances weren’t just acts—they were experiences that
lingered in the hearts of his audience.
The Legacy: Memories That Endure
On November 29, 2021, after an illustrious career, he breathed his last and left behind a treasure trove of memories, cherished by his family, friends, and countless admirers. His life was a testament to how one man could embody excellence in sport, art, and humanity.Though he may have taken his final bow, his spirit lives on—in the crack of a cricket bat on a sunny afternoon, in the echo of a powerful recitation, and in the love, he shared with those fortunate enough to know him.
