India Expresses Regret Over Demolition of Satyajit Ray's Ancestral Home in Bangladesh

Government's Response to Demolition

The Indian government has voiced its sorrow regarding the reported destruction of the ancestral home of renowned filmmaker and author Satyajit Ray, located in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs has expressed its readiness to assist in the restoration efforts.

In a statement, the ministry remarked, "It is with deep regret that we acknowledge the demolition of the ancestral property of the esteemed filmmaker and writer Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, which belonged to his grandfather, the distinguished litterateur Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury."

The Ministry further stated, "The Government of India is prepared to collaborate with the Government of Bangladesh to repair and reconstruct Satyajit Ray's ancestral property."

Cultural Significance of the Property

We note with profound regret that the ancestral property of noted filmmaker and litterateur Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, belonging to his grandfather and eminent litterateur, Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury, is being demolished. The property, presently owned by the… pic.twitter.com/FBz24oHPSN

— News Media (@NewsMedia) July 15, 2025

The ministry highlighted that the property, currently under the ownership of the Bangladeshi government, is in a deteriorating condition. India underscored the importance of this site as a cultural landmark and urged a reconsideration of the demolition plans.

The statement continued, "Considering the building's significance as a landmark representing the Bangla cultural renaissance, it would be advisable to rethink the demolition and explore possibilities for its restoration as a literary museum, symbolizing the shared cultural heritage of India and Bangladesh."

Legacy of Satyajit Ray

Satyajit Ray, a legendary figure in Indian cinema, was born in Kolkata on May 2, 1921. His notable works include The Apu Trilogy, Jalsaghar, Charulata, Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, Pather Panchali, and Shatranj Ke Khiladi.

In addition to being a filmmaker, Ray was a screenwriter, documentary filmmaker, author, essayist, lyricist, magazine editor, illustrator, calligrapher, and composer. Throughout his illustrious career, he received numerous accolades, including 32 Indian National Film Awards, various international film festival awards, and an Academy Honorary Award in 1992. He was also awarded the Bharat Ratna in the same year.