Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Satyajit Ray’s Advice Helped Aparna Sen Make 36 Chowringhee Lane
Aparna Sen noticed many lonely older people while growing up in Kolkata.
One of them inspired the main character in her first movie, 36 Chowringhee Lane.
She wrote the story in English, but people warned her that an English film might not find money in India.
Sen asked Satyajit Ray for advice.
Ray told her that India was ready to make English films and suggested she speak to Shashi Kapoor.
Kapoor and Jennifer Kendal liked the story and helped make the film.
Jennifer played the lonely teacher Ms Stoneham.
The movie won several major awards, although Jennifer did not win the Best Actress award.
Aparna Sen drew inspiration for her debut film from elderly people living alone in Kolkata.
She wrote 36 Chowringhee Lane in English after becoming frustrated with the films she acted in.
Friends and relatives doubted that anyone would finance an English-language film made in India.
Satyajit Ray encouraged Sen to continue and suggested she approach producer Shashi Kapoor.
The film won National Awards for Best Feature Film in English, Best Director, and Best Cinematography.
- Who
- Aparna Sen wrote and directed the film, with Shashi Kapoor producing and Jennifer Kendal starring.
- What
- The article recounts how Satyajit Ray’s encouragement helped Sen make her directorial debut, 36 Chowringhee Lane.
- When
- The film was released 35 years before the interview; the article does not state the exact release date.
- Where
- The story was rooted in Kolkata, while discussions about producing the film took place in Mumbai.
- Why
- Sen wanted a creative outlet after becoming frustrated with acting in films she felt disconnected from.
Recognition for Jennifer Kendal
National Award Jury’s Decision
Best Actress award
Recognition for Jennifer Kendal
Aparna Sen and Rekha regarded Jennifer Kendal’s performance as deserving of the Best Actress award, and Rekha said the prize should have gone to Jennifer.
National Award Jury’s Decision
The jury did not award Jennifer the prize; Sen recalled that the chairperson reportedly said Kendal had not acted but had simply behaved.
Meaning of the ending
Recognition for Jennifer Kendal
Sen sees the ending as positive because Ms Stoneham remains resilient and chooses to continue living in her homeland on her own terms.
National Award Jury’s Decision
The ending can also be viewed as heartbreaking because Stoneham discovers that people she trusted have betrayed her.
- Film
- 36 Chowringhee Lane
- Director
- Aparna Sen
- Producer
- Shashi Kapoor
- Lead actor
- Jennifer Kendal as Ms Stoneham
- Inspiration
- Elderly people living alone, including Sen’s former teacher Ms Stoneham
- Awards
- National Awards for Best Feature Film in English, Best Director, and Best Cinematography
- Screenplay origin
- Sen first wrote the story as a short story before turning it into a screenplay