Bimal Roy's 109th birth anniversary: Five must-watch films of the legendary director for any cinema lover

Legendary filmmaker Bimal Roy who was a complete film institute in himself, directed many cinematic gems which went to become cult classic in Indian history. Today is the 109th birth anniversary of Roy, who won national and international acclaim for his contribution to cinema. 

Born in Dhaka on 12 July 1909, Roy later moved to Calcutta and started his career as a camera assistant. He was inspired by Italian neo-realistic cinema and is known for his socialistic and realistic movies. On his 109th birth anniversary, let's remember his unforgettable contribution to Indian cinema.

Do Bigha Zameen was Roy's first movie to win Filmfare and National Film Awards. The film also won two prizes at Cannes Film Fest in 1953.  Starring Nirupa Roy and Bajraj Sahni, it is about struggles of father-son duo struck by famine.

Bimal Roy's Devdas starring Dilip Kumar was the first on-screen adaptation of  Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel. Featuring Suchitra Sen as Paro and Vyjayanthimala as Chandramukhi, the movie won 3rd National Film Awards for the Best Feature Film in Hindi and Best Actor. The 1955 film also bagged two Filmfare Awards.

Bandini, which released in 1963 stars Nutan, Ashok Kumar and Dharmendra as leads. Bandini was a female-centric movie and it swept Filmfare Awards that year. The critically acclaimed movie won National Award of Best Feature Film in Hindi.

The 1959 Bimal Roy film featured Sunil Dutt and Nutan in lead roles and revolved around caste hierarchy in India. The movie received several Filmfare Awards and also a National Award.

1958 released Madhumati is a paranormal romance featuring Dilip Kumar and Vyjayantimala in titular roles. Besides winning nine Filmfare Awards, it also bagged the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.