About Us

The Journey

Chhayabani is a landmark in the context of the glorious history of Bengali Cinema, a pioneer in the own right. The company is not just the producer; distributor and facilitator of high-quality Bengali cinema but the guiding star for many a business house. An institution within itself, it has championed the interests of many actors, directors and technicians over the last six decades.

It all began with a bright & impressionistic young man Late Asit Chowdhury residing in the pre-independent Calcutta, the cultural capital of India, whose only dream in life was to make films. His passion was incessant. On 8th May 1946, his newly formed company was titled ”Chhayabani” and thus began the success story of a man with exemplary vision, which revolutionized not just Bengali cinema but Indian cinema as a whole.

More than sixty years has passed since then, but the fire he ignited, is still burning inside the heart & soul of Chhayabani. Today the company’s Chairman Managing Director (CMD) Mr. Ramlal Nandi, nephew of the late Asit Chowdhury, is a man who is associated with Chhayabani since the last forty years. His love for Bengali cinema reflected in the numerous film acquisitions that the company has undertaken in the last two decades. An eye for quality cinema has landed him the ownership of over 200 film titles. Chhayabani is the proud recipient of the President of India Gold and Silver awards and also various other National and International Awards at Cannes, Berlin and Toronto Film festivals. His close friendship with the greatest matinee idol of Bengali cinema Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen had made Chhayabani produce and distribute the greatest hits like Harano Sur and Saptapadi. A true workaholic to the core, he is the key man instrumental in acquiring and thereafter reviving the prestigious New Theatre Film Studio in Calcutta. From being a sick unit before his acquisitions, today it is one of the largest and most preferred studio to work in. Incidentally he is also the Managing Director of New Theatre Film Studio. 

Saugata Nandi a director in the company has helped Chhayabani venture into the much lucrative television industry. His association with global distributors has made Chhayabani venture into various parts of Europe and America through distribution of their films. A meticulous planner and a strict taskmaster, his presence in the company has helped the culmination of two generation of ideologue and funnelled it into the success of the company. His recent endevaor is to transform the prestigious and iconic New Theatre Film Studio into a state of the art studio facility in India. 

Objective

We, at Chhayabani intend to produce and distribute films that touch not only the heart and soul of every cine enthusiasts but leave a lasting impression in their minds. Chhayabani has stood as a pillar of success for classic Bengali cinema. Quality is our eternal guiding force, cinematic excellence is our core competency and securing the future of Bengali cinema for the next generation is our ultimate objective.