In a clarification that brings relief to film and heritage enthusiasts, Bangladesh officials have confirmed that the house recently demolished in Mymensingh district has no connection to legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s family, countering widespread reports that the property was linked to the acclaimed director’s lineage. Authorities have verified that Ray’s ancestral home, known as Durlov House, remains untouched and protected, while the demolished building was previously used as an office for the Mymensingh Children’s Academy.
Verification Clears Air on Demolished Property
Mofidul Alam, Deputy Commissioner of Mymensingh, stated that a detailed verification process was conducted before concluding the demolished building had no ties to Ray’s ancestors. The administration cross-checked government records, consulted local elders, and examined historical documents to clarify the confusion. Alam said, “We held a meeting to verify the government records and spoke with local elders. The demolished building used to house the Mymensingh Children’s Academy, and there are no records proving it was connected to Satyajit Ray’s family.”
The confusion stemmed from reports suggesting that the demolished structure was built by Upendra Kishore Ray Chowdhury, Satyajit Ray’s grandfather, who was a notable writer and publisher. The building, which had been abandoned for over a decade, was once home to the Mymensingh Shishu Academy. Md Mehedi Zaman, the district Children Affairs Officer, confirmed to The Daily Star that the academy had shifted operations to a rented location due to the building’s prolonged disuse.
Durlov House Remains Protected
To dispel concerns about the filmmaker’s heritage, the district administration confirmed that Durlov House, Ray’s actual ancestral property in Mymensingh, has not been affected by the recent demolition activities. “We have spoken to the current owner, who confirmed that he purchased the property directly from Ray’s family and holds documents to prove ownership. The adjacent building that was being demolished has been mistakenly identified as Ray’s ancestral home,” Alam explained.
Authorities attributed the mix-up to a misunderstanding and assured the public that Ray’s ancestral property remains protected. The clarification is significant for admirers of Satyajit Ray, whose contribution to world cinema earned him the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, and an Honorary Academy Award. His family’s legacy, deeply rooted in art and literature, continues to inspire and holds cultural significance across Bengal and beyond, with Durlov House standing as a symbol of that heritage.
