His first directorial venture was Udayer Pathe with a cast of unknown artistes. Beginning his career in the New Theatres film studio in Kolkata, he went to Mumbai at the behest of famous film actor Ashok Kumar to direct Bombay Talkies' Maa.

Then followed films such as Parineeta and the powerful Do Bigha Zameen. The latter, based on the theme of a poor peasant's struggle to save his patch of land, won acclaim at the Cannes and the Karlovy Vary festivals in 1955-56. Theatre enthusiasts regarded it as a cinematic reference point.

Another landmark was the remake of Devdas, the 1930s New Theatres classic. Roy had photographed both the Hindi and the Bengali versions for PC Barua. Though Roy was aware that comparisons would be made with the earlier film, he believed that there was an entire generation that had neither read the book by Sarat Chandra nor seen Barua's version of Devdas. The film made by Roy was widely regarded as superior in terms of film techniques and acting. The talented cast included Dilip Kumar (as Devdas), Suchitra Sen (Paro), Vyjayantimala (Chandramukhi) and Motilal (Chunnilal),

The current version of Devdas has been remade by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and stars Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit.

Roy's talent won recognition in the film industry. One of the most acclaimed Indian directors, he was awarded the first three Filmfare Awards for Do Bigha Zameen, Parineeta and Biraj Bahu.

One of his biggest hits was Madhumati, written by Ritwik Ghatak. This film, based on the theme of reincarnation, won plaudits for its unusual direction and the brilliant music (Salil Choudhary). Lata Mangeshkar's songs and Vyjayantimala's catchy dances make it a timeless classic.

It is testimony to the greatness of Roy that his films have gone down as major milestones in the history of Indian movies. Characters such as Sujata.in the film of the same name, linger in the memory long after the curtains have gone down.

Compiled by Cultural Correspondent