Subrata Mitra

Who was Subrata Mitra?

Subrata Mitra was an Indian cinematographer. Acclaimed for his work in The Apu Trilogy, Mitra is often considered one of the greatest of Indian cinematographers.

At the age of 21, Mitra, who had never held a camera before, began his career as a cinematographer with Satyajit Ray, the legendary Indian film maker, for Pather Panchali. He continued to work with him for many of Ray's later films. He is known for pioneering the technique of bounce lighting, while filming The Apu Trilogy. He was also a cousin of the renowned singer Uma Bose.

From 1997 until his death, Mitra taught cinematography at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute at Kolkata.