Himself a poet too, Chatterjee,was speaking at the launch of Biswas's book of poems titled 'Orion - A Poetry Collection'.

Chatterjee, said, “I have known Pradip for almost 50 years. I have known about his talent as an author but was unaware of the fact that he also writes poetry, and I congratulate him on his new endeavor.”

The book launch was hosted by Kolkata's leading bookstore Starmark at their Quest Mall outlet.

Biswas dedicated the anthology to Chatterjee, addressing the latter as his "my guide, mentor and philosopher."

Apart from working with and writing for various leading newspapers in India, Biswas has authored books on films and film personalities, such as 'Buddhadeb Dasgupta: Cinema of Imprinted Times', 'Yilmaz Guney: Cineaste Militant,' and 'Sandip Ray:Take One'.

During the launch, Biswas  talked about his work as a film critic, about the various international film directors he has met, and his special bond with Greek filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos about whom he has written two books.

Biswas also spoke highly about Chatterjee's penmanship as a poet and said he has translated a few of the actor's poems in Bengali to English.

Both Soumitra Chatterjee and Pradip Biswas read out from the anthology that was launched.

(Reporting by Tirna Chatterjee)