Sidhu Jetha’s formal name is Siddheshwar Bose. Invented by Satyajit Ray, he is of advanced years and a man who describes himself to be like Sherlock Holmes’ brother Mycroft, living in Kolkata. He is a bibliophile and has an extensive base of general knowledge, current and historical affairs. He is a close friend of Feluda’s father, Ray’s central character in the mystery series he created for children’s movies he so lovingly made. Professor Alok Ray, who was the solitary speaker at the last pre-Puja webinar organized by PRSI Kolkata Chapter, gave a scholarly account of the character, a potent weapon in the hands of detective Feluda. But what is perhaps unknown to the world is Ray’s inspiration behind the iconic character of Sidhu Jyatha. Ray was very impressed with Nirmal Chandra Kumar, a bibliophile of considerable repute and modelled the character of Sidhu Jayatha after him. Alok Kumar is the proud son of Nirmal Kumar.
