Kolkata’s Last Radio Connoisseur-Repairer
Kolkata’s Kumartuli neighborhood is renowned for its artistic charm and historical significance. Amidst this picturesque setting, Amit Ranjan Karmakar runs his inconspicuous radio repair shop on 40 Banamali Sarkar Street. At 66 years old, Karmakar proudly showcases his collection of nearly 150 radio sets, while diligently repairing vintage radios that have stood the test of time.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Karmakar has been running the shop since the days when Siddhartha Sankar Ray held the position of chief minister of West Bengal. Back then, radio was the primary source of entertainment, captivating the imagination of its listeners. Customers would flock to Karmakar’s shop, eager to have their radios fixed in time for cricket matches, football games, news updates, and the iconic Mahishasurmardini program that has been broadcast annually since 1931 on All India Radio Kolkata. Popular entertainment shows on channels like Vividh Bharati and Akashvani further fueled the demand for radios among the people of Bengal.
However, the advent of television in the early 21st century led to a drastic decline in the demand for radios. Radio gradually faded into obscurity, becoming a relic of the past. Only a few shows, including Hawa Mahal, Man Chai Geet, Manoranjan, and Jay Mala, continue to air on FM channels, keeping the legacy of radio alive.
The revival of radio came in the 1990s with the introduction of FM broadcasts, although it never regained the same prominence it once held. Artists like Rupankar Bhagchi, Nachiketa, Anjan Dutta, Suman Chattopadhay, as well as bands like Chandrabindoo, LRB, and Cactus, breathed new life into the medium, attracting a younger audience.
One event that truly highlights the significance of radios in Kolkata is Mahalaya, the auspicious day that heralds the start of Durga Puja, the grandest festival of Bengal. Bengalis rise before dawn to listen to the resonant voice of the legendary Birendra Krishna Bhadra reciting hymns on the radio. It is during this time that Karmakar’s expertise is in high demand. Working tirelessly until the early hours of the morning, he repairs radios so that families can experience the traditional Mahalaya ritual. Even those who have never used a radio before flock to Karmakar’s shop, knowing that he can restore their vintage sets to their former glory.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Karmakar managed to repair a few sets in 2020, though the festivities were significantly subdued. However, last year’s Durga Puja saw a resurgence in demand. Karmakar repaired and delivered a remarkable total of 91 radio sets in a single day. Recalling his most successful year, he reminisces about a day in 1981 when he repaired and delivered 70 sets just before Mahalaya.
While digitalization initially threatened his business, Karmakar experienced a renewed interest in his craft as young photographers discovered Kumartuli’s traditional trades. These visitors often seek Karmakar’s assistance to revive inherited radios, requesting that they be in working condition before Mahalaya. Some even contact their grandfathers, allowing them to listen to the restored radios over the phone. Over the years, Karmakar’s shop has become a haven for emotions, preserving a part of history within its walls.
Karmakar’s shop not only serves as a repair center but also as a mini-museum for radio enthusiasts. Among his impressive collection are iconic radios from brands like Bush, Telefunken, Philips, and Murphy. Some of these radios have even been featured in movies, such as Uttam Kumar’s Deya Neya (1963) and the songs E Ki Holo, Kno Holo (1970) and Jhar Uthechhe Baul Batas (1995).
For over four decades, Karmakar has opened his shop promptly at 7 a.m. every day, dedicating himself to his craft. On Sundays, he exhibits some of his rare sets and keepsakes outside the shop, transforming it into a captivating mini-museum. As the last remaining radio repairman in Kolkata, Karmakar is determined to carry on this age-old legacy, aware that the soul of radio will survive through him, even beyond his time.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital technology, Karmakar stands as a testament to the enduring charm of the radio. With his expertise and passion, he ensures that the nostalgia and beauty of this timeless medium live on, captivating the hearts of those who cherish the simplicity and imagination it once brought into their lives.
