Father Gaston Roberge, a French-Canadian priest who had lived many years in the city, had complete admiration for Satyajit Ray and his films. He also knew Ray closely as a person. During the 1970s, Fr Roberge had written several pieces on Ray’s films, as well as personal accounts.

These have been compiled into a book titled Satyajit Ray, published by Manohar Publishers. Ray’s wife Bijoya released the book at her residence on September 11. It was launched at St Xavier’s College on Thursday.

“I used to visit Manikda every Sunday at 9am. The book is biographical, especially the Apu trilogy part. To an extent, I have grown up with Apu,” said Fr Roberge.

He had given Ray a book on church music. “Not many have noticed that in Shakha Proshakha there is a Greek song O God have mercy on us. Later I gave him a book with the same song. Although he was an agnostic, he kept the book in his drawer. That was a touching moment for me.”