Bhaskar Roy Chowdhury, a renowned figure in the world of dance, was born on February 11, 1930, in the vibrant city of Madras, India, which is now known as Chennai. His father, Devi Prasad Roy Chowdhury, was a talented painter and sculptor who served as the Principal at the prestigious Madras School of the Arts. Bhaskar's early life was deeply rooted in the world of dance, as he was trained in various traditional Indian dance forms, including Kathakali, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Manipuri.
In 1955, Bhaskar made the bold decision to relocate to New York City, where he established his own dance company, Bhaskar Dances of India. This venture allowed him to share his passion for dance with a new audience and showcase his unique style. However, Bhaskar's creative endeavors did not stop at dance. He was also an accomplished painter and actor, having appeared in numerous stage plays, musicals, and motion pictures.
One of Bhaskar's most notable roles was that of Horace Bones, a Charles Manson-inspired satanist hippie cult leader in the horror film I Drink Your Blood (1971). This role cemented his place in the annals of horror movie history. Tragically, Bhaskar's life took a dramatic turn on October 25, 1977, when he suffered a severe stage fall during rehearsal, leaving him confined to a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.
Despite this setback, Bhaskar refused to let his circumstances define him. Instead, he redirected his energy towards painting, and his artistic talents flourished. He went on to become a successful painter, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful works of art. Bhaskar Roy Chowdhury passed away on August 4, 2003, at The Jewish Home & Hospital in New York City. However, before his passing, he had the opportunity to contribute an audio commentary for the limited edition I Drink Your Blood (1971) DVD, released by Grindhouse. This poignant moment allowed Bhaskar to reflect on his life's work and share his thoughts with a new generation of fans.
