Bela: The voice that empowered women, now immortalised on screen

There are voices that linger long after the sound fades— voices that shape lives, nurture dreams, and become part of a people's collective memory.

- Pranay Dutta

For Bengal, in the golden decades of radio, that voice was Bela Dey’s. Clear, firm, yet filled with warmth, it reached countless households through Mahila Mahal, the celebrated All India Radio Kolkata programme that she helmed with rare dedication. For women across the state, Bela Dey was not only a broadcaster but also a friend and guide— one who spoke about their world, their needs, and their possibilities.

Today, her remarkable journey returns to public attention with Bela, a new biopic directed by Anilava Chatterjee and starring the accomplished Rituparna Sengupta. More than a film, it is an act of remembrance— bringing back to life the woman whose voice once gave confidence to millions.

Who Was Bela Dey?

In the years after independence, radio was the heartbeat of the nation. While newspapers informed and cinema entertained, radio comforted— it spoke directly into homes. In that sphere, Bela Dey was a pioneer. With Mahila Mahal, she created a space uniquely for women, offering a blend of practical domestic guidance, nutrition, hygiene, household management, and conversations on women’s rights and self-reliance.

Listeners recall her as the sarbesarba—the one truly steering the show. Her style was instructive without being didactic, empathetic without being sentimental. And when she spoke, women listened not just for recipes or tips, but for a sense of dignity and recognition.