Bimal Roy was born on July 12, 1909, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, into a middle-class Bengali family. His early exposure to the arts, particularly the film industry, laid the foundation for his future career.

• Spouse:
  Manobina Roy
• Children:
  Joy Roy
  Rinki Bhattacharya
  Yashodhara Roy
  Aparajita Sinha

Bimal Roy was known for his calm, composed, and introspective personality. He was a director who believed in the power of subtlety in his storytelling. Unlike some of his contemporaries, he shunned flamboyance and preferred to let his work speak for itself. His approach to filmmaking was characterized by deep emotional sensitivity and a strong social conscience. His compassion for the downtrodden and the common man was reflected in many of his films.

Bimal Roy's debut as a director was with the Bengali film "Maa" (1945). However, his work in the Hindi film industry brought him widespread recognition and cemented his place in Indian cinema history.

• Bimal Roy began his career in the Indian film industry in the late 1930s.
• Initially, he worked as an assistant director to D.B. Pariyar.
• He later transitioned to work as a cinematographer for various films, gaining experience and honing his craft.
• "Maa" (1945): Bimal Roy’s debut directorial venture was the Bengali film "Maa" (1945), which was a family drama.
• Though it didn’t gain significant commercial success, it marked his entry into filmmaking.
• "Do Bigha Zamin" (1953): Bimal Roy gained widespread recognition with his Hindi film "Do Bigha Zamin".
• The film was one of the earliest examples of social realism in Indian cinema.
• Major Success: The film won the Cannes Film Festival’s Best Film Award in 1954, solidifying Roy’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
• It portrayed the struggles of a poor peasant, a theme that resonated deeply with audiences and critics.
• "Parineeta" (1953): A film based on the popular Bengali novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and social norms.
• "Devdas" (1955): A nuanced adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's tragic tale of love, highlighting Roy's skill at depicting emotional depth and tragedy.
• "Sujata" (1959): A social drama that addressed caste discrimination through the story of an orphaned girl (played by Nutan), showing Roy's engagement with social issues.
• "Kabuliwala" (1961): A poignant tale of a Kabul merchant and his relationship with a little girl in Calcutta. The film won praise for its emotional storytelling and depth of character.

Bimal Roy discovered and gave early breaks to several child actors, including Asha Parekh, Sona Mastan Mirza, Baby Farida, and Baby Sonu (Bablani), all of whom went on to achieve great fame.

Bimal Roy was influenced by international filmmakers like Jean Renoir and Vladimir Pudovkin, and he often employed European-style realism in his films. His work became a template for other directors in the Indian film industry who wanted to explore more grounded, socially relevant themes.

Bimal Roy passed away on January 8, 1966, at the age of 56, after a prolonged illness. His untimely death was a great loss to Indian cinema. Despite his relatively short life, his body of work left an indelible mark on Indian film history. He was mourned by fans and colleagues alike.

Although Bimal Roy's career was tragically brief, his impact on Indian cinema remains profound. His films are still studied and analyzed in film schools, and his contributions are considered groundbreaking. His work continues to inspire filmmakers and cinephiles worldwide.

The Bimal Roy Memorial Trophy has been awarded annually since 1997 by the Bimal Roy Memorial & Film Society to recognize both seasoned artists and contributors from the Indian film industry, as well as to honor emerging and exceptional young filmmakers.

India Post released a postage stamp featuring his image on January 8, 2007, in honor of his contributions.