Rabindranath Tagore was fascinated by the concept of death. He was curious to explore life after death. His preoccupation with death goes back to a series of traumatic events of his life. Tagore was 14 when his mother, Sarada Devi, passed away. Later in life
Four years ago, a well-known media house initiated a unique campaign as a global crusade to promote inclusion of women from all strata – from widows to prostitutes in the Bengali ritual of Sindoor khela during Durga Puja. The move was aimed at changing the
A couple of decades ago snake charmers used to be a fixture at Indian markets and festivals, enchanting crowds with their ability to control some of the world's most venomous reptiles. I can still recollect watching a snake charmer perform his acts and I stood
There is something irrationally annoying about Indian summer in the plains. The never-ending season, the excessive, oppressive heat round the clock, the discomfort of stinking bodies bathed in sweat and grime… well, the list could just go on and on but then there is only
This year marks the 99th birth anniversary of Satyajit Ray, one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th century who brought Indian cinema to the world forum with Pather Panchali. For young film director, Shamik Basu, it seemed like a tryst with destiny when his
Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts – or so goes the saying but what if you are dished out a container full of fudge strewn with nuts? Obviously, you will settle down for what’s on offer. After all, the ancient
I am twenty, In my twenty years, I’ve been walking for a thousand; For a thousand years, I’ve been walking – pushing through poverty, destitution and death, For a thousand years, I’ve been a witness to history – the history of poverty, of deprivation, of exploitation, For a thousand
“Life takes you down many paths but my favorite ones lead to the beach…..” Nothing could be closer to the truth for me and for all who have had the opportunity to stop over at Henry’s Island for a short weekend trip, away from the
Dreams have only one owner at a time That’s why dreamers are lonely – Erma Bombeck This is so true for sexagenarian bioscope-wallah Mohammad Salim, who has been hawking celluloid dreams to Calcuttans on streets for almost half-a-century. Age is catching up with him and now
Borun Babur Bondhu is a rare gem in the current Bengali movie scenario. Based on Ramapada Chowdhury’s novel, Chhad, it is a movie that leaves you thinking, wondering of the present-day family structure. Borun Babur Bondhu has a cast of stalwarts like Soumitra Chatterjee, Madhabi