Pagla Dashu, the very name evokes a smile and opens floodgates of memories. One of children literature’s most endearing character, Dashu aka Dasharathi is the quintessential school boy whose mad-cap capers and quite-often inexplicable actions carry subtle comedic satire. His bold misdeeds show sparks of
A bus operating on Bolpur-Siuri route in Birbhum district stands next to vast expanse of open paddy fields. As you proceed to board the bus, you suddenly realize it is not a bus but a house! A private residence! Potter Uday Das, a resident of
The fast-vanishing cabin culture of erstwhile Kolkata brings back memories of bygone days. The old cabins of North Kolkata are what dreams are made of in a bustling city. Forget AC or “ambiance,” they serve great food, the kind of food whose history can be
Have you heard of Nabadwip-er Lal Doi? The creamy red curd that is heavenly. Also known as Kheer doi or Chakku doi, it is one Nadia’s best kept secret and famous confectionery of India that is exported to different countries of the world. Though curd
This is the second of a two-part piece on how standalone movie theatres are fading from our lives, interspersed with insights from theatre owners and personal anecdotes by the writer. Basusree Cinema right on the main S.P. Mukherjee Road is still running in a financially weak
This is the first of a two-part piece on how standalone movie theatres are fading from our lives, interspersed with insights from theatre owners and personal anecdotes by the writer. No Presents Please is a collection of short stories by the Kannada writer Jayant Kaikini. The
Afghanistan’s troubled history has been stained with bloodbath, but this is again a nation that had caught the attention of legendary Bengali author Syed Mujtaba Ali, who saw this country from a different perspective. An intrepid traveller and a true cosmopolitan, the legendary Bengali author,
Two mat (madur in Bengali) artisans from Paschim Medinipur, Gouri Bala Das and Gouri Rani Jana, have been selected for the National Handicraft Award this year for outstanding contribution to handicraft, courtesy their work with the Maslandi Madur. The awards are traditionally handed over by
Indrajit: Where and how did you first meet Rituparno Ghosh? Prabuddha: I remember the first time he called me was on July 18, 2011. The date stands out because I had lost my mother just two days earlier. He told me he had started a project
In the myriad world of classical music, Bishnupur Gharana has since long made its presence felt and left an unforgettable mark. It has an identity of its own, that is completely unique, devoid of the influence of other classical gharanas. Bishnupur Gharer Gaan and instrumentals