• Why did you choose Kolkata as your muse? I have lived all my life in Kolkata. I am what I am because of her. I love this city irrespective of its flaws. It is a warm city, warmth of its people. The city equipped me
A few days back I turned an explorer on the streets of Kolkata. For I was keen to locate a particular house on 9C Hala Dhar Bardhan Lane in Bowbazar area. But the locals couldn’t help me. Even some of them had never noticed the
• What motivated you to get into writing films? I am fond of films since childhood. On a fine Sunday morning, when one of my actor friends offered to mark his directorial debut with one of my micro stories, it lit the first spark of film
A heritage and wildlife enthusiast, Amitava Purakayastha works as consultant in the social development sector. The babus of Paikpara took a big step in spreading and popularising Bengali Theatre in 19th century Kolkata. Raja Pratap Chandra, Ishwar Chandra Sinha and Sir Jyotindra Mohan Tagore were great
It was then British India and Kolkata was the capital. The country’s first archaeological survey started in 1863 under Robert Bruce Foote, who discovered the first conclusive stone age hand axe from Pallavaram near Madras. He went on to discover many more such tools and
Swarnali Chattopadhya is founder member of PKG, a group of enthusiasts who try to dig out everything about Bengal’s heritage and Kolkata’s old buildings to save them On 11th April we finally could meet councillor of Ward No 24, Ellora Saha. A few members of PKG
Kolkata will celebrate a unique event tomorrow keeping in line with its rich heritage of art and culture. Tomorrow is not just Poila Baisakh, but also the birthday of Leonardo Da Vinci. It is being celebrated as World Art Day across the globe. Kolkata has
Swarnali Chattopadhya, founder member of Purono Kolkatar Golpo, shares with GB readers the sad story of iconic school ‘Metropolitan Institution,’ being demolished since yesterday. Unfortunately, Kolkatans and self-proclaimed Heritage Protection Groups of the city are silent! Metropolitan Institute of Burrabazar. Another casualty of our carelessness. Yesterday,
Kolkata’s iconic by-lanes of Kumartuli and Kalighat have been home to world-famous clay idol makers since 8th-century. But little has changed for hundreds of idol makers, artisans and craftsmen of the area, whose families have lived in Kumartuli and Poto Para for centuries and tried
“Swarnali Chattopadhya, founder member of Purono Kolkatar Golpo, speaks to GB on how PKG was formed and how members are fuelled by passion and love for their city and not for commercial gain!” • What was the vision behind starting a group like Purono Kolkatar Golpo