Kolkata Durga Puja Junction 4

THE COGNITION TREE

November November 01 - 15th2018 Issue 2018 Issue Volume 1 | Issue 2 AN INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

NEWS IN BRIEF ‘Commercialization’ Swallowing The Mores

China Inaugurates World’s Samayeta Kanjilal to puja organizers by corporates for their Longest Sea Bridge excellence in various fields. For example, Berger Paints will present ‘Priyo Pujo 2018’, Asian Paints will give away the ‘Sharad Somman 2018’, and the list goes on too long.

The sponsors and advertisements provide the monetary aid behind these huge productions. In fact, this year there will be no GST charge for putting up advertisements Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Tuesday offi- on pandals. Also, the state Government cially launched the world’s longest sea took initiative this year, by giving 28 crore bridge linking Hong Kong, Macau and Picture courtesy: Google Rupees for the puja committees. Each Mainland China. This 55km long bridge with Picture courtesy: Google club will receive 10,000 rupees. The ‘Biswa an approx 14 billion budget is expected to Puja has everything larger-than-life about Bangla Sharad Samman’, an initiative he most vibrantly cherished festival in it. But, year after year, it is losing the by the State government, will honor puja benefit trade economically and reduce West Bengal full of pompous joy and essence, the entity of real Puja. There is no committees with different grand titles. travel time. Moreover it is also seen as Textravaganza for the whole of Bengal more the enthusiasm of the fragrance of an attempt to integrate ties with Hong is, of course, the Durga Puja. Goddess “Shiuli” or the aestheticism of the “Kaash” Even though this festival generates income Kong when trade relations with the US are Durga, the epitome of goodness and among the children of this generation. for thousands of artists and artisans and already tumultuous. virtue, wages war against the Asuras (the they get an opportunity to showcase evils) and defeats Mahishasura, the Lord of Puja today is a hi-decibel, hi-profile, pan- their skills and talents, people should not Simplifying Transactions the Asuras in an epic battle. But besides this Indian carnival. The puja that we used to forget the actual purpose of the festival battle, there gradually emerged another look forward to, today has been reduced and maintain its originality. The community With the rise in use of e-wallets, the RBI in battle in these recent years. The battle to a flippant circus. Business analyst participation cannot be replaced by a recent guideline issued interoperability here talked about is the battle between Suvankar Pramanik showed his contrariness the event managers, the amateur of different e-wallets. This means users will the Puja committees. Yes, in Bengalis much about this and said “Today everything is performances cannot all be replaced now be able to transfer money between awaited festival Durga Puja, we now wait commercialized, why not Durga puja? It’s by professional artists. It is obvious that various e-wallets like Paytm, Freecharge, for the Puja committees battling for their totally fine. It gives rise to creativity and everything will change with times or rather glory and fame. without money, it is not going to succeed. must change, but the purpose of novelty and Mobikwik among others. This will should remain like a bolster to keep with ensure growth of e-wallet segments and the tradition and not shatter it. aid further ease of cashless transaction.

Wedding Bells for Deepika Ranveer

Tinsel town is buzzing with excitement Picture courtesy: Google as the most awaited wedding of power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Slowly but steadily, the festival has become Nothing is worse on little commercialization. Singh is round the corner. After making a mega corporate event. And with each It is a chance for people to express and fans guess much, this couple has formally passing year, the “commercialization” has show their work. It’s getting people in the become rigid. The market forces have announced their wedding dates in mood to celebrate it like an event”. come into play now. It is now more a November. Now, it’s for us to wait for the battle of brands as corporates take it as a The trend started with awards being given Picture courtesy: Google much glamorous wedding to be unveiled. marketing and business opportunity. Durga The Millennials Riya Jagdev we know, has a lot to offer, yet due to our mechanical your ex”. crusts, we are looking for it on the internet. How often do we feel drawn to nature? The answer is that our We, as teens are afraid of commitments. Not because we generation is preoccupied with these social sites having can’t handle them but our instability adds to our notion. lost the kinship of real meetings. We find ourselves losing There are solutions that demand time and patience. to the technology. Thus, for this very reason, we want a If only we look deep into ourselves and understand our chance now and then, to get away from it occasionally emotions. Let alone we have so many aspects of our lives and delve deep into nature. Enjoying everything we’ve we need to handle. So, it is only fair if we take a pause missed at our own abode. from our usual presence to understand what truly resides within us. As I further continue, let’s talk about the filtering of things! We, like the teens, filter our lives. But, it is great to show As millennials, we could be proud then, of ourselves and everyone how “dope” our lives are and how “chilled true to the whole of humanity and mankind. Picture courtesy: Google out” we are as individuals. This attitude of hypocrites has n this era of technology and virtualization, the first changed our vision of what truly lies ahead of us and meetings have lost their meaning! Have you ever heard more often we blur the lines between our filtered lives and Isomeone these days, not on a social media site? I guess the real one. Confused as we are, we seek answers from not! You see, the times are changing and the world is different areas of the internet landing back to square one getting open to these new ideas and stories that people where feelings are shown in status updates and fights in have to offer! And more so often we’ve now found a texts! We often forget that sometimes we need to open place where we can find the answers to all our questions up about our feelings to people and not through the without any judgments. Life and the world in reality, as internet and that is when we’ll find closure not by “stalking Picture courtesy: Google 2 November November 01 - 15th2018 Issue 2018 Issue Volume 1 | Issue 2

I am Malala: Powerful tale of grit and determination in the face of religious extremism Sindoor Khela and the bur- er with the social and historical milieu in of her actions. As Malala’s prominence ris- Ayush Maskara which the book fits to show the signifi- es and her actions get more coverage in den of being a Goddess cance of her actions. newspapers and television channels, her life too is at a higher risk. The Taliban is al- Prof. Anuradha Deb I Am Malala is a beautiful piece of chron- ways out to kill her. ological state of events; from Malala’s urga puja, besides being the most birth to her being shot by the Talibans. Yousafzai talks about all the other death awaited festival of the year for A girl child’s birth is not a matter of cel- threats that she had received and her fam- Dthe Bengali community, is also a ebration in Pakistan, given the feudal ily’s decision to keep her enrolled in school moment of celebration and glorification mindset of the people in northwestern despite the Taliban making an attempt to for Indian womanhood. The ceremonial of the country. But Malala’s father took bomb many other schools in the previous worshipping of the mother goddess – Dur- an initiative; he insisted on a small gath- weeks. Yousafzai’s discourse on the history ga— who is understood to be empowered ering with relatives because he was sure of the culture of the Swat village in north- through the weapons and tools bestowed that she would be special. How we know western Pakistan and the social context upon her in all her ten hands, is revered in Malala today was because of her father. in which her story takes place allows the the embodiment of her possessing a holy Her father went against societal norms reader to have a more informed perspec- strength of some immeasurable kind. to celebrate her daughter’s birth, set up tive on the issues at hand. a school to propagate women educa- She is opulently decorated into a feminist tion and empowerment amidst adversi- In short, I Am Malala is a well-written sto- icon during the pujo days. She is described ties. For instance, after finally starting the ry about a girl’s determination to fight for as the protector, mother, slayer of demons school and gaining traction with the lo- education for women in a region deep in all its pop feministic symbols. When the cal villages, there occurs a flood in the steeped in patriarchal notions of women festival season arrives, the saree and or- region and his school gets wiped out. behaviour and roles. Her dissection of the naments’ brands simply cannot afford to Furthermore, the author magnificently chronological events in her life and the miss out on the opportunity to monetize goes on to describe further sequence of historical and social context of her actions Durga. This is our practiced culture. Travel Picture source: Google events, like the list of awards Malala was allow the reader to better understand the and tourism business flourishes. Social me- receiving when she was ten and eleven profound significance of her actions and dia, tv commercials, newspapers and print n the novel, I Am Malala, by Malala years old by speaking out on the impor- the courage it took to do what she did. platforms go berserk in their voluminous in- Yousafzai, the main character Mala- tance of education for all. After giving Her actions have been rewarded with toxication towards reverence of Maa Dur- Ila is a Pakistani human rights activist a talk titled, “How dare the Taliban take the International Children’s Peace Prize in ga, who according to the practiced Hindu working for the welfare of children and away my basic right to education?” 2011, the Pakistan’s National Youth Peace mythology, descends with her four chil- women. From a young age, her father, Yousafzai shares with the reader that the Prize, a speech to the United Nations, and dren from her husband, Shiva’s home, to also a strong proponent of education en- Taliban then proceeded to issue a death a Nobel Peace Prize. As reading Malala her father’s home. For the number of days couraged her to stand up for what they threat against her. So when the story gets Yousafzai’s story has profoundly deep- she is there on earth, she is pampered with believed in. In the traditional community to the climax of the Taliban soldier shoot- ened my knowledge of Middle Eastern numerous varieties of bhog, prasad and of Swat in northwestern Pakistan, Malala’s ing Malala in the face, the author has al- cultural affairs and the struggle of children, aarti, etc. The build up to the festive days father over the years built and expanded ready successfully conveyed her life sto- particularly women, in those countries to echo with the impatient fervour of the ad- his school. It had 1100 pupils and over sev- ry to us and in that moment we feel her receive proper education, I believe it can vent of Durga Maa, the savior of mankind enty teachers. Unfortunately, the Taliban trepidation and can empathise with her do the same for others and better human- who is about to arrive, for whom elabo- follows a very strict interpretation of the unfortunate predicament. ity. rate and expensive pandals are created. Quran and is completely against women’s education. On a morning in Octo- Similarly Yousafzai conveys to the read- ber 9, 2012, a Taliban member stopped a er the crucial historical context in which Book: I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for school bus, asked for Malala’s name, and her actions transpire. Yousafzai devotes a shot her thrice. She spent the following hefty portion of the first part of the book Education and Was Shot by the Taliban months recuperating and moved to Lon- to talk about the culture in the Swat Val- don with her family, while the internation- ley of Pakistan, the differential treatment Author: Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai al community discovered her story. She meted out to men and women, the Talib- would go on to become the youngest an’s role in everyday affairs, and how girls Genre: Autobiography, Biography Nobel Peace Prize laureate for advocat- are brought up to be prepared as wives ing and fighting for education for women. for future husbands. Yousafzai explores This is a breathtaking novel about a girl’s the history of Pakistan and gives out the Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (US), Picture source: Google fight for women’s education in the face nuances that led to this fragmented Shasthi, the sixth day of the festival is re- of Talibanism and a repressive regime of country. Therefore, when she ends up Weidenfeld & Nicolson (UK) served exclusively for mothers who ob- extremist forces. Yousafzai follows a log- becoming a blogger for BBC, blogging serve fast for the well being of their chil- ical sequence as she writes the book. about the Taliban’s new edict banning Publishing Year: October 2013 dren. The patriarchal design of this festival This allows the reader to understand the girls from attending school, we, the read- does not allow the barren women to ob- sequence of events better. She does an serve this particular fast, excluding fathers er, know what major risk she’s taking be- Total Pages: 288 incredulous job by providing the read- cause we are aware of the social context as well. Since this is a sacred observance of a ritual, it is binding for the mothers only. It therefore also makes a statement Badhaai Ho - The Situational Humor of Contingency of good mothers and bad mothers. It also acts as a burden for fathers who don’t Manisha Shaw ism that the Indian society is beleaguered stated. The taboo surrounding an elderly have to observe the fast on this day and with. couple conceiving a child, despite having are not supposed to have that bond with a son of marriageable age, is normalized the children as much as the mother does. A young boy from a middle-class family, delicately without being over the top. Nakul Kaushik (played by Ayushmann Khur- Thus, on the 10th day when Dashami rana), has a perfect life, a doting family, As is the case with any such content-driv- comes and the Goddess has to leave an understanding girlfriend and a high-fly- en movies, it is the actors who bring these her pedestal, women give her a grand ing career. His life seemingly crumbles characters to life! Gajraj Rao and Neena farewell. Married women while applying down when he discovers his middle-aged Gupta are perfectly cast as the embar- sindoor (red vermillion) on the idol’s feet parents (played by Gajraj Rao and Nee- rassed couple, never letting their char- and forehead, pray for their happy and na Gupta) are expecting a child, 25 years acters slip into farcical shame. Ayushman long married lives to one another greeting after he was born! What ensues is a hilar- Khurana as the protagonist, Sanya Mal- “Shubho Bijoya”- a ritual which is supposed ious ride of children feeling contempt for hotra and her mother Sheeba Chaddha to invite prosperity to their household. This their parents and the society adding insult has brilliantly stood on their expectations. is called the Sindoor khela. However, this to the injury. His colleague and girlfriend, Surekha Sikri as Dadi, is hilarious and one of glorified practice essentially magnifies the Renee (played by Sanya Malhotra) bears the most endearing characters for a gran- importance of marriages in women’s lives. the brunt of this commotion and so does ny written in Hindi cinema in recent times. It clearly makes a distinction between the her elite IAS mother (played by Sheeba Also, it was fun to watch all the characters married and the unmarried— turning it ex- Chaddha). speak in chaste western UP dialect, add- clusively into women’s domain where too ing another dimension to their characters. there is a subtle discrimination created be- Firstly, full points to the art director and cos- tween the married and those who are not. tume designers for authentically setting Movie: Badhaai Ho So we see a kind of burden on this God- up a typical middle-class household. The dess to be ‘auspicious’, to be ‘prosperous’ makers do not take time in setting up the Director: Amit Sharma and an entity which excludes the barren, Picture source: Google theme. Besides this, director Amit Sharma the celibate, the widowed, the Other. This beautifully exploits his cinematographer, mainstream celebration of the Goddess Screen Play: Akshat Ghildial irector Amit Ravindernath Shar- Sanu Varghese, to create frames that can also be understood to be well strate- ma’s “Badhaai Ho” deals with the come alive on screen. The congested and gized mass exercise in order to marginal- Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Sanya Malhotra, Neena same predicament but the tone is tiny house becomes the vibrant epicenter ize, push out, erase out, a line not drawn D of this hysterical entertainer, only because by these women themselves but by others. part-humorous and part-emotional. Set in a middle-class Delhi family, the film exam- of the brilliant shots. These frames are fur- Gupta, Gajraj Rao The celebration is certainly not an inclu- ines how a khush khabri (good news) can ther lifted by the witty writing by Akshat sive one. It has never been ‘sarbojonin’. prove not to be one, given the stark age- Ghildial, where humour is mostly under- Release Date: October 18, 2018 Because no inclusion can be conditional. November November 01 - 15th2018 Issue 2018 Issue Volume 1 | Issue 2 3 Tete-a-tete with the man who introduced female dhakis in Bengal How did the idea of training women come make it more appealing to the audience Anurag Ghosh Dhak playing came as an inheritance to to your mind? How well was it accepted? of today. In 2010, I organized a workshop me. My forefathers have been involved where dhakis from many districts came t’s often said that behind every success- with this art form since ages. I learnt the In one such international tours in North together to promote the art form. On the ful man there is a woman, but the wom- basics from my father. However I con- America, I visited a music store to buy a last day of the workshop, we put up a per- Ien of this quiet village of Maslandapur sider Pt. Tanmoy Bose as my guru. It is all saxophone for my son where I found the formance in front an audience comprising from Habra district have a different story because of him that I was able to reach lady at the counter playing multiple kinds renowned musicians and celebrities from to tell. Their lives have been transformed where I am today. I was able to learn var- of instruments effortlessly. It is then that the the music fraternity. They were amazed to because of the dhak, an instrument that ious instruments like the saxophone, clar- idea struck me. I wondered how women see how dhak could be played with a va- brings an aura to the festive mood and inet, harmonium, dholak, etc. as a kid. back in my village are far more laborious riety of mainstream instruments. The work- spirit of Durga puja; and they have only But under guruji’s guidance, I was able to and hardworking. Then why can’t they shop was also an effort to make the dhakis but Gokul Chandra Das to thank. Gokul focus more deeply on dhak and explore play something wonderful as a dhak?! I trained and learned musicians. We also Das is a now a household name in Bengal, new horizons with it. got back home after the tour and soon discussed about nuances and techniques thanks to the numerous appearances on Why is Dhak still not part of mainstream started training women of my locality in which could be adopted to make dhak television shows alongside stalwarts such music despite being a rich traditional per- dhak. Initially I got mixed response from my more interesting for modern day listeners. as Pt. Tanmoy Bose, Pt. Bickram Ghosh, cussion instrument? neighborhood and started with a group of The response we have received overtime Ustaad Zakir Hussain, Pt. Ravi Shankar and six women. The idea was very new and has encouraged us even more. Corpo- many more. After having brought glory Our forefathers were very renowned and unique as no one had ever thought about rates are calling us to inaugurations and through the use of dhak in his numerous played well. But they lacked a far sight- it before. With time and overcoming crit- product launches, also, movies and daily performances at several music concerts in soaps are showcasing us. This is promoting India and worldwide, he is out on a mission the art form as well as artists. The present currently. government has promoted folk art and In a telephonic conversation, Anurag artists to a great extent and we receive Ghosh talks to Gokul Das about the reviv- monthly financial grants. al of dhak in mainstream musical culture and his mission to train women to take up What is the future of dhak? Do you see drumming as a profession. young musicians taking up dhak as an art?

Is playing dhak your family profession? Tell Before my time is done, I’d like to restore us how has the journey been so far? the lost respect for the dhak and the dhaki. You will never find a table player Yes, we come from a family of dhakis. being summoned to play at odd hours My father and grandfather both were re- or for indefinite time. Whereas we dhakis nowned dhakis. I started training under are called for at any time of the day, of- my father Ishwar Motilal Das at the age ten with not-so-good gestures. Dhak has of four, who gave me lessons on classical always been neglected and seen with dhak playing. Initially I used to play the demeanor. After a long struggle, we have kanshor and then slowly I took up the dhak finally registered our group and you can and used to go along with my father to find us on www.gokuldhaki.in. I want peo- perform at shows. I have participated and ple to accept dhak as an instrument, un- performed in innumerable competitions derstand its importance and presence and shows all over India; in places like Del- and respect the art form as well as the art- hi, Mumbai, Allahabad, Lucknow. In one Picture courtesy: The Indian Express ist. I will not be there forever, even after I such Durga puja competition in 2004, I am gone, people and the masses should was conferred with the title of the ‘Dhaki ed approach. They never thought about icism, my efforts were recognized and at have information or material from which Samrat’ after having competed against the next generation and how they might present we have 50 women who have they can learn dhak. 32 teams. In fact it is during this compe- want to take the art forward. You will not trained under me and are performing in tition that I got to meet Pt. Tanmoy Bose find any study material or lessons based several shows. Training women in dhak is a very unique and had the privilege to perform with his on dhak like we get for instruments such as initiative. Do you think women have the world renowned fusion troupe Taal Tantra the tabla, dhol, pakhawaj or harmonium. Dhak is still a very Durga puja related in- potential to become better than men in and have been touring around the world Dhak being very region specific to Bengal, strument. Why don’t we see it at par with drumming? with him till date. I got the opportunity to you will not find a single institution where instruments like table or mridanga? What perform in North America, England, Jakar- dhak is taught formally. The art of dhak are the efforts being taken for the revival Earlier pilots used to be men only, but now ta, Indonesia, Norway and Bangladesh. playing has been recognised as a main- of dhak and for its survival as an art form in women have encroached that space too. Such encounters also gave me a platform stream art form. But I am trying to change the long run? Nothing is impossible if the person con- to perform with legends and maestros like the mindset. I have started writing a book cerned wants to work hard for whatever Pt. Ravi Shankar and Ustad Zakir Hussain. In which will help the future generations to Dhak was previously found only during the he or she is aiming at. With this thought, Norway, I got to be a part of a 250 piece come forward and learn this instrument as Durga puja. However, nowadays, times I had started training the women and I symphony orchestra comprising musicians a mainstream art. Dhak is also based on are changing and with efforts like that wish that someday in future I see these fe- from throughout the world. basics similar to that of tabla or pakhawaj of mine, people are accepting it more male students of mine shining in the field and my book will have details about the widely. I brought about the concept of of mainstream music, playing the dhak to Who inspired you to take up this profes- technicalities of dhak. fusion dhak where dhak is being played glory. sion? along with saxophone, keyboards, etc to

Putulbari: The Marvels Beyond the Mysteries

Ankita Ghosh “Trespassing Is Strictly Prohibited” stared at Century and the office was located on the third prevailing for centuries. our face accepting all the spectral rumors floor of the grand house. The then inhabitants surrounding the property. On contrary, we acted of the house were the earliest members of the Few locals even opined, that no ghostly spirits by stepping inside the passage only to witness Natta family, headed by Baikuntha Natta, who haunt the place and that it is just a fabricated a vast knitting factory with some old machinery lived there for generations. With the passage of story to put the grand mansion under extreme and encountered a worker preventing us from time, the ownership of both the company and scrutiny and a plan to compel the residents to any going further. the house passed on to the hands of his heirs, vacate the place so that it can be occupied by the most recent being Sri Makhan Lal Natta, who the promoters. Picture source: Google Listed by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation in passed away a few years ago. The “Putul Bari” has just become an object of the graded list of heritage buildings in Kolkata, social hype. Although the actual reality and Shovabazar area of Kolkata has many old the Putul Bari should rather be known for its The numerous age-old tales of terror have left marvel of the heritage are being suppressed architectural marvels, all unique in their own architecture based on the Roman style of houses. people intimidated and left an impression of under the myths and mysteries, it is also a fact ways. But Putul Bari (The Dollhouse) depicting The now ruined walls were once intricately the house being an abandoned building out of a that every brick of the ancient historic gem has Roman architecture, situated just beside the made out of stucco and plastic. The marble- horror movie. The ice of notion is broken right witnessed numerous stories, that are lost amidst Circular Railway Station and the Shobhabazar lined cupola is adorned by four beautiful statues after finding the reality that the building is a the four walls. Launch Jetty, symbolizes trepidation and of dolls of antique designs. The terrace too home to many families. The present members terror. The silence of the lanes augments into contains small idols made on the framework of remain unavailable and get easily agitated by the ambiance along with the hoaxes of the little dolls. With its elaborately curved arched the mere mention of any visitor. Revealing our locals. Well, that didn’t petrify us to reach windows, ornate stucco walls, baroque columns interest being the architecture and history, we Want your articles to be featured? Do “House number 4” or the “Bhooter Bari” as and delicately latticed grills, it’s a breath-taking had the opportunity to interact with one of the locals addressed. example of rococo architecture. the residents, Mr. Bakshi, who clarified all the you have wisdoms to share and photo- rumors that go around the air. He explained Once a brothel, this architecture now Post the British Colonisation period, the Natta how the stories are just rumors as the families graphs to be showcased? send in to us at: stoops with crumbling red bricks before family took over the house, acquiring it in residing there never faced any such mentioned us in its solitary grandeur. The enormous 1978. They were the owners of the “Natta Jatra circumstances. He further added that they do wooden gates, ruined over time, opened Company.” It was one of the most renowned not intend to do any renovation as they want to [email protected] up and welcomed us to a pitch-dark passageway. theatre companies of West Bengal in the 19th preserve the essence of the house that has been The bold notice in a board outside mentioning 4 November November 01 - 15th2018 Issue 2018 Issue Volume 1 | Issue 2 Maddox Square: Kolkata Durga Puja Junction

Anik Banerjee Lord Mahishasura.

Kolkata boasts of emerging as the hub of Durga Puja, putting forward an extravaganza of more than 4 days.

Picture courtesy: Tirthankar Das 1935 started by Late Saroj Bagchi at his Ritchie Road residence. In the successive year, the puja was shifted to Maddox Square. The silver jubilee celebrations of the Picture courtesy: Tirthankar Das puja in 1960 have seen the idol of Goddess Time passes tastily here with the Durga carved in the traditional “ekchala” mouthwatering stalls of all the quality firms structure, decked with the silver-colored serving food and beverages all round attire popularly known as “Daaker shaaj”. the clock. With food being served and On the occasion of the golden jubilee of beverages being slurped the ground of the puja in 1985, the Goddess had been Maddox Square echoes of music, dance, redecorated with the golden “Daaker crowding celebrities and overcrowding shaaj” and it has been golden since then trance of a place anywhere but the which is continuing even now. Apart from humdrum usual city. Tender memories the ancient puja here, Maddox Square has develop and revolve all around the ethnic been and is still the hub for the young and Picture courtesy: Tirthankar Das Maddox Square which the Kolkata create, the old, where people of all classes, castes, recreate and live every year throughout races, and genders commingle with each urga Puja being the largest of Picture courtesy: Tirthankar Das the days of Durga Puja. other in an epic get together. the festivals for the Hindus is an Dever-growing carnival along with Among the most grabbing destinations of its religious roots to being a ceremony, Durga Puja, if the traditional corners aren’t a celebration of goodness, arts, of considered, Maddox Square is the place artisans and craftsmen, of aestheticism, which offers the most amiable hospitality of friendship and love and finally of the to all the visitors. Besides the ancient female kind through the Goddess Durga, Durga Puja there, Maddox brags of its long who single-handedly defeated the Asura heritage of Durga Puja carrying on since

Picture courtesy: Tirthankar Das Picture courtesy: Tirthankar Das ডায়নার ধারর লাল-ঝারেলা Tushita Choudhury পশ্চিমবঙ্গের একটি ছ োি জোয়গো, ছেখোঙ্গে প্রোয় ব র চল্লিশ আঙ্গগ একিো আঙ্গদোলে হঙ্গয়ল্ল ল। লোল সমরো ওঁরোও এবং ঝোঙ্গমলো ওঁ রোও এই আঙ্গদোলঙ্গে মুখয হঙ্গয় ওঙ্গে। তো ঁঙ্গের েোঙ্গমই লোল-ঝোঙ্গমলো বশ্চি, জোয়গোিো ভোরত- ভু িোে সীমোঙ্গরখোয় অবল্লিত।

খুব ছভোঙ্গর উঙ্গে জলপোই巁ল্লি ছেঙ্গক বোস এ কঙ্গর ছপ ㆁঙ্গ ছগলোম ল্লেউ জলপোই巁ল্লি ছেশঙ্গে, তোরপর ছসখোে ছেঙ্গক আল্ললপুরেুয়োঙ্গরর ছেে। ছেে োিঙ্গলো সকোল ৬ িোয়, একিু পঙ্গরই ছেে কু ঁ -শ্চঝক-শ্চঝক শঙ্গে; আকোঙ্গশ কোঙ্গলো ছ োঁয়ো উল্লিঙ্গয় প্রঙ্গবশ করঙ্গলো জেঙ্গলর গভগভ ঙ্গৃ হ। মোঝখোে ল্লেঙ্গয় ছেে লোইে আর েু- োঙ্গর ঘে জেল, মোয়োবী এক পল্লরঙ্গবশ। প্রল্লত মুহঙ্গূ ত ভএকিো উচ্ছোস কোজ করল্ল ল, েল্লে ছকোঙ্গেো জীব-জে্তূ ছেখো েোয়। অবঙ্গশঙ্গে ছসই উচ্ছোঙ্গসর সমোল্লি ঘিঙ্গলো, একেল েোঁতোল ছেখো ল্লেল!!!!

প্র কৃ ল্ল তর অপ쇂প সটৃ ি উপঙ্গভোগ করঙ্গত করঙ্গত কখে ছে মোলবোজোর ছেশে চঙ্গল আসল বুজঙ্গতই পোল্লর ল্লে। ছেশঙ্গের বোইঙ্গর েোঁল্লিঙ্গয়ল্ল ল গোল্লি, ছপ ㆁ ঙ্গত প্রোয় এক ঘন্টো ছলঙ্গগ ছগল। লোল ঝোঙ্গমলো গ্রোঙ্গম একটি মোত্র ছহোমঙ্গে, ছসখোঙ্গে আঙ্গগ ছেঙ্গক বুল্লকং করঙ্গত হয়। ছহোমঙ্গের রোন্নো ছবশ ভোঙ্গলো, ভোিো ১২০০/- প্রল্লত রোশ্চত্র। ছহোমঙ্গেঙ্গত েুপুঙ্গরর খোওয়ো ছসঙ্গর আমরো একিু হোঁিঙ্গত ছবঙ্গরোলোম। জোয়গোিো খুব সুদর, পল্লৃ েবীর বোইঙ্গর ছেে এক স্বগ ভরোজয। লোল- ঝোঙ্গমলোর পোঙ্গশই ছচংিোমোরী চো বোগোে। েঙ্গূ রর েৃশযিো েয়েোল্লভরোম, একল্লেঙ্গক চো বোগোে অেযল্লেঙ্গক ডোয়েো েেী বঙ্গয় েোঙ্গচ্ছ েোর অপর পোঙ্গর ভু িোঙ্গের পোহোি উল্লঁ ক মোরঙ্গ ।

কযোঙ্গমরোর ছলঙ্গে বশ্চদ করোর ছচিো করলোম এই অপ쇂প েৃশয।

েেীর জল কু ল -কু ল শঙ্গে বঙ্গয় েোঙ্গচ্ছ, সূে ভ আকোঙ্গশর ছকোঙ্গল ঢঙ্গল পঙ্গিঙ্গ ; হোলকো েোন্ডোর আঙ্গমজ। ল্লেশিবদ্ধতোই এখোেকোর প্র োে ছস দে। ভ ীঙ্গর ীঙ্গর ল্লবঙ্গকল গল্লিঙ্গয় সন্ধ্যো েোমঙ্গত লোগঙ্গলো। পিন্ত স ূঙ্গ ে ভর এক মোয়োময় ছখলো হল। ছহোমঙ্গেঙ্গত ছেরোর সময় কত গোঢ় কমলো রঙ্গের 쇁দ্রপলোশ ছচোঙ্গখ পিঙ্গলো। ল্লবঙ্গকঙ্গল মুল্লি- মোখো ও গরম গরম ছতঙ্গলভোজো ছখলোম। আড্ডো চলঙ্গলো ছবশ রোত অবল্ল।

পরল্লেে খুব ছভোঙ্গর ঘুম ভোেঙ্গলো, বোরোদোয় ছবল্লরঙ্গয় ছেল্লখ ীঙ্গর ীঙ্গর ঘুম ভোংঙ্গ লোল-ঝোঙ্গমলোর। অেন্ত েীল আকোঙ্গশর ছকোঙ্গল উল্লঁ ক ল্লেঙ্গচ্ছ স ূঙ্গ ে ভর আঙ্গলো। ঊেোর প্রেম ল্লকরণঙ্গক স্বোগত জোেোঙ্গত গোে ঙ্গরঙ্গ ছবশ ল্লক ু অজোেো পোল্লখ। ছকোেোয় ছেে হোল্লরঙ্গয় ছগল্ল লোম এইসব উপলল্লি করঙ্গত করঙ্গত.....। পরমো প্র কৃ ল্লত ছেে তো ঁর 쇂ঙ্গপর ডোল্লল ছমঙ্গল ঙ্গরঙ্গ , সল্লিৎ ল্লেঙ্গর এঙ্গলো মোঙ্গয়র ডোঙ্গক।

প্রোতরোশ ছসঙ্গর ছবল্লরঙ্গয় পিলোম। সোমঙ্গেই একটি ছব দ্ধ মশ্চদঙ্গর ছগলোম, ছসখোে ছেঙ্গক ঝোলঙ্গের পে রলোম। আঙ্গস পোঙ্গশ ছ োি ছ োি গ্রোম.. রোিো চঙ্গলঙ্গ এঁঙ্গক-ছবঁঙ্গক। একিো ছ োি পোহোল্লি ছহোঙ্গিঙ্গল মযোল্লগ ও সুপ ছখলোম....উে ল্লক তোর স্বোে!!!

ঝোলঙ্গের চোল্লরপোশ পোহোঙ্গি ছঘরো, আর তোর মোঝখোে ল্লেঙ্গয় বঙ্গয় েোঙ্গচ্ছ ঝ ণ। ভো প্রোল্লকল্লতক এই ছস দে ভ অতুলেীয়।

ল্লবঙ্গকঙ্গল ল্লেঙ্গর এলোম ছহোমঙ্গেঙ্গত। পরল্লেে ছেরোর পোলো। তোিোতোল্লি ল্লডেোর ছসঙ্গর ঘুল্লমঙ্গয় পিলোম। Picture courtesy: Google মোঝরোঙ্গত হেোৎই ঘুম ছভঙ্গে ছগল, এঙ্গস েোঁিোলোম বোরোদোয়। ঘুল্লমঙ্গয় আঙ্গ ছগোিো লোল-ঝোঙ্গমলো বশ্চি; ল্লেদ্রোল্লবঙ্গভোর রোত ও ছে এত সুদর হঙ্গত পোঙ্গর ভোল্লবল্লে কখঙ্গেো। November November 01 - 15th2018 Issue 2018 Issue Volume 1 | Issue 2 5 1 2

1. “Vessel in Tack” by Abhimanyu Paul

2. “Through Third Eye” by Rajdeep Dey

3. “Freezed Dudgery” by Ronit Sarkar

4. “THE BROKEN GENERATION,

MENDING ITSELF” by Shubhankar Chatterjee

5. “The Natureflapper Green Cochoa by Subhayan

Chakraborty

6. “Freezed E-Motion” by Ronik Das

7. “Half Behemoth Wheel” by Atanu Majumder 6 November November 01 - 15th2018 Issue 2018 Issue Volume 1 | Issue 2 The Divine Intervention Artistic Swapna Kar It was a ritual for the family to go to our then narrated a tale that has haunted me native village for Kali puja. The village life since then. was so different from our lives in the city. So were the celebrations. The whole village One year, there was a bitter quarrel among would gather near our ancestral temple the brothers of the family and hence it was CORNER for the puja. The puja would go on for the decided, that they would not perform the whole night. My father would look quite Kali puja. This was a disappointment for the different in his dhoti and kurta and Maa whole village but none dared to question The Solitude of Divinity with her head covered with her pallu. We the decision. would gather around our grandfather and Aditi Dutta pester him to tell us stories.

She is the ultimate trance of Woman- I can recall a story that my grandfather hood. Picture courtesy: Google told us, one such evening. Kali puja that is A mother. A daughter. A sister. iwali is the time when everyone performed in our village is almost 400 years Countless figure with counting days. across India is in a mood for old. Nobody knows who started the puja but my grandfather says the traditions She is the unrivalled power. celebration. For many, it is the time D and the rituals have been the same since to return home. But for me, it’s when I can the very beginning. He told us that this She leaves but takes away the darkness go back in time and reminisce about my grandparents and the lovely time spent puja cannot be stopped. It has to go on. with her. with them. Promptly, my brother asked why was it She bleeds the crimson vermilion with so important for the puja to continue. He pride from her forehead. As she takes her farewell, she drinks in the silent tears. She is the fading image of every lasting Picture courtesy: Google femininity. The day of Kali puja evening passed without any festivities. Everyone went to bed as per usual. But at midnight, people of the whole village woke up to the sounds of chants, beating of drums. It seemed like somebody was performing the puja. Nobody had the guts to come out and find out about this, yet nobody could sleep. This was a learning lesson for all. It was decided that this puja has to go on. Picture courtesy: Google

Picture courtesy: Google Satire Photogravure I stand here, watching the deity blend with the water, As the river roars with the cries of “Bolo Durga Mai Ki, Jai”. With sanguine eyes, I bid her a final adieu.

She engulfs all my misfortunes and floats away with it. And I stand here, watching her as she leaves, With joined hands and expected eyes to meet her again with a new light of relief.

Lethal Instead Manisha Shaw

My tongue got stuck to the icicle When I licked it; and when I Illustration courtesy: Rahul Pahilajani Touched the candle flame My fingers came away red and blistered. es were equally blood red; dred-ton boulder. Naked Verity One made of stones and clay, was cele- How could something so weightless be so This could be a poem about Debarshee Biswas brated by crowd with cheers; heavy! Savage beauty and the danger The other with flesh and bones, lay there But it wasn’t just that. Inherent in nature. Draped in a holy clothing, tired, alone and naked. In vibrant goldens and reds, One was respectfully worshipped; Words were hard to come by. Instead it’s about people, She’s worshipped in the most resplendent The other viciously raped. Helpless like a drowning person, And how they’re always way; He could say nothing. Touching the things that By the people, who are blinded by her The naked truth: We live in a hypocritical And To worsen the feeling, They shouldn’t. faith. society where idols neither of flesh nor Everything around him had turned gray. with holes possess a gender, impetus for The only comfort he found was in the words And by, existence of mankind. from his beloved. The heaviness took over him like the black The same people, who rip off the respect Heavy Nothing plague. and identity of a woman in public; Jason Barret The same people, who judge women by He knew not how he was to recover from the choice of their clothes; He would sit there in his room contemplat- this. The same people, who question her ing, Was he done for? morality. because then, It seemed that love was his only redemp- That was all he could do. tion. The idol’s tongue and the woman’s bruis- In a sort of nostalgia. Picture courtesy: Google Or at least that is what the white coats said. That girl on the news never invited Thinking, It felt like ages had gone by since the heavy The man to touch her. Of things that once made him happy. nothing. All I think about it is how Those were meaningless now, It took him time to conquer it. I wish she had something savage One big NOTHING. And when happiness again prevailed, Coursing through her skin. Mum he would sit all day It appeared that the white coats were right. Like some mute, He again returned to being himself, God should have made girls lethal, Not out of choice but because of the Surrounded by what mattered most – LOVE. When he made monsters of men. heaviness, Picture courtesy: Google That weighed down on him like a hun- November 01 - 15th 2018 Issue Volume 1 | Issue 2 7 Meeting You A silent heart with spells of truth, “Wai Wai” Calling! Darkened by the words of the blacked. Dev Mukherji Debangana Chakrabart Staring at the lie with an intent to die. Laws of life affecting mankind. Chand ke saath youn tow roz guftgu karte And that time came when darkness min- hain, par usdin kuch alag nasha tha usme! gled with brightness, Emotions exaggerated, emotions unsaid. Houses were filled with people and their Smiles of the small, Kuch batana chahta tha mujhe, par maine kindness Cry of the big, dhyan nahi dia! But wait, where was she? No heart to beat for love. Finding an escape route from thee! Raat bohut ho chuki thi, aur neend ne phir It was her heart that was pounding fast. A ravine of feelings escorted, se dhokha dia.! Giving an answer to why is a must. A storm in the brain, Destroying the certain. Soch raha tha mann hi mann, uska reply Smiling through the curve of her lips kyun nahin aaya.! She was dancing moving her hips. A damned life showing obsession, Just when through the corner of her eyes Rejection of one’s own intent. (Humanity is divided in several parts by the She saw a guy and acted wisely. The repulsion of good and bad, level of their overthinking capability). Why wise? Because most people say it The Attraction of truth and lie. was love at first sight. Jisme maine double Ph.D kar rakkha tha! She believed in the first impression to be The fear to be left out, right. and the pain of ignorance. Mann hua kuch likhu, tow #YourQuote ke She acted like she never noticed him Can you let go of it? saath waqt guzaarna shuru, Inside her she wanted the lights to get dim. Dry up your tears, Aur dil tootne ke baad maa kasam khayal Fight off your fears, bade dukh bhare aur acche acche aate Hold back yourself for once, hain, jaise “tum devdas bhi bann jao aur and live life. Picture courtesy: Dev Mukherji daaru ki bhi zaroorat na pade!”

Miniscule Usdin samajh aaya!

“Zaroori nahi har nakaamiyaabi tumhe andheron mein dhakel de, woh tow tumhare upar hain ke tum roshni mein apna pair kaise jamaate ho. Kaise dekhte ho sooraj ki aankhon mein aakhen daal ke”

Picture courtesy: Google Tales ( ironically sahi hain, waise aakhon ki MKA ho jaati hain!) Maybe, he felt the same at first He walked straight up to her when they In safe Hands Achanak! Phone ki ghanti baji both heard the crackers burst. The sky was filled with sky lanterns Subina Mitra “Wai Wai” Calling! Both unlocked their phone patterns. Might be they both were shy The past year, during the winter Vaca- But they did connect eye to eye tion, we visited our hometown Pune. रावण का साथी Finally, she welcomed him shaking his Eventually, the cloud greyed and one Lingo Manisha Shaw hands stormy evening tailed over, I along with His warm hands made her feel she wasn’t my brother were returning home by lane. मℂ ये बचपन से सुनती आ रही हँ standing on land एे बेवफा.. कि होगा इस बरस रावण दहन किर They had a conversation the whole night On the way, we came across a young lady Aniket Kumar Choudhary ना जाने मℂने कितनी बार ख़ुद ही Exchanging their numbers they held on with baby toiled in her arms, screaming for ए बेवफा.. their seats tight. help. We halted the car and tried to inves- नवरात्रि का मौसम था खेलने का इतना ही शौक था.. इꅍीĂ आँखोĂ से दे खी हĂ धधिते Days passed so did months and that year tigate out the matter. At first glance she तो डंत्रडया ही खेल लेती.. वो रावण जो बुराई िा कनशाँ था came to an end appeared to be married, badly bruised मेरा त्रिल ही त्रमला था खेलने के त्रलए..!! बड़ा पĂकित था लेकिन बदगुमाĂ था What happened next? I’ll tell you my, in the face and fore-head.The baby was friend! एक राह थी. मगर एि बात है मे रे ज़हन मᴂ एकAditi मंजिलसफर Dutta था. समझ आयी नहीĂ है अब तलि वो The Rewind mode was on now let me एक उम्मीद थी. कि कपछले साल जब रावण िो हमने give you the real fun और एक प्यार था. Playing guitar in the background with a जलाया था ओ खुश हम हो गए थे twist in the drum इस सफर ने हिार ं रं ग जदखाएँ , किर अपनी कज़न्दगी मᴂ खो गए थे He was at her place with his family कु छ ररश्ते बने, कु छ टू टे तो िै स े इस बरस किर से दशानन She was unaware of his coming, so was कु छ बात ं क इज्जत जमली, वहीĂ आिर अिड़िर िे खड़ा है dressed shabbily. It was the same day, previous year when कु छ ििबात ं क ठे स पहँची. ओ वो भी पहले से ज्यादा बड़ा है they first met. रे त सी जफसलती गयी समय, कि हो न हो मुझे लगता है िोई He sat on his knees with a ring on his hand और उसमे जसमटते गये हम. िोई तो है यहाँ रावण िा साथी Just asking her to believe in his own heart खवाब ं के बुलबुले मᴂ खु गये थे हम, जो इसिी जाँ बचाना चाहता है stand. She was numb, part of her wanted to भूल गए थे, की इसमे जसफफ प्यार नहीं, ओ जब सब लोग रावण िो जला िर scream Picture courtesy: Google िूननीयत भी चाजहए ह ती हℂ. खुशी से लौट जाते हℂ घरोĂ िो He fulfilled all her dreams held tightly in her arms. We requested her और जकस्मत के खेल क हराना ह ता है. वो आता है, वहाँ लेिर िे पानी His feeling for her was very evident to get into the car and told her that we बावरी थी मℂ,ि पानी की तरह बुझा दे ता है सारी आग और किर She replied “Meeting you was my favorite would be taking her to the nearest hos- accident”. pital. On our way, she asked for some बहती गयी, उस जदवानगी मᴂ. बचा लेता है वो रावण िो जािर water. So we decided to halt at a near- पर जिस तरह हर खखताब के खत्म ह ने पर का अहसास, उसे तैयार िरता है दोबारा Silent Heart by Dhaba. In the Dhaba, before taking हर उनकहᴂ लफ्ज का म ंताि ह ता हℂ. बनाता है उसे िु छ और लम्बा the glass of water to satite her thirst, she यह कहानी भी शायद उतनी ही थी. जो अगले साल किर से िाम आये Riya Jagdev placed the baby in my brother’s arms and excused herself for visiting the washroom. इसकी म हबबत भी शायद इतनी ही थी. ये मℂने सोच रखा है अभी से I accompanied her to the washroom. शायद ये सफर भी इतनी ही थी.. नहीĂ ल ौ ट Ăग ी घर इस बार वापस

कहते हℂ वहीĂ छु प ि र िे दे खँगी िहीĂ Much later and having patiently wait- रहँगी मुĂतकज़र उस शख़्स िा मℂ ed for some time for her to get back, "कभी जकसी क मुकम्मल िहान नही जमलता, I knocked at the door. There being no कभी 焼मीन कभी आसमान नहीं जमलता" वही एि शख़्स जो लाएगा पानी

response from the other end, I decid- शायद मेरा िहान यही तक का था . बुझा दे गा वो सब िु छ एि पल मᴂ ed finally to forcibly push open the door. जमलᴂगे जकसी जदन , बत ख़्वाकहश है मेरी जानने िी कि आकख़र िौन है वो शख़्स जो कि To my astonishment and horror, I dis- जकसी और दुजनया मᴂ, covered that she was just not there! एक दूसरी कहानी के पंखिय ं के साथ. जला रावण बुझाना चाहता है Picture courtesy: Google और उस जदन शायद, हम अपने अधू रे सपने क पूरा करᴂ गे . बुराई िो बचाना चाहता है...।

8 November November 01 - 15th2018 Issue 2018 Issue Volume 1 | Issue 2 Interview Corner Pathway from passion to profession

Ayush Maskara AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (PKSBE) for a be special for me. I cannot thank Amit Sir Answer: - See this is quite simple to answer. one-year course in Ad films and Branding. enough for believing in me and making For me, I think it is important to be present Over there, I got to meet the best of the me a part of his film. I started assisting on while attending the film school, not just Rohit Gupta (Asst Director, Badhaai Ho) lots from the industry and in fact, met Amit ad films at Chrome Pictures. A big thank physically but mentally as well. I mean if Sir. you to Poonam Ma’am as well, for making you are just attending a film school for the Rohit Gupta who hails from Kolkata, the life for an amateur, so easy. See, ad sake of it, then please don’t. Post my diploma, I straightaway joined films are the best for learning. You have city of joy has always dreamt big and Chrome Pictures. Started with ads. And 30 seconds and you cannot make any Personally, for me, what worked for one one thing led to another and I got on mistakes. So, that became like my best whole year were making films, college never attempted to leave them half way board with the film as well. To be honest, learning ground. Plus working with Amit projects, attending different lectures, the journey has been magical. Met right Sir for a year, it helped me adapt to his these went on for a complete year without people at the right time. Still a long way to working style. The number of mistakes that any pause. Now, except for a film school, to imagination. his zeal to work has trans- go, though. The struggle has just started. I made always were like stepping stones. I don’t think this is possible. You do it and do not repeat it. That is the fommed his viability into Imagination to Q3. Was family support an explicit reason mantra. Yes, at best, for some, it might be an to boost you for what you are or there are initiation, “Ki nahi bhai, ab toh filmmaker execution. other special people who have lend their I always wanted to work in features banna hai”, but that is also very important hands supporting this journey of yours? and luckily, clapper’s role was vacant. I a choice, you see! requested Amit Sir if I could do that. Now Answer: - Family support of course is a back in college, I had interned for a web Q8. How was the environment on the sets must, for me my family is everything. The series and I knew that it wasn’t an easy with a cast like Ayushmann Khurrana, journey is not just yours. They equally are a job but the best part of being a clapper? Neena Gupta and Surekha Sikri on board? part of it. Both my parents have supported You are always on set with the director Any fun moments you’d like to share with me unconditionally. They have always and the D.O.P Learning wise, you cannot our readers? been there. Be it facing the so-called ask for a better place to be in. relatives’ remarks or social friends asking Answer: - Not to forget Gajraj Rao Sir what your son is doing, they answered all Luckily, Amit Sir agreed and got me on and Sanya Malhotra! We had like the of them pretty well, all the while having board. Then there was no looking back. best crew possible. The atmosphere was faith in me. My twin brother Rahul has From being a clapper to being in the post very friendly. There was no airy attitude. been my confidante and my critic since production, the film taught me so much. Ayushmann and I bonded over music. the time I can recollect. Always there. It was like a complete process for me. But And we always used to sing something or Strong as a pillar. Even my sister in law ad films and feature films are different. the other in between the takes. Sanya as has been supportive about my career You need a different temperament for we all know, is a terrific dancer too. So, I choices and has always encouraged me. each. Ads, you finish in 3 days whereas always had something to discuss on those the shooting went for almost 38 days for lines. So, family’s support is like the best thing this film. The unit becomes like a family in you can ask for and be grateful to God for such ventures. On the last day, everyone Gajraj Sir, Neena Ma’am, Surekha Ma’am, such a lovely support system. It isn’t easy. was so emotional and happy too. they are such senior artists. To be honest, Friends too have been supportive enough Initially, I kept on thinking that is it really watching them act live was in itself too, like Vignesh, Harsh Goyal. They are happening? Like, it’s still difficult to digest. the biggest treat. Ayushmann always Q1. How were you as a kid? like my brothers from another mother. But at the same time, you had to calm used to crack jokes on set. Overall, the Apart from that, the trinity from PKSBE yourself down and say, “stay focused”. environment was always fun and chill. It Answer: - This would be best answered by college, Pratish Sir, Priya Ma’am, Reah really felt like a family. my parents. I was totally a naughty one. Ma’am and Prahlad Sir & Mitali Ma’am – Shooting for long schedules, you tend to There were many funny moments in the Wanted pampering and attention all the they are my constant support. get no rest at all. Adjusting to that sleep film, as in while filming it too, we were time. Being a 90’s kid, growing up with a deprived stage was difficult, but then, always laughing hysterically. I will tell you twin brother, the house was always on fire! Q4. What motivated you to step into the after a few days, you get used to it and the one which involved me. In the song So, it was one of the best parts. Remember world of filmmaking? so it went on. ‘Sajan Senti’, when Nakul reaches Renee’s serials like Alif Laila, Raja Rancho then? home and while dancing, the stuff from Shaktimaan! Haha! Answer: - Let me tell you one thing. Q6. How was the experience of working grocery bag fall, I was the first one to Filmmaking doesn’t happen to you with director Amit Sharma? go on the set and pick up things back I was good in studies too. I took music overnight. I believe it is the combination of to normal. And later, I realized that the lesson, dance lesson, karate, drawing and a lot many things. For me, I liked drawing, Answer: - No matter how much I talk director has not said ‘cut’ till this moment. what not. Was equally good in studies. I dancing, editing small music pieces, about this man, it will always be less. Amit The camera was still rolling, and I got into claimed to fame when in class 2, I went music, playing the piano, telling stories. Sir is someone who is a taskmaster. It is frame. Rookie mistake actually! Learnt my to sing a birthday song for Saint Mother lesson. “Jab tak cut na bole, frame mein Teresa. That day was epic. Always felt I entry nahi karne ka.” (As long as ‘cut’ is have been God’s favorite child. not announced, don’t make an entry.)

Q2. Have you always wanted to become But now, when I look back at it, I have a what you are today? How did your journey good laugh about it. Imagine Ayushmann transform from the time when you were dancing and Sanya ke pehle mein jaake in the commerce background to dance frame mein baitha hua hoon (I have gone and then film? and sat in front of Sanya in the frame).

Answer: - No! Not really! Back then, you Q9. “Badhaai Ho” is being applauded are never really serious with what you by the audience for its liberal take on want to do in life. I thought by the age romance and passion, irrespective of of 24, I would settle down. That never age. What are your personal views on this happens. You keep on hustling and to topic? be honest, it changed drastically for me. A qualified Company Secretary and a Answer: - My personal views? It will be Chartered Accountant finalist quits his job For me personally, it happened gradually. a treat watching him direct. If you have exactly as jiyo aur jeene do! (It will be and moves to Bombay for professional And all the above things had their own seen the film, there are so many layers exactly as ‘live and let live’.) I mean, dancing. So, it’s a long story. little part to play. that has been equally given importance what is the problem and where is the to. I think honestly, there is no one better problem. There is nothing wrong in After passing out from school, I participated There are so many masterpieces that you than him when it comes to understanding people expressing love for each other. It is in a dance reality show ‘Dance Bangla human emotions. Whether they are the completely natural. Dance’ and got exposed to the glamour will watch and get inspired from. When I ads that he directs or this film, he has the world. From there on, dancing became started, I wasn’t sure, to be honest, that Q10. Tell us something about your future like my first love. So, while I completed my whether I want to be a filmmaker or not, potential of taking a scene to the next projects in the pipeline. studies, I still was dancing in some way. but like I said, at PKSBE, the initiation started level. Whether choreographing for wedding converting into determination. Even Answer: - Yes, I am very much a part of events or attending Salsa Parties Post right now, I am far from it. But hopefully He is also so good with his music sense. Chrome Pictures. Also doing Amit Sir’s next Office, I was doing it. That actually someday I will be able to completely be We always had an activity of keeping feature film but I think it’s too early to talk triggered me, and I thought of taking one. music options ready for him. I mean, he about it right now. dancing as a full-time job. Convincing my is the best guru one can ask for and I am parents and then moving to Bombay was Q5. “Badhaai Ho” is your first film as genuinely happy and lucky to be a part Q11 Lastly, what message would you another challenge. an Assistant Director. How was the of his Chrome family along with Aleya like to share with the young individuals experience, and how different has it Ma’am and Hemant Sir. interested in filmmaking and Bollywood? Post 1 year of professional dancing, I been from your previous work? And what realized I want to be part of media and hurdles or difficulties did you find yourself Q7. Do you think it is essential to go to Answer: - To anyone who wants to be part the entertainment industry. After a lot of facing in your initial stage? a film institute to become a successful of this industry: Be patient, focused. Stay ups and downs, I finally enrolled myself in filmmaker? true to yourself. You will know if you are PRAHLAD KAKAR SCHOOL OF BRANDING Answer: - Yes, this film is always going to ready!