For an artiste who is frequently on tour — with his most recent one being alongside Parekh and Singh — Rivu seizes the opportunity to take a break during pujo season. Currently, in the days leading up to the festivities, Rivu is crafting musical compositions for various advertising projects related to Durga Puja, while his own celebrations are usually minimal and spent with close friends and family. My Kolkata caught up with the musician on how he spends his time during this festive period.
Which places will you be visiting this Pujo?
I don’t really plan anything. If friends have plans and they ask, I'll show up. To be honest, I end up being a little fatigued from looking at various edits of ads for pujos that I’m making music for, and then I just want to take a break. I like that there’s a really cool city-wide immersive art festival taking place though.
Any special outfit(s) for Puja this year?
Home clothes potentially. I don’t really buy clothes especially for Puja, but when I need them.
The Bosepukur 'bhaanr' pandal from 2001 Manas Ray
Do you have a special memory associated with Durga Puja in Kolkata or elsewhere?
During pujo (in 2001), my mother and I went walking four kilometers to get in line for the Bosepukur bhaanr pandal only to decide to walk back. The pandal was really packed and although we didn’t try again later we just enjoyed the walk back. It’s the journey, not the destination that counts.
Your favourite Puja-time food?
It is probably phuchka since you get it literally anywhere during Pujo.
What is one power of Durga Ma that you would like to have?
As a multi-instrumentalist myself, I guess having the extra arms seems like a huge upper hand (or eight).
