The EZCC auditorium in Salt Lake offered a stage to characters from one of Satyajit Ray’s evergreen films to come alive at the 14th annual cultural programme of Mallhar Dance Academy.
A dance drama choreographed by Sreetama Barik, titled Hirak Rajar Deshe, was the highpoint of the evening.
“We had staged Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne in 2019 to commemorate Satyajit Ray’s 100th birth anniversary. So, this year, we thought of paying tribute to Ray as well as Soumitra Chatterjee by choosing the sequel,” said Barik, the founder and director of the dance academy.
Pratiti Banerjee of EE Block was chosen to play Hirak Raja. “I watched the film over and over again during the three months of rehearsal in order to understand Utpal Dutt (who played the role in the film),” she said.
The annual programme also featured classical and contemporary dance performances, in which three-year-old tots to trained dancers in their 60s showcased their talent.
Barik had started the dance school 14 years ago with 10 children in her house in BD Block. Now the academy has 45 students, aged 3 to 60 years.
Mita Chatterjee, known for playing the role of Pishima in the DD Bangla soap Janmabhoomi which was telecast for over five years, was also felicitated for her journey in the Bengali film industry.
“I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with talented artists and directors throughout my career. However, the most fulfilling aspect of my profession has been the ongoing acceptance and support from everyone.” She had also shared screen with Rani Mukherji in the latter’s debut film Biyer Phool. “She used to affectionately call me ‘Thammi’. She was incredibly vibrant and camera-friendly,” said Chatterjee, adding that she felt “honoured” to be felicitated.
She also had a warm word for the evening’s performers. “They seem to be enjoying their dance. They are so passionate and spontaneous,” she remarked.
Barik was delighted at the praise. “Our students have done rigorous rehearsals for about three-and-a-half months. I am extremely happy that they are being appreciated,” Barik said.
Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, she said the academy had organised programmes online for Rabindra Jayanti, Holi and Independence Day.
“Our primary objective is to encourage people to try out this timeless art form. We charge just Rs 200 as monthly fee,” she added.
Rittika Rakshit
Green bounty
Summer apple was the novelty at the Forest Week celebration in CF Block this year. Held at CF 1, the plant distribution ceremony was conducted by Bidhannagar Horticulture Society.
“Most people who saw ‘apple’ among the list of plants on offer didn’t opt for it thinking it would never survive in Calcutta’s heat. But many were learned and rushed for the ‘Harimohon 99’. This summer apple is a new kind developed for hot climes,” said Arijit Poddar, secretary of Bidhannagar Horticultural Society.
Over 100 enthusiasts — both members and non-members — took home over 450 plants on July 16. But only a lucky few got the coveted apple as there were only 20 of them. Others got fruits like grapes, guavas, lemon, mango, and a rare kind of jackfruit that is not yellow but pink on the inside. Among flowers were rose, alamonda, hibiscus, jasmine and more.
Members of the horticulture society hand over saplings Picture by Brinda Sarkar
The group also took part in the state government’s forest week initiative. “While we didn’t take plants distributed by them, we planted saplings and sent them pictures as a show of unity. We planted Swarnachapa and Shiuli as we want this plot to have fragrant flowers,” said Poddar. The venue was CF 1, an empty plot that the society is maintaining.
Members like Bijan Ghosh, Bani Chakrabarty and Sudeshna Maiti were seen diligently organising the plants and handing them to members. Some elderly residents had brought their grandkids along to help carry home the plants, others had come with walking sticks braving the inclement weather.
Manjusri Dutta was seen riding home in a rickshaw with a bag full of greens sticking their heads out. She had got roses, alamondas and togors. Dutta, who lives in a spacious CB Block bungalow, will be shifting to an apartment in New Town soon but had no qualms about adding to her collection. “There will always be space for plants in my home. I have 1,000 plants already and shall keep them in pots or hang them from grilles in my new home, if I have to,” she smiled.