Kolkata celebrates Tagore's artistic connection with France on his death anniversary
France and
Rabindranath Tagore
– An Artistic Journey
to mark
Baishe Shrabon
, the death anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. The event explored the lasting cultural bond between Tagore and France, highlighting his role as a bridge between Bengali and French artistic worlds.The event was organised by the Alliance Française du Bengale.
The event opened with scholar Pitam Sengupta's talk on Tagore's interactions with French intellectuals like Romain Rolland and André Gide, and his visits to France in the 1920s and '30s. These connections revealed a shared artistic and philosophical outlook.The evening featured Rabindrasangeet performances by Rinadolon Bandopadhyay and Pradip Dutta, recitations by Korak Basu, and bilingual readings by Ipsita Ganguli.
Moitrayee Dhar presented French translations from
Song Offerings
, emphasising Tagore's international reach. A rare archival recording of Debabrata Biswas singing a French Rabindrasangeet added historical depth.This tribute showcased how Tagore's vision continues to inspire cultural exchange, proving that art transcends language and borders.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
Every theatre must screen a Bengali film daily at prime time: State government
The West Bengal government passed an order on Wednesday (August 13, 2025), mandating the screening of at least one Bengali-language film daily in prime time slots in every theatre and multiplex in the State. The Trinamool Congress, which is in power, has stepped up its Bhasha Andolan (language movement) as part of a push to prioritise the Bengali language and culture. This comes as Bengali-speaking migrants have been facing physical attacks and arrest across the country. 'In every cinema hall and on all screens (each screen) of every multiplex and theatre in this State, 365 prime-time shows of Bengali films shall mandatorily be screened throughout the year with at least one Bengali show per day,' the order by the State Government's Information and Cultural Affairs Department reads. 'Earlier, only 120 Bengali film screenings were mandatory per year. Under the new rules, Bengali films must be screened 365 days a year on every screen during prime time slots,' West Bengal Minister Aroop Biswas said on Wednesday (August 13, 2025), referring to the August 13 notification. Prime time shows refer to screenings held between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., the order dated August 13 clarifies. Rules to be amended According to the order, necessary amendments would also be made to the West Bengal Cinemas (Regulation of Public Exhibitions) Rules, 1956, in due course. The legislation pertains to the public screening of motion pictures in the State. The order further states that this move aims to encourage the Bengali film industry, and that the issue of mandatory screenings of Bengali films by cinema halls and multiplexes of this State had been under active consideration by the State Government. Industry welcomes the order President of the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India, Swarup Biswas, called the notification 'historic' on Wednesday. 'This is a historic move by the government as it has now expanded the perimeters of the public exhibition of Bengali language films. This will ensure there are at least 365 screenings of Bengali films across all theatres and multiplexes in the State, in a fitting response to those who criticised the declining number of Bengali film productions year on year,' Mr. Biswas said. For context, the number of Bengali language films released in 2024 had drastically reduced to under 40, from around 134 films in 2023. 'I wholeheartedly welcome the order, but we need to wait and see how it unfolds. Mandating prime time screenings will help boost sales outside the supply-demand model of distribution networks and offer some protection to those making films in the Bengali language,' critically acclaimed Bengali filmmaker Goutam Ghose told The Hindu. He added that with the inception of multiplexes and the growing popularity of Bollywood films, the distribution of and revenue from Bengali language films had taken a hit. 'The film exhibition business in the State often preferred Bollywood films for prime time slots, considering their demand. The challenge for us was growing and sustaining a dedicated regional audience for Bengali films, like we see in the southern States. This order will hopefully help us do that. It will also challenge us to make films with better content and technology,' he added. Long awaited Mr. Ghose further said that talks had been ongoing for the last two decades to introduce a mandate like this. 'It is indeed an encouraging order. Talks and discussions have ultimately had some effect. I congratulate all who were involved in getting this order passed and the State government for the positive step it has taken in exhibiting Bangla, or Bengali language films,' renowned Bengali filmmaker Sudeshna Roy said. Meanwhile, director and film producer Soumyajit Majumder said that the order is a welcome change but also a late intervention. 'Most States already have a regional film policy. Marathi films, for example, have had this backing from the Maharashtra government regarding prime time slots. As a producer, I think well-made Bengali films will get a fairer chance to survive the box office and get noticed by more people,' he said. Mr Majumder also highlighted that this step might also benefit independent Bengali language movies that lack big marketing budgets. 'These films can rely more on word-of-mouth publicity and will not be ousted immediately, citing non-performance. For the Bengali language and culture to survive in this globalised world, Bengali cinema will play an integral role. It shouldn't be only about business,' he added.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Sharmila Tagore REACTS to Supreme Court ruling on relocating Delhi-NCR stray dogs: 'The decision is like door closing on voiceless...'
Sharmila Tagore and Randeep Hooda expressed worries about the Supreme Court's order to move stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters. They advocated for a humane, balanced approach. Tagore called the decision a closure for the voiceless. Hooda welcomed the court's reconsideration. Both stars suggested long-term solutions like neutering and adoption. Tagore recently starred in 'Puratawn'. Hooda's latest film is 'Jaat'. Sharmila Tagore and Randeep Hooda have voiced their concerns over the Supreme Court 's recent directive to relocate all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelter homes. Both stars urged a more humane and balanced approach, calling for long-term solutions that protect both people and animals while addressing the so-called 'dog menace. ' 'Decision is like a door closing on the voiceless' In a video shared by Anish Gawande, National Spokesperson of the NCP, on X, the veteran actress said, 'Today, we are facing a crisis of conscience. The recent Supreme Court decision is like a door closing on the voiceless and defenceless of our society. I wish the safety and sanctity of life was at the heart of the judgement.' Calling for a more balanced response, she added, 'I wish a more nuanced and calibrated approach had been taken towards the systemic flaws that are at the root of the so-called dog menace. In silencing those who cannot protect themselves, we risk losing something essential within ourselves.' Appeal to reconsider the order She urged the government to reconsider the order, saying, 'This need of experience over sympathy has caused tremendous harm. I hope and pray the Supreme Court will try and find a fine balance embedded in justice.' Responding to the widespread criticism, Chief Justice Gavai agreed on 13 August, to review the Court's order. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Randeep Hooda weighs in Reacting to this development, actor Randeep Hooda welcomed the reconsideration, tweeting: "So glad to hear that the Honourable CJI has agreed to look into the ruling about stray dogs in NCR. Passing a law and implementing a law should be, firstly, humane — and secondly, the infrastructure and sensitivity need to be taken care of." He acknowledged the complexity of the issue, "Are stray dogs our collective community humanitarian responsibility? Yes. Can they be a menace? Yes. I love animals — but will I be able to justify it to a family that has lost a loved one to rabies or serious injuries? No." Long-term solutions recommended Randeep warned that mass impounding is neither practical nor humane. He recommended long-term measures such as large-scale, repeated neutering, relocating aggressive dog packs, and encouraging adoption. Sharmila Tagore recently returned to Bengali cinema with Puratawn, released in April and directed by Suman Ghosh, marking her first Bengali film in 14 years. Randeep Hooda's latest release is the action thriller Jaat (April 10), where he plays the antagonist opposite Sunny Deol .
NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
West Bengal Government Mandates Daily Prime Time Screenings Of Bengali Films "In Every Cinema"
Kolkata: In a major push to promote the Bengali film industry, the West Bengal government on Wednesday made it mandatory for all cinema halls across the state to screen regional movies during prime time in each of their screens on all days, an official said. Prime time is defined as the period between 3 PM and 9 PM, typically the hours of highest footfall in cinemas. This directive comes into effect immediately. The order states, 'In every cinema hall, and in all screens (each screen) of every multiplex situated in this State, 365 prime time shows/screenings of Bengali films shall mandatorily be held throughout the year, with at least one Bengali show per day for all 365 days during the year.' Have a look at the full order here: X According to a notification, each screen, including those in multiplexes, must dedicate one prime time slot per day exclusively to Bengali films. "This decision reflects the state government's long-standing efforts to encourage regional cinema and ensure that Bengali films receive adequate exposure and commercial opportunity in their home state," the official said. The notification also mentions that amendments to the West Bengal Cinemas (Regulation of Public Exhibitions) Rules, 1956, will be made in due course to align with the new directive. The move is expected to have a significant impact on the local film industry, providing consistent screen space for Bengali films and potentially boosting box office performance and industry investment.
