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Time of India
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From folklore to film: Story of rebel woman warrior comes alive
In a defining moment for Indian cinema, Devi Chowdhurani , a sweeping historical epic directed by , is set to captivate audiences with its powerful portrayal of resistance and forgotten heroes. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Headlined by actors Prosenjit Chatterjee and Srabanti Chatterjee, and featuring an original score by Bickram Ghosh, the film marks a landmark achievement — the first official Indo-UK co-production in Indian cinema, jointly recognized by the governments of India and the United Kingdom. Adapted from Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's iconic novel, Devi Chowdhurani reimagines the narrative through the prism of local folklore and historical records from the colonial East India Company era. Set during the turbulent Sannyasi-Fakir Rebellion in 18th-century Bengal, the film chronicles the rise of India's first woman freedom fighter, Devi Chowdhurani, who is mentored by the revolutionary monk Bhavani Pathak, portrayed by Prosenjit Chatterjee. T ogether, the duo leads a covert resistance against imperial forces, challenging colonial domination, entrenched patriarchy, and historical erasure. Reflecting on his role, Prosenjit stated, ' Devi Chowdhurani is not just a film, it's a reclaiming of our forgotten heroes. Playing Bhavani Pathak was not about portraying a character, but embodying a spirit of defiance that still burns in the heart of Bengal. This is a story the world needs to witness — of a woman who rose against an empire, and of a culture that refuses to be silenced.' The film was officially announced as the first Indo-UK co-production feature by India's Ministry of Culture at WAVES 2025, where it stood as the sole Indian project presented to the international media. Rooted deeply in Bengal's heritage and revolutionary spirit, Devi Chowdhurani is poised to become one of Indian cinema's most impactful and globally resonant narratives.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Shopping Para Gariahat
1 2 3 4 The Gariahat neighbourhood, a microcosm of the city's history, commerce, culture and daily life, has evolved with the onslaught of times but its lively and dynamic environment characterized by shopping on pavements as well as din and bustle has not changed over the last several decades. With the cacophony of street vendors in the backdrop, Gariahat, pulsating with commerce and culture, encapsulates daily rhythms of life. The area, spread over Ballygunge, Golpark and Rashbehari, evolved over the years with high-rises, malls, restaurants, cafes and branded retail outlets. The 9.3km Gariahat Road serves as a lifeline of south Kolkata, cutting through localities like Ballygunge, Dhakuria and Jodhpur Park. ORIGIN The area, including Gariahat and Ballygunge, was once part of Dihi Panchannagram, a cluster of villages purchased by the East India Company in 1758 after the fall of the then Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah. The major part of Gariahat neighbourhood falls in Ballygunge and after the opening of the suburban railway connectivity in 1862, middle class educated people settled in this locality. In the 19th century, the Gariahat market was set up as a small market and has since grown into one of the biggest markets on the southern fringes of the city. Famous personalities like poet Jibanananda Das, writer Sunil Gangopadhyay, politician Subrata Mukherjee, yesteryear actors Suchitra Sen, Bikash Roy and Pahari Sanyal were associated with this place. BIG COMMERCIAL HUB Being a shopping district, Gariahat presents a kaleidoscopic view of the city's dynamism. The pavements of the area serve as shoppers' paradise, from garments, saris, handicraft items to other household items. Over 3,000 hawkers or street vendors run their stalls on both sides of the road at the market visited by thousands of shoppers daily. During the festive times like Durga Puja or Poila Baisakh, the customers' turnout swells nearly three times. The fish market at Gariahat is known for its wide variety. The Dakshinapan Shopping Centre situated on Gariahat Road near Dhakuria was set up by Kolkata Improvement Trust in 1988 with 141 shops selling mostly garments and handicrafts. In the past one decade, several malls sprang up in this prominent shopping district of the city. Septuagenarian Rekha Lodha, who has been living in the Gariahat area for over four decades, said, "From my younger days I preferred buying sarees from Gariahat, a place where a woman can shop till she drops. Whenever guests come to stay in my house, they don't give a miss to shopping in Gariahat, which is so popular among the residents of other states as well." The road heading towards Ballygunge station from Gariahat crossing has turned into a jewellery hub with branded showrooms and standalone shops on the lines of central Kolkata's Bowbazar. TRANSFORMATION The first makeover of Gariahat came with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation's Operation Sunshine, a drive to evict illegal hawkers to free up pavements and carriageways. Earlier, the encroachments spilled on to median dividers and pavements, narrowing down the space for pedestrian and vehicular movement. The second transformation came in 2002 with the construction of a 571-metre Gariahat flyover that changed the appearance of the area. Also it resulted in the abolition of a cobweb of tram tracks near the crossing. The Gariahat tram depot that was set up in 1943 used to operate services on different routes like Dalhousie Square, Bidhannagar, Howrah, Kalighat, Behala, Joka and Galiff Street. Today the 25 no. route tram service between Gariahat and Esplanade is operational, although the number of cars has dipped over the years. Manju Baid (68), a resident of Purna Das Road near Gariahat market, said, "I have a soft corner for tramways in this area as it is the most convenient and easily available transport. I still avail myself of the Gariahat-Esplanade service to go to Park Circus or Chandni market." REALTY DEVELOPMENT The skyline of Gariahat started changing in the 1980s with the development of residential projects Rajwadi Complex. Over the past two decades several high-rises like Megh Malhar Apartment and Nilanjan Apartment came up there while various real estate developers, including PS Group, Mani Group and Orbit Group built projects in Ekdalia and other localities of Gariahat. Several old buildings at Ekdalia, Dover Lane, Mandeville Gardens, Hindustan Park and Triangular Park localities have been razed, making way for new apartments. Despite booming realty, many century-old private properties are still well-maintained there, thereby presenting a slice of old south Kolkata. Sunita Mussadi, a Ballygunge Circular Road resident, said, "While the charms of old Kolkata are getting wiped out in many parts of the city, Gariahat still presents a fusion of the old and the new. Here you can find century-old buildings as well as new high-rises; old shops as well as new swanky stores. This area contains a unique blend of tradition and evolution." SOCIAL LIFE For south Kolkatans, Gariahat has been a prominent attraction for addas and socializing since the time when roadside tea stalls and small eateries were the only hangout zone. Of late, several snazzy cafes and restaurants have come up there and the adda zone of the locality remains intact even among tech-savvy youngsters. Along with old-timers, the area has a significant footfall of youngsters studying in different educational institutions like Basanti Devi College, South Point High School and The BSS School. Anjan Chatterjee, chairman and managing director of Speciality Restaurant Ltd, said, "I may live in Mumbai and visit London frequently but my bond with Gariahat remains as strong as ever in the past five decades. Gariahat was a meeting point for our local friends and we still maintain this. I have lived in Jadavpur, then Dover Lane followed by Gurusaday Road. Even today when I go to Kolkata, I catch up with my friends in the Gariahat area. " Debasish Kumar, Trinamool Congress MLA and KMC councillor, said, "The Gariahat area always evokes nostalgia in me. There was a time when we used to have addas at local tea stalls and would share one 'bhand' tea with friends because of less pocket money. Now time has changed and addas at tea stall have moved to swanky coffee shops." FOOD, CULTURE & GAME Apart from shopping melange, the locality is also known for its cultural mosaic. The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Golpark, set up in 1961 — the most popular place in the city for learning foreign languages — has brought the area under a cultural enclave. Gariahat caters to gastronomic cravings of foodies in the city. From street stalls selling 'phuchkas' and 'kathi rolls' to restaurants preparing different cuisines, this area serves everyone's palate. The space under Gariahat flyover hosts an open air public chess playing arena. In the evening, people assemble at the chess corner and play the game. Abhijit Sadhu, a resident of Triangular Park, said, "Watching the game and having addas with friends over tea in 'bhand' (earthen pot) under the flyover in the evening has been my weekend schedule for over the last 20 years."
India.com
5 days ago
- General
- India.com
India's first district, was once full of robbers, now a smart city with all modern facilities; its located in...,name is...
Purnia, the first district established in India during the colonial era, was once infamous for being a hub of dacoits, but today its a modern smart city. (AI-generated/Representational) There are currently 780 districts in India, including both census districts and administrative districts, spread across 28 states and eight Union Territories of the country. But did you know that India's first district was established as far back as 1770 by the British East India Company, but the area was notorious for being infested by dacoits and robbers. India's first district The Purnia district in Bihar, holds the distinction of being the country's first district, which was established by the East India Company in 1770 as a military frontier province towards the end of the Mughal era in India. The British conquered Purnia, which was a densely forested area at the time, in 1765, and five years later, established a trading center here, and declared it a district on February 10, 1770. At that time, Purnia was infamous for being a hub of dacoits, robbers, and highwaymen, and locals did not dare to venture into the deep forests, even after the British took over and began a campaign to eliminate criminals and anti-social elements. From dacoit land to Smart City Since independence, Purnia, akin to many other parts of the country, has witnessed a radical transformation, and is now a smart city featuring all modern amenities, including schools, colleges, public parks, hospitals, developed roads, and historic places renovated for promoting local tourism. In many ways, Purnia provides a peak into the rich culture of Bihar, and despite the onset of modernity, the local traditions still reflect the region's ancient. roots. Today, Purnia is one of thirty-eight districts of Bihar, with the administrative headquarters located in Purnia city. Interestingly, the city of Purnia hoists the national flag at exactly at 12:07 am on every Independence Day, a tradition which it has continued since 1947, when the country became a sovereign, independent nation.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
In India's congested cities, delivery apps cash in
HighlightsThe rise of quick commerce apps in India is transforming the retail landscape, with companies like BigBasket achieving delivery times as short as 10 minutes from their 'dark stores'. India's quick commerce market is projected to grow from $100 million in 2020 to an estimated $6 billion in 2024, with potential to reach $40 billion by the end of the decade, fueled by densely populated urban areas. The Confederation of All India Traders has called for a nationwide movement against quick commerce platforms, likening them to a 'modern-day East India Company' threatening small, family-run businesses. In India's sprawling financial hub of Mumbai armies of "dabbawalas" have for decades crisscrossed the city by foot and bicycle, delivering home-cooked food to office workers who are keen to avoid the searing heat and traffic-snarled streets. Now, across the country, young entrepreneurs are taking that tradition to the next level with the explosion of shopping apps that allow customers to get hold of not only food and drink but anything else from clothes to iPhones -- within minutes. The so-called quick commerce apps are redefining the retail game, not only disrupting e-commerce titans such as Amazon with their speed and efficiency but also long-established "mom and pop" stores which are no longer convenient enough. At a warehouse managed by online grocer BigBasket in central Mumbai, employees work with military-like precision to pull off deliveries in just 10 minutes. These warehouses are known within the industry as " dark stores ", a reference to being closed off to customers. When a new order is received, a worker leaps into action, darting through aisles filled with everything from fizzy drinks to vegetables, packing a bag of groceries handed to a motorbike rider -- the modern-day "dabbawala", Hindi for "lunchbox man". Local tech companies have poured in billions to set up these nifty logistical networks across big cities, fuelling India's rapid shopping industry. - 'Unprecedented' - For millions of customers, it's an easy way to avoid shopping in the sweltering heat -- visiting multiple food stalls -- and spending hours navigating the country's notorious traffic jams. Growth has been "very strong", BigBasket co-founder Vipul Parekh told AFP, pointing to forecasts that indicate a compounded annual growth rate of more than 60 percent over the next two to three years. "When you talk of a large industry transforming and growing at this pace, that is unprecedented," he said. Delivery apps such as Getir or Jokr have faltered in Europe and the United States in recent years, as pandemic-induced demand wore off and rising inflation pinched customer wallets. But sales in India have soared from $100 million in 2020 to an estimated $6 billion in 2024, according to projections by market analysis firm Datum Intelligence. This could hit $40 billion by the end of the decade, according to investment bank JM Financial. Companies say India's quick commerce's growth is partly down to the sheer scale of people living in tight-packed cities within a roughly two kilometre (one mile) radius of a "dark store", said Parekh. "The revenue potential in that catchment is very high," he said. A lack of many traditional supermarket grocery chains in India aid the business model, he said. Rinish Ravindra , a regular user, admits that they make him "lazy", but argues that the convenience is unbeatable. "I just press a bunch of keys and all of it comes delivered to home," says the 32-year-old, who works in Mumbai's film industry. Local players have made rapid progress but competition is heating up. Amazon is getting its act together, along with Walmart-owned Flipkart and billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries as they belatedly roll out rapid delivery offerings. "One of the problems with e-commerce players like Amazon is that, until now, they've relied on these big fulfilment centres that sit on the outside or outskirts of cities," said Satish Meena of Datum Intelligence. "These aren't suited for rapid delivery, which is why they now need to invest to build their own dark store networks within urban areas." - 'Just order it online' - However, a more crowded industry threatens the sustainability of the sector that has already seen one prominent start-up go bust. "My sense is that the market is good enough for two to three players," said Rahul Malhotra of Bernstein, a research firm, adding that the total addressable market may be worth around $50-$60 billion. "Some of the early movers, with hyperlocal capabilities obviously, have an advantage here." The sector could also face challenges from thousands of small, family-run shops. The Confederation of All India Traders, a leading industry group that claims to represent over 90 million small businesses, has called for "a nationwide movement" against newer platforms. Its president likened quick commerce to being a "modern-day East India Company", a reference to the rapacious British power that began in the 17th century to seize swathes of India, preceding colonial rule. For now, customers are voting with their wallets. "When I think of groceries I think, 'I can just order it online'," said Ravindra.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
History meets irony: When King Charles launched a Bollywood movie on India's revolt against British rule
In 2003, the launch of Aamir Khan starrer 'Mangal Pandey: The Rising' witnessed a moment that many found deeply ironic — the muhurat clap of the film, which centered on India's 1857 revolt against British colonialism, was given by none other than Prince Charles, now King Charles . The event took place in Mumbai and drew widespread attention, especially given the film's theme revolving around resistance against British rule. The Rising was one of Aamir Khan's most anticipated projects following the success of Lagaan, which had earned an Academy Award nomination. Directed by Ketan Mehta and written by Farrukh Dhondy, the film focused on the life of Mangal Pandey, a sepoy in the British East India Company army whose actions helped ignite what became known as the First War of Indian Independence. Aamir Khan's movie on 1857 revolt had Prince Charles at its Muhurat Aamir Khan Responds to the Irony Back then at the launch event, Aamir Khan addressed the media's questions regarding the symbolism of a British royal figure inaugurating a film about colonial rebellion. He clarified that the film was not made with anti-British sentiment. 'This film is not anti-British,' Khan stated. He explained that the film's core was a human story that explored deeper themes. 'This film is not against the Queen's rule, but the East India Company, which ruled India then,' he said, adding that the character of Captain William Gordon represented reason, while Mangal Pandey's journey was about awakening and questioning authority. Casting Changes and Creative Decisions Initially, Aishwarya Rai was signed to play the female lead, Jwala. However, she was replaced by Ameesha Patel after a disagreement with the production team. The cast also included Rani Mukerji, Kirron Kher, and British actor Toby Stephens. In 2023, Ameesha Patel revealed that Rani Mukerji's role was originally intended as a cameo. However, changes were made during production, and Mukerji's role was expanded to include a romantic angle with Aamir Khan's character. Khan believed that this adjustment would make the story more emotionally relatable to Indian audiences. Mixed Reception and Box Office Outcome Mangal Pandey: The Rising was released in 2005 and marked Aamir Khan's return to cinema after a four-year hiatus following Dil Chahta Hai in 2001. Although the film had a prestigious premiere at the Marché du Film section of the Cannes Film Festival, it did not perform well commercially. With a budget of Rs 37 crore, the film managed to collect only Rs 27.86 crore at the Indian box office, making it a box office disappointment despite high expectations.
