Latest news with #Pujo
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bratya Basu to bring Bibhutibhushan's short stories to the big screen
Bratya Basu is set to adapt two short stories by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay into his next film, which is yet to be named. 'I have always been fond of Bibhutibhushan. In my view, he is one of the finest novelists and short story writers in Bengali literature,' Basu said, adding that he has read some of the author's short stories over a dozen times. 'I had long wished to work on his creations,' he says. Basu had previously brought one of the author's works – Othoi Jol to the stage as a period drama. This time, he has taken two of his short stories, which he chooses to keep under wraps for now. Talking about how he plans to merge the stories and fit it into a modern setting, he says, 'I've broken them down and reconstructed them so they remain relevant in today's world.' The film will see Seema Biswas as a woman in her early seventies and Lokenath Dey as an 80-year-old. Their characters once shared a brief courtship, which ended due his timidity and career uncertainty, before marrying others. Decades later, they meet again as he battles Alzheimer's. Chanchal Chowdhury plays Lokenath's son, with Poulami Basu, Bratya's wife, as his daughter-in-law. Seema's son is portrayed by Rohit Mukherjee, her granddaughter by Angana Roy, and Lokenath's granddaughter by Riddhi Sen. Filming will take place mainly in Bolpur, with sequences in Varanasi and Kolkata. The crew includes music director Prabuddha Bandopadhyay, cinematographer Soumik Halder, editor Sanlap Bhowmik, and creative director Partha Mazumder. Shooting starts after Pujo. The language of literature and cinema are different. While literature is a strong foundation, I've built my own stories and language alongside it – Bratya Basu
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Chandannagar artists prep for grand pujo light displays
As Durga Puja nears, Chandannagar light artisans are crafting dazzling arches, animated designs, and glowing patterns. These light displays are a beloved tradition, making pandals and streets sparkle. Here's what will be illuminating the city this year. Image generated by Al; for representational purposes only 'Many committees want traditional designs and modern flair' Chandannagar light maker Dibyendu Biswas is creating Matri Sneho displays celebrating a mother's love. This has been ordered by one in Banerjee Para in Barasat, Saheb Bagan in Kapali Para, Dakhin Para in Santragachi, and some in Chandannagar . His second theme, dolnas – swings, cradles, merry- go-rounds – uses fairy lights for a bold, festive look, popular with city housing societies. 'Cricket victories and cartoon lights will be big crowd pullers' Chandannagar's Kashinath Das says cartoon-themed lighting remains a favourite with Pujo associations in Garia, Jadavpur, and Howrah. This year, Shibpur Sarbojanin will also feature a Champions Trophy victory scene, celebrating India's win over New Zealand with vibrant, festive illuminations. 'Spaceship-shaped lights are high in demand' Asim Kumar Dey, Chandannagar light shop owner, informed, 'This Puja, spaceship lighting is stealing the show — bright, twinkling designs making it look like a real landing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo Committees in Mumbai and Kolkata, including Bagajatin Sarbojanin's Chandrayaan-3 theme, have ordered it.' He said that the maha akash obhijan allows endless experiments, blending tradition with innovation for a grand, surreal effect. 'Pujo committees want to celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor ' According to Tapan Ghosh, Chandannagar light shop owner shared, 'Operation Sindoor lighting is surely in demand. It captures the essence of sindoor khela. The vibrant displays symbolise the triumph of good over evil.' He said that he has received orders from New Town Sarbojanin Puja Committee, Sukhobrishti Housing in New Town, Baghajatin Sangha Club, Agra Uttar Poribar in Batanagar for Operation Sindoor. He explained that this year iron structures are trending so that the lighting looks brighter, adding, 'We are using fairy lights, LED bulbs in iron structures in an innovative way this year. ' Quotes: Puja committees are opting for surface mount LED light. Though pricey, it's soothing on the eyes– Asim Kumar Dey This Pujo, fun & colourful displays of cartoons will surely be seen, along with lights showing India's Champions Trophy win. This will be a treat for all keeping the festive spirit lively- Kashinath Das "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
41st anniversary of The Times of India, Bengaluru: Bong Bangalored!
Despite Those Oodles And Oodles Of Puddles, My Love For The City Keeps Growing By The Month Standing on the balcony of our hotel room near Langford Gardens, the 'beat' emanating from those heavy-duty loudspeakers on St Joseph's College campus was unmistakable. Chart-busting Eurodance group Vengaboys was performing live, and my sister and I were thrilled that those Rotterdam guys were closer than we thought – 'right here, right now'! For, until then, the closest bond we struck with such foot-stomping stuff as'Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom', or 'We're Going to Ibiza' was only through the medium of the ubiquitous audio CD. And here they were – playing live. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru That was the winter of 2000, and I was on my first visit to Bengaluru, then Bangalore. Coming from Calcutta, now Kolkata, a city better known for staging the venerated annual Indian classical music fest, The Dover Lane Music Conference, than playing host to western pop soirees, what struck me that January night was the large number of youngsters making a beeline for the concert venue at the college ground. Their energy, verve, tenor were so steeped in an inescapable urgency to live life to the fullest that it reminded me of what one of my JNU classmates had once told me. Knowing full well that I'd invariably be booking my Rajdhani ticket to Calcutta to respond to the allure of that autumnal zest that Bengalis love to refer to as 'Pujo', Jeesha Menon, a true-blue Bangalorean and diehard fan of Mahesh Dattani's theatre, told me: 'Skip the 'Pujo' once, Das, and come to Bangalore. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Promise you a cracker.' Jeesha's invitation was politely turned down because being in Delhi had already made me too homesick to look for greener pastures other than Calcutta, but standing on that Langford Gardens hotel balcony on a chilly night in Bengaluru and watching those youngsters turn up for the Vengaboys concert made me realise what she had probably meant many moons back. Jump cut to the summer of 2023. I return to Bengaluru, this time with a new job at TOI. Lo and behold. The conceptual construct of a quaint, chic, stylish city -- based on what I had seen, heard and felt almost a quarter of a century ago -- was jolted by a reality check marked by potholed roads, abrasive driving, rush-hour road rage, all-too-frequent power cuts, dry taps and never-ending infra work pushing Bengaluru's brand equity as a 'Garden City' to the backburner, with invisible 'work-in-progress' boards hung all over. Worse still, on the very first weekend after I landed here, my run-in with an auto driver off Brigade Road, who roundly abused me with expletives in Hindi, made me wonder whether it's the same city that had so impressed me with its sobriety and sophistication back in 2000 or, for that matter, the metropolis that Jeesha would go ga-ga about over umpteen cups of tea at JNU's 'intellectual hotbed' called Ganga Dhaba. Yet, beyond the hustle bustle and the rough and tumble of this many-splendoured and often-misunderstood city lies the wider canvas of a melting pot, an 'existential angst' that shocks and enamours in equal measures. If you opt to be numbed by the 'shock', then you'd certainly miss out on the finer points of life that this city offers. And, if you prefer to only gloss over the endearing factors and live in denial of the squalor, you'd probably be denying yourself the other half of a lived experience – an experience that rolls detachment and engagement, love and indifference, agony and ecstasy into one composite whole like a Roman Polanski film. Remember 'Bitter Moon'? Quite like the 1992 Hugh Grant classic, present-day Bengaluru makes you feel that you are the victim and the torturer – all at once. Retribution can only come through accepting the fact that given those millions who have descended upon this city from all over the country to call this place their second home, self included, Bengaluru has been stretched to its maximum to make us all feel welcome and wanted. The collaterals are concomitants. The 'existential angst' was all too palpable when those 11 RCB fans lost their lives, trying to accord a heroes' welcome to the 2025 IPL champions. Many would question: 'Is this Bangalore? Whither Bangalore?' Personally speaking, those deaths, unfortunate as they were, perhaps bore one of the surest signs of a city having far extended its reach and appeal beyond its immediate geo-cultural template and emerge a lodestone for a much wider, varied audience – an audience bent on soaking up life even in all its frailties and perils. Having spent two years in this city now, I can say this without a modicum of doubt that the abusive auto driver off Brigade Road, for me, is an islet of aberrance, an air-pocket of turbulence, but certainly not an apocalyptic wind system that would knock the daylights out of me. Better still, I'd root for that auto captain who agreed to drop me to Richmond Circle from Garuda Mall for Rs 90, but as I was about to scan the QR code upon reaching the destination, said out of his own volition, 'Sir, 80 de do' (give me just 80), realizing that the evening traffic down Richmond Road wasn't all that bad. As I mentioned earlier, Bengaluru for me is a melting pot of cultures, of identities, of a shared sense of belonging – much like what I had experienced in Dubai during my nearly two decades of living and working there. Quite like that charming UAE emirate, the Karnataka capital continues to roll out the red carpet to all those who keep streaming into this 'IT hub' in search of a better way of life and, perhaps, for more love per square foot. Add to that the city's culinary delights, its vast patches of green that are unparallelled anywhere in India, its vibrant, pulsating nightlife, and, most of all, a god-gifted weather that doesn't punctuate conjugal bliss with the threat of 'kinetic action' unleashed over whether the room AC should be set at 18 or 24 at bedtime! On a more personal note, did I tell you that I've rekindled my love for vinyl after moving to this city? That record store on MG Road is such a treasure trove that I ended up buying a vinyl player, breathing new life into a childhood fascination – quite like revisiting those yellow, worn-out pages of a long-forgotten Scrap Book. Though I continue to be a Bong at heart who's not ready to trade his 'mishti doi' for a plate of 'obbattu' – not yet, that is – I must still confess I'm besotted by Mysore Pak and delectable, slicky masala dosas, washed down with fresh filter coffee at some of those iconic Bengaluru eateries. For me, this city is as much about its pain pit-stops as it is about its pleasure points. So, I'll continue to fret and fume behind the wheel as I negotiate oodles and oodles of puddles on a rain-soaked, bumpy drive down Bannerghatta Road, but quietly assuaging the frustration with this hope that the next visit to my favourite lounge bar atop World Trade Center or the next play at Rangashankara is just a weekend away. Quantum of solace. Life's good.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rath Yatra marks the countdown to Durga Puja: Priyanka Sarkar
Priyanka Sarkar at Ram Gopal Saha's mansion From decorating her multi-tiered rath with her father to ringing bells to earn a fair share of pocket money in exchange of prasad, to watching her son slowly outgrow the tradition, Rath Yatra isn't just a festival for actress Priyanka Sarkar, it's a feeling woven with childhood memories, family rituals, and simple joys. CT shoots with the Chirodini Tumi Je Amar and Bibaho Obhijaan actress on this special occasion, to know how the day reminds her of a personal journey through time, food, and nostalgia. Have you ever been to Puri for Rath Yatra? I've always wanted to. Puri, for us, is more than just a place. It's an emotion. I've thought of going to Puri during Rath Yatra, but never ended doing so, mainly because it's overcrowded during this time of the year. They say Jagannath pulls you Himself... It's true! He really does. The first time I visited the Jagannath Temple in Puri, I was barely one and a half years old, so I have no memory of it. After that, I've gone to Puri several times for shoots, but not once did I get the opportunity to actually get a darshan of Jagannath. Then, just a few months ago, I went on a road trip to Mandarmani with my parents and Shohoj. The Jagannath Dham in Digha had not opened doors yet. Baba suddenly said, 'Let's just go on a road trip to Puri, it's just a few hours away. ' So off we went, totally unplanned. When we reached, we got a hassle-free darshan . The weather was perfect, and surprisingly, it wasn't even much crowded. That's exactly what people mean when they say 'He pulls you Himself – He orchestrates the entire plan'. Rath er mela holds a special place in my heart. It's not just about papad or khaja, the entire fair is a must-visit Priyanka Sarkar Do you have any special plans for Rath Yatra this year? We don't conduct a grand puja at home as such – it's more of a daily spiritual routine, and the same will happen this year. Shohoj, my son, used to pull the chariot with an idol of Jagannath, one gifted to him by my mother till last year, but I am not sure if he will do it this year since he thinks he's outgrown it, and this activity is meant for kids. Today you're shooting inside Ramgopal Saha's mansion in Bowbazar, they also host a grand Durga Puja that is over a century-old. Would you like to return here during Pujo? Shooting in the mansion feels truly special. The house perfectly captures everything I love about north Kolkata. Every house in this area carries a distinct charm. This shoot feels special to me since Rath Yatra also marks the countdown to Durga Puja. On this day, you see Khuti pujo happening in so many places. I would love to return to the mansion during Pujo. With many friends hosting bonedi barir pujos, I make it a point to visit each one at least once every year. There's something so beautiful and intimate about these centuries-old pujos. It is more of a personal tradition now to have Ashtami bhog at one place and Nabami lunch at another. Priyanka decorating a Rath Earliest Rath Yatra memories 'The earliest memory I have of Rath Yatra is also the most exciting,' says Priyanka, adding, 'I'd rush home from school to decorate the rath.' She would use everything from flowers to marble paper to decorate it and collect material for weeks in advance. 'Baba would take out the rath and clean it the day before.' That time of year also meant a fun little income. 'We'd take the rath out, ring a bell, hand out prasad, and people would give us ₹2 or ₹5. It was such fun!' Her maternal uncle's house was nearby, so the rath would be taken there on the festival day and brought back on Ulta Rath. 'There was always a feast waiting for us, and a more pocket money too,' she laughs. Decorating the rath, making sure the idols stayed in place, and upgrading from ek tala to teen tala rath made me feel so special as a kid Priyanka Sarkar 'Rath er mela holds a special place in my heart' Rath er mela holds a special place in Priyanka's heart for more reasons than one. 'I love street food, so for me, it's not just about papad or khaja – the entire fair is a must-visit,' she says. In fact, she even went to a mela last year. She adds, 'From ghugni to kulfi, there's so much to enjoy. The whole experience is something I look forward to every year.' Jilipi, a Rath Yatra delicacy Rath delicacies on Priyanka's plate: Papad bhaja Khaja Vegetarian homemade delicacies
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tana chokh and ekchala idols make a comeback
As approaches on June 27, Kolkata begins to buzz with the early approaching Durga Puja. While the city celebrates the chariot journey of Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra, the day holds a significance in Kumartuli as many Pujo committees offer their bayna (token booking) to artisans, while some perform khuti pujo. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Together, these customs signal the ceremonial start of Durga Puja preparations. With artisans hoping for a strong season, the lanes of Kumartuli are alive with emotion, purpose, and the unmistakable thrill of the season ahead. 'We've already shipped 35 idols globally in 2025' With Bengali communities celebrating Pujo across continents, artisan Kaushik Pal, who caters to international orders, says the goddess has gone global. He said: 'This year, almost 35 idols have already been shipped to the USA, Germany, Italy, London & Canada. We're still to ship to Vienna, Dubai, Singapore, and LA.' High demand in Kumartuli this Rath Yatra Kumartuli artisans are hopeful for a strong season ahead as early signs point to a positive year for business, as confirmed by Babu Pal. He shared that last year's sales had dipped following a tragic incident. With more enquiries pouring in from major Puja committees and a noticeable willingness to accommodate a 10–12% price hike, things are looking up. 'The real business happens on Rath Yatra, when committees make their bookings with a token amount,' he said. There's also a demand for sabeki idols globally. Operation Sindoor, travel to space among top Pujo themes 'My team is working 24x7' Veteran artist China Pal is racing against time, juggling Ganesh and Durga idols for the upcoming festival season. 'All my team is working almost 24x7,' she said. 'In August, there's Ganesh Puja, and by end of September, it's Durga Puja — we're running out of time.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Traditional idols with wide, almond-shaped eyes and the ekchala style are in high demand, especially from housing societies. 'We're hoping enquiries from clubs turn into bookings on Rath Yatra,' she added. On rising prices, she said, 'The price of raw materials has shot up. We're quoting accordingly — otherwise we can't survive.' Pandal themes that are trending for Pujo this year Suruchi Sangha: The club dives into history this year with a theme that promises something historical — marking artist Anirban Das's debut with the club and, as Swarup Biswas says: 'It will be unique.' Ballygunge Cultural Association: Marking its 75th year, the club has picked the theme Protha (rituals), confirms Saptarshi Basu, without revealing how it unfolds into a Durga Puja narrative Mudiali Club: Staying true to tradition with its iconic idol unchanged for three generations, this year's theme, inner conscience, is brought to life by artist Biman Saha in what Ashok Dey calls a 'beautiful' execution. Tridhara Sammilani: Tridhara Sammilani is still locking in this year's theme, but Debasish Kumar confirmed a five-day live performance tied to it, adding, 'there will be a live performance of our Durga Puja theme.' Santosh Mitra Square: Operation Sindoor has been chosen as the theme. Ekdalia Evergreen Club: The theme is Arunachaleswarar Temple this year Sreebhumi Sporting Club: They have picked the theme of the International Space Station. Quotes: Almost all international committees chose the tana chokh (wide-eyed) style, which symbolises divine power, strength, and Ma's role as a protector in these trying times– Kaushik Pal, artisan Demand for classic ekchala idols with Durga & her children are placed under a canopy, is strong, particularly in in ternational markets – Babu Pal, secretary and spokesperson, Kumartuli Mritshilpa Sanskriti Samiti I'm currently working on the theme Rupantar, or transformation for Nalin Sarkar Street Durga Puja. I'm also designing Kalikapur's Udayan Pally idol. The message is rooted in humanity and a call to say no to war– Sanatan Dinda, artist
