North Kolkata Calling !!

Bengali films took a backseat for a long time. However men like Rituparno Ghosh &Othrs have somewhat brought back its lost glory. Got a sudden opportunity to watch a film by Anik Dutta in a not- too- good North Calcutta cinema hall. The very first impression was that (maybe the sound system) it  was a test to ears. In fact it was quite difficult to follow what the characters were saying. The story which unfolded- in the midst of confusion- was not very unusual -although Mr.Dutta sincerely tried  to thrust his points-which  somehow came through ! The Rag To Riches ( within a short span) and its frustration was impressive. In between-the fast changing language  problem too was a point to be noted ! Mr. Dutta however was successful in saying whatever he had to say !!

Shastriya Sangeet / Hidustani Sangeet or Indian Classical Music was previously patronized by  Maharajas ,Rajas & Zamindars. Artists came from far and wide to perform and those who showed excellence in their fields were fabulously rewarded.With the advent of time things have now changed and we are aware of the present state of affairs.                            Roshan Kumari performs at Chatu Babu Latu Babu's Thakurbari with Samta Prashad (Tabla) Fakir Mohammed (Pakwaj). On stage : Bade Gulam Ali Khan,Vilayet & Imrat Khan. On front row: Ali Akbar Khan, Karamutallah Khan,Amanath & Fathe Ali.                                                      The tradition continues at Chatu Babu Latu Babu's Thakurbari !                                     http://ocms.jimdo.com/

The 233 years old puja began by Ramdulal De (Deb) still continues !

Manna De lived in North Calcutta. It was a five minutes walk from our house. During those days he spent most of his time in Bombay but used to visit his home in Simla Street.There was a day when we saw him with Md Rafi , like commoners, buying  cigarettes from Ganga's Pan shop.It was not an every day sight. We were probably in our College days when we used to have regular music addas in our house.Many of us were serious about music. One among us was a die hard fan of Manna De. He was so bent upon taking music lessons from Manna De that, one day, he picked up enough courage to call at his house at Simla Street. When , in the evening , he related his experience - it was a kind of shock & awe situation for us. Manna De was in  relaxed mood when he revealed his intention. De quickly reacted " Do you know wrestling ?"My friend was simply bowled out-what a question !! When he finally replied, Manna De said" Go an