Me Movies More

The summer of 2023 was immensely memorable for me as I spent four months in Pennsylvania with my family. Summers in the East are beautiful, with flowers blooming all around. We lived in a cosy house in Fountain Hill, a small town near Lehigh University. One summer day, we decided to take a day trip to Philadelphia. Luckily, one of my husband's colleagues' students also accompanied us on the trip. We took the bus from Fountain Hill Bus Station directly to Philadelphia, and the journey lasted one and a half hours. Philadelphia is a large city, providing a much-needed escape from our small-town home. Once we arrived at the bus station, we walked toward Philadelphia's City Hall. It is an incredible example of architecture, constructed with 88 million bricks, white marble, and limestone. It spans a whopping 14.5 acres of space and houses 250 pieces of stunning sculptures.  The most stunning piece of sculpture is the huge statue of the city's founder, William Penn, a 37-foot-...

There are very few sports dramas made in the Bengali language. Even when they do exist, most of them are based on contemporary themes. Films like "Lagaan," which fall under the sports drama category with a patriotic touch, are a rare treat for viewers. Bengali filmmakers have also explored the concept of sports dramas with a patriotic flavour, although they started doing so much later. As the saying goes, "better late than never." Here are three Bengali sports dramas that will ignite your patriotic spirit. 1. Egaro ( 2011): One of the most remarkable events to have happened in the history of Indian Football was the win of Mohan Bagan Club over the East Yorkshire Regiment and winning the prestigious IFA Cup in 1911. This film is a very authentic representation of that dramatic event, where the team, consisting of All-Indian players, played barefoot against a more professional and powerful British Team, under the able leadership of Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikari.  The f...

One of the most memorable books I have read recently is the Bengali book Narach by Debarati Mukherjee. After that, I collected three more of her books, have already read two, and am currently reading another one. I have noticed that her historical books, which lack modern context and storyline, are the ones I enjoy the most. Today, I will be reviewing another one of her books, Krishnasindhuki . About the Author One of the most celebrated figures in contemporary Bengali literature, Debarati Mukhopadhyay is a high-level Government officer whose literary works have been highly praised and awarded. Her works include vivid research and easy language that resonates with every reader.  Synopsis Kalapani , a brutal punishment imposed by British India on criminals and freedom fighters in the Andaman Islands , encompassed more than we typically recognise. Many women prisoners endured conditions that were even harsher than those faced by their male counterparts. "Krishnasindhuki" offe...

Oh my God! Here she comes. I completely forgot that she had allowed me just an hour at the park. Only an hour? Really? How will I make her realise it's not possible? I have so much to do—finishing the sandcastles with my friends that we started yesterday, swinging for at least 15 minutes, cycling and racing with Renee, and then discussing Blackpink's new release. I lost track of time, but she won't understand how important these things are for me and my friends. How can we make the elders understand our problems? Now she will march into the park, and the look she gives freezes me, even my friends. She’ll take me home, force me to drink a glass of milk, and eat the same old sandwich she prides herself on. I’ll admit, it's pretty boring—there’s so little cheese and mayo! If I were making it, I would add at least three slices of cheese and two spoonfuls of mayo. Hehe, don’t tell her, please! Otherwise, she won’t approve of the picnic plan I made with my friends for the wee...

Today is Rabindra Jayanti, a day celebrated throughout Bengal with various cultural programs. In tribute to Viswa Kavi, as he is affectionately called, I would like to highlight a few Hindi films that are based on his stories. 1. Milan ( 1946 ): This film should not be confused with the well-known movie featuring Sunil Dutt and Nutan, as it is entirely different. Released before India gained independence, this film is based on Rabindranath Tagore's novel, "Noukadubi." It stars Dilip Kumar in the lead role of Ramesh and Pahari Sanyal as Akshay. It was fascinating to see Sanyal, a renowned actor in Bengali cinema, take on a character with negative traits, as he was typically known for portraying virtuous roles. The good news is that this film is available on YouTube. 2. Kabuliwala ( 1961): "Kabuliwala, tumhare jholi mein kya hai?" Every time the little Mini asks this simple question of the vendor from Afghanistan, he is reminded of his own daughter, whom he has l...

Dear Mother, Do you remember the times we used to go window shopping before Durga Puja? We would skip dinner and enjoy the delicious cutlets from Campari or our favourite Dahi Vadas from Sonali Restaurant. A few months ago, I found the silver ring that I gifted you with my first salary. I had no idea you had kept it so safely with your other jewelry. Whenever I enter your room, I go through your sarees and try to smell your fragrance, just like when I used to lie on your lap while you read a book. You would read, and I would inhale the scent of your perfume—a mix of talcum powder, eau de cologne, and your own unique smell. Do you remember our shopping trips, moving from store to store and only buying a few things? Then we would go to a restaurant for dinner? I still recall how you celebrated Laxmi Puja every year in such a grand style. You would be happy to know that I have started the same tradition here in Mumbai. I miss your prawn masalas. I've been trying my best to recreate a ...