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Top 4 Must-See Bengali Biographical Movies about Iconic Filmmakers #WriteAPageADay

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I pride myself on being a Bengali film enthusiast, and just like any movie lover, I like to write about Bengali movies. It would be an immense pleasure if I could make someone aware of good films in Bengal. Today, I have decided to make a recommendation list for Bengali biographical films about iconic filmmakers. 1. Aparajito (2022): Based upon the initial struggle of Satyajit Ray's filmmaking journey, this film delves deep into the obstacles he had to face, including budget issues. Directed by Anik Datta, it stars Jeetu Kamal as Aparajito Roy, a character based on the life of the ace filmmaker Ray. Those aware of Bengali television shows can recognise Jeetu as a powerful performer whose acting prowls have been restricted to the small screen. However, with the opportunity given on his shoulders to carry out such a significant role of a stalwart on his shoulders, he has owned the character. From his physical transformation to his voice and image makeover, the actor has given his be...

My Top 3 "What the Book!!"#WriteAPageADay

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Once upon a time, I used to be an avid reader till my college days. I had bought, borrowed, and been gifted books of all sorts. Those living in Kolkata know the most lucrative places for book lovers- College Street in North, Golpark and Deshapriya Park in South Kolkata. I used to be a frequenter of all these places as a bibliophile. I got hold of a few books from there that left me like, "What the...." Here are the 3 books that left me with this feel. 1. Tell Me Your Dreams by Sidney Sheldon: As a new college goer, I was big into Sidney Sheldon in those times. The roadside book stall in Golpark was my hub for getting my hands on the latest releases. I picked this up and did not really understand what it was about, thinking that it was one of his usual styled stories of a protagonist with a shady past or present. But as I started going through the book, I got introduced to a new concept called Split Personality or Multiple Personality Disorders ( this was 1998, and these conc...

The Key to Happiness #WriteAPageADay

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I look at my watch. Oh, it's quarter to 8, and I must return home in 15 minutes. She will be back by then but does not have the keys. The traffic at this hour is unimaginably high. There is a long queue of vehicles ahead. Still, I insist the auto driver make it fast, much to his annoyance. Why did I have to go to the event today? Couldn't I have declined? Where will she go now if I don't reach on time? I can feel a sudden streak of fear, and my overthinking self starts to think of every worst scenario possible. I start cursing myself.                                  The moment I received the invitation, I was elated. After almost 5 years, I am being invited after taking a break from my work. My excitement was legitimate. It was a matter of 3 hours only, but I underestimated Mumbai traffic during the evenings. And the overenthusiastic me drained my phone battery by taking innumerable pictures and selfie...

Rule or No Rules #WriteAPageADay

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"Saare Niyam Tod Do Niyam Pe Chalna Chhod Do. Inquilab, Zindabad,"                                --- Gulzar These lines from the film  Khubsoorat  may initially come across as a revolt against every rule we must follow. However, if one has watched the song or, at best, the film, our view of this powerful song will surely impact us.  Torture and force, in the name of rules, is what the song implies. If one has watched the film, one will find how a strict matriarch, who is all about discipline, suffocates her family members; in short, she is all about" All work and no play". Under this strict rule, the family may appear to be running smoothly, with the sons and daughters in good jobs, the daughter-in-laws "obedient" and her husband retired, but in reality, all are suffering inside, with no scope to pursue their dreams. Then comes a guest who changes everyone. Initially, she appears reckless and...

Just Slip & Slide but Fall?#WriteAPageADay

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Looking at the hawk, looking at me gives me a chilling shiver that runs down my spine. It's standing on the beam just a few hands away from me. I am sitting on the edge of the terrace. It narrows its vision towards me and extends its wings. I know what will happen now. I am its target now. Here it comes, flying towards me, vision straight, wings stretched, and feet crawling to hit me. My immediate action is to jump on the slanted brick roof. My sudden jump frustrates it, and it shows that with a shrieking cry. It flies a bit and takes a U-turn, lowering itself towards me. No, I cannot escape it today. I attempt another jump towards the other side of the roof to escape its wrath. My feet slip, and I almost start falling while sliding from the rough, bricked roof. Thank God, there's the chimney, and I hold on to it with all my strength. My whole body aches, my hands and legs bleed, and my clothes get tattered. It looks at me with cruel eyes. I know it is targeting my eyes. A plun...

I Value Me for a Better World #WriteAPageADay

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I have started reading books lately and have set an attainable goal of 1 book a month. In January, I had already read 3 books. In February, I will be on my 2nd one. My daughter is a moody reader. Her interest lies more in creative work; she likes to draw and make puppets. To give her company, I have started colouring and other artwork. She enjoys doing that with me.  I also encourage her to make her own sandwiches and juices. Lately, she has even been allowed to make dosa, idli, appam, and paranthas only when I or her baba is there to supervise. She has been taught to clean her dishes, polish her shoes, and do her table and wardrobe when required.  Whenever I write in my journal or blog, I insist she compete with me to find out who can write the most. Sometimes, she finds it interesting, and most of the time, she runs away and prefers to play with her friends.  I took the time to write about these mundane activities because I wanted everyone to know that is what every par...

Book Review: World's Best Ex Girlfriend

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February, the month of love, automatically drives our minds to anything pink. When I saw this book on the “New Releases” rack at Crossroads, I immediately knew this would be my February Read. From the back cover, I learned that this book is the 2 nd part of author Durjoy Datta’s “World’s Worst Best Girlfriend.” However, that did not hold me from buying the book, as having been well aware of the author’s popularity, I was sure I did not have to read the first part to better read the 2 nd . Although I hadn’t read any of his previous work, I was sure I would enjoy reading it. About the Author One of the most popular authors in India now, Durjoy Datta, is a name the readers of this generation enjoy the most. His previous works like “World’s Worst Best Boyfriend”, “If It’s Not Forever. It's Not Love”, and many others have been best sellers, even adapted to TV shows. While going through the list of books he has penned in such a short period, I noticed that the titles of his book...