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3 Bengali Classic Book to Film Adaptations in Modern Context

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Satyajit Ray's 1964 classic, Charulata, a screen adaptation of Tagore's Nastanirh, still creates ripples inside us as viewers. Likewise, there have been numerous other books that have inspired filmmakers to bring them to celluloid, time and again, like Saratchandra Chattopadhyay's Devdas. Today, as I was reflecting on modern Bengali cinema, I researched and found several Classic Bengali books presented in a contemporary perspective by various filmmakers in recent times. I have some of these films; however, some are still on my wishlist.  1. Ghawre Bairey Aj (2019): Directed by critically acclaimed director Aparna Sen, this movie, adapted from Rabindranath Tagore's Ghare Baire, is set in a modern set-up. Brinda, a tribal girl, is adopted by Nikhilesh's family and eventually marries him. A curious and wild-at-heart Brinda struggles to keep herself bound by Nikhilesh's much more mature and composed lifestyle. A naive Brinda is drawn to a corrupt politician, Sandip ...

Falling in Love

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  1997 "Why do you think we fall in love?" Monty asked, chewing popcorn from the corner of his mouth. They had just skipped school to watch their favourite star's latest romantic film. Chandni was so engrossed in the drama and the King of Romance's on-screen presence that Monty's simple question irritated her. She turned her gaze from the screen and replied, "It's simple, you know. Every man needs a woman, and every woman needs a man to share their lives with." Monty didn't seem satisfied with her answer. "I'm a man, and you're a woman. I don't need you for anything other than skipping class and watching films." Chandni looked at him, her expression softening slightly. "Don't you see? The hero and heroine fell in love, but it didn't happen instantly. It takes time. It's destined that this man needs that woman in his life and vice versa." "So, you mean there's already someone I need,...

My Valentine's Day Playlist #WriteAPageADay

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I remember when I was in school, one of my friends had gifted me a cassette with some really nice Love songs, some of those still make me swoon and bring out the dormant "lover-girl" in me. Too much, huh!! That's me! Some of the songs are quite old and for many rusted/dusted/cliched. But I still get fascinated by these tunes, and fall in love every time I listen to these ( with the songs of course)  Here are the  songs for my Valentine's Day playlist: 1. Mujhse Milne Ke Woh Karta Tha: This is a beautiful ghazal sung by Chitra Singh. The lyrics by Jagjit Singh convey old love and its memories, a little bitter - a little sweet.  2. Everything I Do, I Do It for You: Bryan Adams and the magic of his husky voice- that's what this song is about. The music from the motion picture Robin Hood (I like the movie and Kevin Costner, too) has some soul-touching lyrics and a tune that touches the heart. 3. Nawazish Karam: This ghazal by Mehdi Hassan is a very sweet and l...

6 Depressing Movies You Should Not Watch #WriteAPageADay

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I used to enjoy watching thriller and horror films the most; however, at this point, what I choose to watch entirely depends on my mood. Time and again, I have ended up watching some really depressing films. Now, don't get me wrong on this: neither did I specifically want to watch these movies because they were sad, nor were any of these films inferior in any sense. It's just that they ended on a very sad note, despite their brilliance. So, without any further delay, let me form this bucket of depression:  1. Mother (2017): This movie is truly a piece of artistic cinema for me. But many would agree with me that it concludes on a very depressing note. It definitely is a metaphorical representation of Mother Nature and its destruction, where God also fails to protect her. But the scene of the mass destruction in the name of celebration really hits hard and compels one to think. Javier Bardem, Jennifer Lawrence, Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer deliver powerful performances.  2. S...

The Land’s Lore

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Caste segregation in India was used to distribute roles within society, primarily based on occupation. Known as the " Varna system", gradually this segregation became much rigid through power acquisition and systematic oppression. A ruthless society was formed on the basis of " Higher caste" and " Lower caste". Sadly, despite many reforms and laws being passed, today, "caste based" discrimination is also rampant in various places and sectors.  My poem is an attempt to reflect the evils of the issue and to offer a ray of hope that can bring about change toward equality.  The Land's Lore  Secluded, they stand under the burning sun, When the swarm of people fill in their pots, Now they know, it's their turn. The little boy asks his mother, Why can ’ t we go now? To fetch some water? Scared, hushed- his mother whispers. It ’ s for them; we get leftovers. The little boy, na ï ve and curious Complains his mother, “ I am thirst...

Top 4 Bengali Web Series Showing Troubled Brides

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Troubled brides- this is a very popular theme in Bengali web series. Let me throw some spotlight on the main subject matter: an absolutely newlywed bride enters her husband's house, where everyone seems highly suspicious, always plotting unthinkable schemes against her. The husband is either aloof or very rude. There are hundreds of family members for whom smiling seems to be a distant relative, never welcome. The bride gets into solving mysteries, which can even involve several murder cases. The themes of these web series are mostly the same; only the cast and character names keep changing. So, today, let me tell you about some web series that explore the trauma of troubled brides.  1. Indu: This 3 parts web series is probably the pioneer in the "troubled brides" trend. Indu is a newlywed bride who marries the eldest son of a pompous family of business owners. Her husband gets annoyed by her very presence and is always irritated by something or someone. He is also feared...

The Date #Writeapageaday #blogaberrycc

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Romi's House 9 am Romi was trying to solve the crossword puzzle in the morning newspaper, just when the doorbell rang. Slightly annoyed, she found Rony standing there, sweating profusely and panting, but did he care? He still had that bright smile stuck on his face. She knew he had just come from the gym, and Urvashi was with him, all this while. "Romu, guess what!" His innocent eyes sparkled with excitement. "She asked me out on a date!" A bit perplexed, Romi exploded, "Urvashi? As on a date? You've got to be kidding me! Ronu, brake please!" "I knew you would never believe, but that's what happened." He declared, lifting her petite body from the shoulders, and made her sit on a chair. "Fine, explain now." She pretended to be patient. "So, she asked me out at the Rooftop Café this evening. She would be ready by 6, and I would have to pick her up. Finally, it's a date, Romu, it's a date" He gleamed...