It takes courage to remake oneself and even more to invite others to reawaken an industry. Prosenjit Chatterjee, who has blazed past every marker of superstardom in Bangla cinema, is doing just that
RECENT AFTERNOON. One can make out a crowd gathered outside a crumbling mansion in the heart of old Calcutta. Parked in front of 4, Beadon Street, is an ultra-luxury trailer, engine humming quietly. The word is out on the street: “He is here.” Trams jangle, two-wheelers whizz past, cars toot angrily. But oblivious to the frenetic hustle of the unruly street, the crowd hangs around, hoping to get a glimpse of, and maybe a selfie with, a man who inspires non-stop adoration in packed cinema halls: Bangla cinema’s superstar for last 35 years, Prosenjit Chatterjee.
Lights, Camera, Action. Prosenjit is filming Mayurakshi, the story of an NRI son and his ageing father, portrayed by veteran actor Soumitra Chatterjee, who are separated by continents, lifestyles and emotions. The 200-year-old home of the Dey family forms the perfect setting, with its mildew-shrouded walls and priceless masterpieces peeking through layers of dust and grime. Prosenjit sits in absolute stillness on a rickety chair, as director Atanu Ghosh shouts “Cut!” several times to instruct a newcomer. But the minute “Quiet on the set” is called for and the clapper snaps shut, he carries on without missing a beat, exactly from where he stops: no checking on video monitors, no digging into mobile phones, to capture continuity.
This story is from the November 06, 2017 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 06, 2017 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BJP's Big Paschim Test
On paper, the BJP-RLD tie-up is a winner for the NDA in west UP, though the INDIA bloc thinks otherwise. The BSP's entry with mixed candidates can unsettle both alliances
Why Gen V Matters
The Way The 210 Million-Strong Generation Viksit Bharat Casts Its Vote Will Determine The Outcome Of This Election As It Has In The Past
Heart Stopper
Cushions with tales of beauty, serenity, art and nature
THE NIPPON NARRATIVE
Say konnichiwa to good design and sayōnara to bad aesthetics, as this apartment in Bangalore is a lesson in how to use Japanese design effectively
RURAL RESPLENDENCE
This second home in a small village in Uttar Pradesh brings to life the beauty and simplicity of locally sourced materials
Curves in the Right Places
Arches may be taking over interior design, but how and where you place them in your home can make or mar the look of the room
Marvels in Mud
Here's how this humble material is changing the way we look at eco-friendly homes in India
DESIGN FOR THE AGES
Five homes, five distinct design styles that help decode how to curate age-appropriate spaces
TAKE FIVE
FROM RUGS TO CUSHIONS, THESE DECOR PIECES WILL GIVE YOUR INTERIORS AN INSTANT MAKEOVER THIS SEASON
TRENDY TABLESCAPES
At the turn of the season, three fashion labels throw a soiree that is stylish, suave and sophisticated