'Selected Memories'

It was Baishey Srabon, yet again the occasion Rabindranath Tagore's death anniversary, a day that is considered special for all Bangalis, and for all Tagore-lovers. This year was the 72nd death anniversary of the bard, and it was made all the more special for me, and many who share my passion and are possibly my readers, by Doordarshan which honored the bard's memory by telecasting Rituparno Ghosh's 78-minute-long impressionistic documentary titled 'Jeevan Smriti' ('Selected Memories'; with English sub-titles). The documentary, more of Ghosh's take on the bard, was much awaited for many reasons. First, it was the last of the filmmaker's completed projects. It was shot in phases for over a year, and had waited to see the light of day (only seen by a select few in an invitational screening or more) for long. Rituparno Ghosh, known to be a consummate researcher, had worked on the theme for several years before embarking on the actual filming. documentary. It had taken more time and energy than he was known to devote to his feature films. It was dear to his heart because of his passionate association with the bard and his works. He was known to have quite a vast knowledge on the subject that had even made him quite a treasure-house, especially of the nuggets, of information recently. Watching the film, made me emotional. It made me heavy-hearted. Nostalgia gripped me, I felt enthused, was ecstatic at times...... my eyes welled with tears for many reasons. It would be difficult for me to dissect the film for its merits and demerits, I apologize to my readers for my inability to review the film as many would have wanted me to. Consider it my personal incapacity. However, I would want all of you to watch the film, if ever you get the opportunity to do so. It was Rituda's pet project, he had wanted to steer clear of the baggage that we carry with the respect that we have for the fine documentary on Tagore made by Satyajit Ray. He had wanted to traverse interesting facets from the bard's life, his extensive travels, and his many platonic relationships as well. Samadarshi Datta played a young Rabindranath, in his twenties - quite the romantic and formative period in the poet's life, while Sanjoy Nag played the aged bard, there were Raima Sen and Arunima Ghosh in the cast too. Rituda himself had a memorable presence in the film, almost giving one the feeling of a consummation with the bard, as he is found baring his soul, his spirit to us viewers, as his life unfolds. The background commentary has paralleled the dramatized documentation and that too has been enriched by many an actor, including Deepti Naval and Anasuya Majumdar. Rituparno intentionally chose to attach multiple layers, to showcase Tagore's multiplicity. However, he has also banked on the scenes from some Ray films based on Tagore's works, reinstating the obvious association that we, people of his generation and thereafter, have particularly had with Tagore -the creator and Tagore - the individual.

'Damadol'

Zany, madcap comedies are the most difficult to make.
That explains why we have them so few and far between.

I have often been told by my non-Bengali friends that we are so hesitant to laugh at ourselves and that is why we have so few Bangla films that belong exclusively to the comedy genre. Well, it is a fact that we do not have as many successful comedies on the big screen to boast about, but the reasons behind which are more than the fingers on our hands. Recently, we have had some quality films that showcase our comedic sense and make one laugh with the nuanced representations. Soon, it will be time let our hair down with 'Damadol', an ensemble comedy that I am looking forward to.

In the ensemble cast are some much known faces, some much loved because of their work on television, while there are a few fresh faces as well. What encourages me most, as a viewer, is the fact that the makers these days are bouncing off fresh ideas, exploring new or less-frequently visited grounds, and the future of Bangla cinema is hopefully a lot brighter because of the same.

The plot thickens with an aspiring filmmaker Aditya trying to get financial help from PappuBhai, an underworld don with a love for cinema. Then there is Nikhil, the corporate guy wanting to get married but with the belief that he can never fall in love. There are situational complications affecting love and friendship. Ankita - an air-hostess, Ria- a young girl with strong moral values, and Tanya - the actress who is part of Aditya's film, are all dragged into this roller-coaster ride of mistaken identity and hilarious confusion.

The cast comprises Saswata Chatterjee, Samadarshi Dutta, Saheb Bhattacharya, Rajdeep Gupta, Shamaun Ahmed, Anindita, Priyanka, Gunjan, and Niharica Raizada. The film is directed by Manoj Michigan, and produced by Ajay Jhunjhunwala. The music has been composed by Gaurab Chatterjee. The cinematography has been done by Supriyo Dutta, and the film has been edited by Atish Dey Sarkar.

A tête-à-tête with Samadarshi

Samadarshi Dutta is one of the fresh talents that Bangla cinema can boast of. He is an actor who has been consistently doing quality work, and I am proud to present a candid conversation with this actor par excellence.

Even a few months back, I was unfamiliar with your acting.... but after watching you in "Aami Aadu" early this year I was absolutely impressed and have no doubt that you are one of the hottest young talents in Bangla cinema.

Thanks, for the appreciation. I haven't acted in too many films, but I consider myself lucky to be associated with good films.

You had started out with television, didn't you?

Well, I did just one television serial called "Kakhano Megh Kakhano Brishti", and it was a few months' work only, yet it got me some recognition.

True, and many have told me that they know you because of that serial.... people in the film fraternity, also admire you a lot for your very first film, "Ichchhe" that hasn't been released till now.

Yes, people in the industry who have seen "Ichchhe" have all lavished praises on me...... it was indeed a special film, and I acted alongside Sohini Halder, who played my mother, and Bidita Bag, with whom I share a wonderful working chemistry.



Samadarshi, you have had a formal training too, at the FTII, Pune, and it must have been quite an enriching experience, right?

Of course, I was lucky to have had done my stint there, and apart from the grooming and the exposure to the art and craft of cinema, I have made some great friends.
That you are well-versed in acting was evident when I saw "Aami Aadu", and then when I saw you in "Aarohan". You did some acting on stage too, didn't you?

Yes, I did group theatre for some time before moving on to act in films.

But don't you think for Bangla mainstream cinema your grooming and education might be considered a disadvantage? Are you open to all sorts of screen roles?

By Bangla mainstream cinema if one understands a certain kind of copy-paste versions of Telugu or Tamil potboilers, then I might not fit into the so called mould, but I do have enough confidence as an actor that I can act in diverse genres of films.

In "Aarohan", you have had an American accent, you must worked hard.....

I think I did a somewhat okayish job in terms of preparing for it. I also had to acquire the accent of Murshidabad district for "Aami Aadu", if you remember.....

Of course, you had sounded absolutely convincing!

Well, that is what an actor is supposed to do, isn't it? Becoming a character in entirety involves getting the dialect, the body language and the behaviour right.

Very true. By the way, your Hindi diction is good, so, are open to offers from Mumbai?

Mumbai, Chennai..... whichever part of the country beckons me! I'm open to doing films in any regional language whatsoever, and I believe I can pick up the language for the role.

Wow! Is that because you weigh your options cautiously, or find that Tollygunge might not have the right kind of opportunities.....

My first release was an out and out commercial film, "Saathi Aamaar Bondhu Aamaar", and it is not that I'm too proud of that film.... I want to act in films which I can proudly look back upon when I reflect on my work as an actor some years from now.

In that film, you were introduced as Surya..... which was odd......

There are things like that an actor can't do anything about. Interestingly, the first time I had got an offer from Tollygunge, was from the Late Anjan Chowdhury, who wanted to make a film with me, and though it didn't materialise, the fact that he himself had narrated the script is a treasured memory.
Please tell me about your projects at hand.

I have wrapped up the shoot for "Mukti", "Bhooter Bhobisyot", and "Dekha Na Dekha".

In Gautam Halder's "Mukti", you have worked with Raakhee Gulzar, right? How was it working with her?

Yes, I do not have many scenes with her in the film though. She is a stalwart indeed and working with stalwarts give me enough resources and insights which I look forward to implementing in due course. for example, in "Aarohan", I had worked with Soumitro Chattopadhyay and Sandhya Roy, and from them to I got to learn as well. I worked in "Hing Ting Chhawt" which too had Soumitro Chattopadhyay. Thus, my perspective on cinema indirectly got shaped even while I was working.


A personal question, as an actor, do you feel insecure at times?

I'd be lying if I deny; the profession of acting does have its share of insecurity, but I believe in honing my skills and having enough self-confidence and faith in my capability. I am passionate about acting.

When exactly did you sense this passion within, for the first time, you do not come from a family of actors or cinema professionals, do you?

No one in my family have been part of showbiz, my folks are all academically inclined, and have had successful careers.
I remember being stirred by a film shown on television, when I was in high school, I recall the very scene but not the name of the film, and I knew that I had to act! Eventually, getting selected as a student at FTII was a huge turning point for me.

Tell me about the things you indulge in when you aren't acting.

I love watching films. I can boast of an impressive collection of films from around the world on my computer..... hahaha......

What kind of films do you watch?

All kinds..... I love watching world cinema - the classics, for sure, plus works of all the contemporary greats.

You have an eclectic taste in music too..... I know, you play the guitar.....

Well, I do love strumming the guitar. For a while, I had studied tabla, sarod, and violin too.....

That says a lot about you, you love accomplishing things.... hahaha.... but, Samadarshi, I can't help observing how affable you are, without the trappings of a star.

I am not a star, not yet..... I would love to be an actor, an actor who works earnestly..... and by the grace of God, people like me. People who have worked with me, including my co-actors and technicians, and even the spotboys and the chaiwallahs, have endeared me. Somehow, I can connect with people. I love that.

How do you stay fit? Isn't the physicality bit in cinema a fad now?

I am not into beefing up, as is evident, but I do believe working out is important. It is important for an actor to stay fit and healthy, by all means.

You know, I was elated to learn that "Aami Aadu" has bagged both the National Award (for best regional film - Bangla), and the Silver Award at SAARC Film Festival in Colombo. I am sure that you will go places as people will take note of you for your distinctive. May your work speak for itself. I wish you all the best for all your forthcoming projects.

Thank you. I am happy that people love me, and my work.

It was lovely talking to you.
I am sure my readers will enjoy the chat as well.