1 hr ago
Filmmakers Explore Kolkata’s Rain, Memory and Changing Identity
Aparna Sen and Sujoy Ghosh talked about how films show Kolkata.
They said rain can be difficult to create in movies.
Sometimes filmmakers use special techniques, while other times they use real weather or unexpected ideas.
Ghosh said the people of Kolkata are more important than famous buildings when showing the city.
Sen spoke about old houses, courtyards and neighbourhoods that are slowly disappearing.
They also discussed the city’s unique sounds, such as street vendors’ calls.
Both filmmakers said Kolkata should not be shown only through landmarks like the Howrah Bridge or Victoria Memorial.
They believe the city keeps changing, and that change can make it an interesting character in films.
Aparna Sen and Sujoy Ghosh discussed portraying Kolkata as a living cinematic character at Kolkata Baarish Season 3.
Sen described creating rain for 36 Chowringhee Lane and recalled a rain sequence from Parama.
Ghosh said practical constraints and improvisation shaped some of the rain scenes in Kahaani.
Both filmmakers argued that Kolkata’s people, sounds, streets and lesser-known spaces matter more than familiar landmarks alone.
Sen expressed concern about the disappearance of old houses, cinemas and multicultural neighbourhoods as the city changes.
- Who
- Filmmakers Aparna Sen and Sujoy Ghosh, moderated by Priyanka Roy of The Telegraph.
- What
- A discussion about portraying Kolkata, rain and the city’s changing identity in cinema.
- Where
- The Bengal Club in Kolkata.
- When
- The second and final evening of Kolkata Baarish Season 3, held recently.
- Why
- To explore how filmmakers can represent Kolkata beyond familiar landmarks and romanticised stereotypes.
Key facts
- Event
- Kolkata Baarish Season 3
- Session
- Kolkata in Soft Focus
- Participants
- Aparna Sen and Sujoy Ghosh
- Moderator
- Priyanka Roy of The Telegraph
- Venue
- The Bengal Club
- Films discussed
- 36 Chowringhee Lane, Parama, Kahaani and Paromitar Ek Din
- Central theme
- Kolkata as a changing, living cinematic character
Quotes
Sujoy Ghosh
Filmmaker and director discussing his approach to representing Calcutta
“Technically, it’s very difficult to do rain. You have to have the light behind the drops. Otherwise, the drops will not register.”
telegraphindia.com
“When I try to represent Calcutta on screen, I work with its people. For me, it is the people who make the place.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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