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The Hindu
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Kolkata offers tribute to cinema legend Guru Dutt, with screenings of his masterpieces and lectures
Kolkata is offering tribute to cinema legend Guru Dutt, with screenings of his restored masterpieces and lectures. The Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC) hosted 'Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye Toh: Remembering Guru Dutt' on the occasion of the birth centenary of the filmmaker. As part of this commemoration, KCC is collaborating with the National Film Development Corporation – National Film Archive of India (NFDC-NFAI) to present a curated screening of 'Pyaasa' and exhibition of digital prints of original posters and film-stills alongside critical talks and archival materials that reframe Dutt's legacy for new audiences. An official statement from organisers says, 'engage with Dutt not as a nostalgic icon, but as a spectral presence–an artist whose images still whisper urgently to the present.' The day-long immersive tribute commenced with a keynote address titled 'Affect, Authorship and Ideology' which was an extensive exploration of the aesthetics and politics of Guru Dutt's films by Prof. Ira Bhaskar, the former Dean of Jawaharlal Nehru University. She spoke of how his films displayed a choreography of light and movement, molding with music. Professor Bhaskar analysed the politics of his film 'Pyaasa' which she described as a 'very hard-hitting critique of capitalism with its prostitution of human emotions and values at the altar of capital.' She goes on to probe into some more of his essential works–examining Dutt's reflections on patriarchy, feudalism, the emerging modernity and the capitalist film industry. 'He spoke fluent Bangla, and it was his life's dream to make a film in Bengali,' Professor Bhaskar said about Guru Dutt's love for Bengal and the influence it had on him. She mentioned that she will return to Kolkata in November this year for a seminar on Ritwik Ghatak, who she describes as another all-time obsession of hers. The day was completed with a screening of Pyaasa, one of Dutt's most celebrated films.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tribute to Bhowanipore's Guru Dutt on centenary
1 2 Kolkata: Guru Dutt was not born in Kolkata but the city had lived in him since he shifted here and grew up as a Bhowanipore resident. Fluent in Bengali and an avid reader of Bengali literature, Dutt married iconic Bengali singer, Geeta Ghosh Roy Chowdhuri, and filmed at least two of his cult movies in Kolkata. To commemorate his centenary, film enthusiasts from across India will gather for a day-long event at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity on Friday. Richa Agarwal, chairperson of the centre, described "Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye Toh: Remembering Guru Dutt" as a space to reflect on cinema and not just a tribute. After completing his schooling in Kolkata, Dutt took up a job of a telephone operator in the city in 1942. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata "He watched Bengali films at Jyoti theatre next to his home, attended jatras, heard Baul songs and watched the dance dramas of Uday Shankar that had a deep impact on him. He admired the work of PC Barua, Debaki Bose, Nitin Bose, Phani Mazumdar. In his own cinema, we see the influence of these film-makers," said Ira Bhaskar, former dean of School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, who will deliver the keynote address. Bhaskar will present the programme's keynote address, titled 'Affect, Authorship, and Ideology. Dutt's association with Uday Shankar's School of Dance and Choreography in Almora impacted his work. JU professor Madhuja Mukherjee, who will also deliver a talk at the event, said Dutt's 'Pyaasa' is set in Kolkata. The song, 'Jaane kya tune kahi' featuring Dutt and Waheeda Rehmanwas shot at the Prinsep Ghat. Stories abound about Dutt's friendship with novelist Bimal Mitra whose 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' was adapted for the 1962-classic. It was partially shot at the Indo-English castle of the Gaines in Dhanyakuria. "Guru Dutt began to remake Nitin Bose's 'Saathi'/'President.' When he died in October 1964, he was remaking this film as 'Bahaaren Phir Bhi Aayengi'— set in Kolkata — with Mala Sinha and Tanuja as his co-stars. As he died, it was finished by his team, including his brother Atma Ram and released as a Guru Dutt production in 1966 with Dharmendra playing his role," Bhaskar said. Dutt had also started shooting his Bengali directorial debut titled 'Gouri', based on the life of a sculptor. But the project was shelved. "Geeta Dutt sang for all his films. In many of his films, SD Burman and Hemant Kumar composed the music," Bhaskar added.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
An evening of music and memories
Iman Chakraborty captivated a full house at KCC Offstage with an intimate performance blending live music, conversation, and reflection. Her rendition of Aaoge Jab Tum resonated deeply, creating a collective experience as the audience softly sang along. The evening featured a mix of traditional forms and original compositions, showcasing the platform's commitment to meaningful artist engagement. The second session of this season's KCC Offstage featured singer Iman Chakraborty in an intimate and immersive evening of live music, conversation, and reflection. Held at the amphitheatre of Kolkata Centre for Creativity, the session drew a housefull audience and offered a rare, close-up experience of the artist in performance. A key highlight of the evening was her rendition of Aaoge Jab Tum , originally sung by Rashid Khan. The audience joined in, singing along softly turning the moment into a quiet collective experience. Iman also responded to live song requests from the audience, adding a spontaneous and interactive layer to the session. True to the Offstage format, the evening unfolded through music and informal storytelling, blending traditional forms like Rabindrasangeet and Nazrul Geeti with her own work, including Alada Alada , written by Anupam Roy. The session reinforced that this platform is for meaningful, artist-led engagement in the city's cultural calendar.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Evening of dance and reflection blends movement, music and mindfulness
Kolkata Centre for Creativity hosted an evocative dance event, Inner Move, blending movement, memory, and collaboration. Choreographer Sudarshan Chakravorty's tribute preceded the performance, exploring inner calm through contemporary dance. The 11-day residency with French and Swiss artists involved 18 participants, enhanced by Dipannita Acharya's soulful music An evocative evening of dance unfolded at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity, where performers, musicians, and guests came together for a celebration of movement, memory, and artistic collaboration. The event began with a unique prelude—dancers flowing through the foyer space, creating a sense of anticipation and immersive energy. This was followed by a heartfelt moment as choreographer Sudarshan Chakravorty offered floral tributes to the portraits of his parents, setting an emotional tone for the evening. The central performance, Inner Move, explored the organic fluidity of wind and water through contemporary physical vocabulary. It was a meditative journey in search of inner calm amidst external chaos, leaving a profound impact on spectators. The performance was the culmination of an 11-day residency with French choreographer Michel Casanovas and Swiss musician Eveline Noth, joined by 18 participants who contributed to its layered expression. Live music played a vital role in the experience. Dipannita Acharya's soulful renditions, including Baul songs and soft melodic interludes, added an ethereal and introspective quality to the performance, enriching the atmosphere with lyrical depth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The evening welcomed several notable guests from cultural and diplomatic circles who appreciated the unique blend of international and local artistic sensibilities. The event served as a thoughtful celebration of art's ability to foster connection, stillness, and shared reflection through the language of dance. Pix: Anindya Saha Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Manav Kaul to mark World Music Day in Kolkata with a sufi-themed theatrical experience
The Kolkata Centre for Creativity is set to host a spellbinding theatrical performance on World Music Day that promises to awaken hearts and elevate spirits. Rooted in the divine legacy of the legendary poet and mystic Hazrat Ameer Khusrau, this immersive experience artfully weaves together soul-stirring melodies, evocative storytelling, and poetic expressions of divine love, longing, and surrender. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now More than just a stage show; it's a spiritual offering designed to awaken your heart and elevate your spirit. Presented by , Jo Dooba So Paar illuminates the profound human side of Sufi poet Ameer Khusrau, focusing on his deep, spiritual bond with his guru, Nizamuddin Auliya, and how this sacred connection led to the advent of Qawwali. The production is dotted with engaging anecdotes and tales, told in a traditional Daastaan style and accompanied by live Qawwali singing. It offers a profound insight into the essence of Sufism and highlights the eternally relevant message of love among humankind. Leading the production is Ajitesh Gupta, a classically trained singer and seasoned theatre actor from Mumbai, known for his powerful voice and commanding presence. With over a decade of theatre experience, Ajitesh has worked with some of India's most acclaimed directors, including Gulzar Sahab, Atul Kumar, and Manav Kaul, bringing rare artistic and cultural depth to his performances. Joining him is Mohit Agarwal, a Sangeet Visharad and accomplished theatre artist whose musical prowess and emotional depth add a resonant dimension to the show. With years of experience in the Mumbai theatre scene and collaborations with directors like Sunil Shanbag and Danish Hussain, Mohit brings both versatility and soul to this musical odyssey. Jo Dooba So Paar is more than just a performance; it's an invitation to surrender, to immerse yourself in the rhythm of the cosmos, and to connect with the divine through the transcendent beauty of Khusrau's poetry. Don't miss this unique confluence of music, mysticism, and theatre — an evening that promises to be both artistically enriching and spiritually uplifting. The performance will take place on June 21, 2025, from 6:30 PM onwards at GD Birla Sabhagar.
