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Business Standard
5 hours ago
- General
- Business Standard
Susim Mukul Datta: Fountain of youth who left a lasting imprint on HLL
Precisely five days after his 89th birthday, Susim Mukul Datta returned to his creator with grace and tranquillity, which, incidentally, is what his name means. This piece is not an elegy or an obituary. It is an intimate portrait of one of India's highly accomplished leaders. As a young trainee in 1967, I was assigned to do a project in Hindustan Lever Limited's (HLL's) Bombay factory. Energetic manufacturing engineers assembled in the canteen at lunchtime, seemingly in a rush to get their share of carrom, bridge, or adda. I felt lonely as a 21-year-old, looking for someone of my age group and lowly rank. And I noticed a tranquil Susim Datta, whom I befriended. 'Hello, I am a trainee of 1967, which batch are you?' I enquired in my friendly best tone. 'Oh, hello, I am 1956,' he replied. 'What! How could a person ten years my senior look so young?' That is a mystery I never uncovered over the next sixty years. Susim was a picture of the ever-youthful Dorian Gray — without the excesses of the character in Oscar Wilde's story! He told me that he was a chemical engineer from Presidency College, and currently the development manager in the factory. Susim spoke of hydrogenation and saponification as though they were his mother tongue. What about Bengali, I ventured. He hummed what seemed to me as soulful Rabindra Sangeet, perhaps the only such recital within the walls of the Mumbai factory managers' canteen! As the years rolled on, he never came through as a backslapping, but instantly connecting person. I thought of him as a reserved, soft spoken, enviably knowledgeable technical geek. It seemed that he knew everything that was worth knowing, and what he did not know was not worth knowing. He did many clever things in the company and rose meteorically, all of which have been recounted in his obituaries. By 1980, he was rumoured to be a potential chairman. In 1990, he became chairman. During his tenure as chairman of HLL, he acquired a reputation as a mergers and acquisitions magician, and as a leader who pushed for aggressive goals in a seemingly non-aggressive manner through his mantra: quality-innovation-collaboration-acquisitions. He presided over one of the longest company general body meetings when he piloted the HLL meeting for the acquisition of Tata Oil Mills Co. He was a picture of patience. This is an intimate portrait and not an obituary. I close with a reference to the only film in which Susim has acted. It was titled Four Men of India, directed by Caryl Doncaster and produced for Unilever and Hindustan Lever by James Carr. BBC showed this film among many others in a Trade Test for Colour Films. In this film, a Sikh salesman is depicted using his sales van to sell soaps in the Himalayas. A Rajasthani man is shown as a migrant to the city to work in a soap factory (I recognised the Jones Stamping Machine at Bombay factory). A supervisor at the factory is shown to have come from Kerala. Finally, an upcoming young engineer from the east is shown in the Calcutta factory, guiding a production supervisor and his team on a dalda packing line. The young engineer was a 25-year-old Susim! If you watch that film now, you will see that the young Susim greatly resembles the retiring chairman thirty-five years later. That is why, to me, Susim has not passed away, rather he is the ever-youthful leader to all who knew him. He is remembered as one of the top corporate leaders of India who will always occupy an elite spot.
News18
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Hitesh Bharadwaj Says TV Content Is Not Regressive: 'We Are Getting Better'
Last Updated: Hitesh Bharadwaj's Aami Dakini premiered on June 23. Set against the beauty of Kolkata, the story unfolds a journey of love, loss, and revenge. Hitesh Bharadwaj has been a part of the television industry for years now. After ruling everyone's hearts with shows like Udaariyaan and Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin, the actor is now back with his new show titled Aami Dakini. Set against the beauty of Kolkata, the story unfolds a journey of love, loss, and revenge. At the heart of it all is Dakini – a female spirit who stuns with her beauty, frightens with her silence, and kills without mercy. In an exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha, Hitesh opened up about his latest show and shared, 'I'm playing Ayaan Roy Chaudhry. He belongs to Kolkata but goes to London for higher education. His mother died in the city and therefore he was sent abroad. When he comes back, he wants to do everything in the same way his mother used to do. He reaches this mansion and figures out that there is some presence here, or as people call it, there is a Dakini." 'My favourite director is Satyajit Ray. I have watched a lot of his films. I have always listened to Tagore's stories or Rabindra Sangeet. All these things have been a part of my life for a long time. But I never got a chance to work in that language because I don't know that language. But, I am very connected to that culture, their cinema, their roots. So I am very happy to be a part of this show because somewhere they connected me with that route," the actor added. However, the actor also admitted that when he was approached for the show, he was sceptical about it. 'Somewhere in our minds, there is an assumption about supernatural shows. We have seen so many supernatural shows on Indian television, they are very different. It has also not been my genre. I really like romance or comedy. When I heard this story, I felt that apart from horror, it is also a thriller. There is amazing storytelling in this. I am sure the audience will like it when they watch this show," he told us. In this regard, Hitesh was asked if he also agrees with those arguing that television content is becoming regressive. The actor disagreed and clarified that 'we are getting better". 'It is not like this. We are changing slowly. Changing a medium is not a one-day process. It takes time. Our cinema has evolved. In the 90s, Dil Chahta Hai was released and it changed the entire cinema. Then in 2013, Gangs of Wasseypur came, it changed it all and introduced realism in our cinema. Even on television, from Fauji to Shanti and Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, it has changed a lot. I cannot call it regressive, but I think we are changing gradually," he shared. 'We are getting better. We can see the ratings now. If we want people to watch TV, we will have to work on its content," the actor concluded. First Published: June 24, 2025, 15:07 IST
United News of India
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- United News of India
105 years of Hemant Kumar – Remembering a national icon of timeless music
New Delhi, June 16 (UNI) Marking 105 years of music legend Hemant Kumar, today marks the birth anniversary of an icon whose classic tunes – emblematic of Indian film music – continue to echo and inspire generations of aspiring musicians even today. Born on this day in Varanasi in 1920, Hemant Kumar's musical journey began in the 1940's. He made his debut as a singer in the Bengali film 'Rajkumarer Nirbbasanin' under composer SD Burman. He marked his entry into Hindi films with 'Meenakshi' (1942), followed by 'Irada' (1944), under composer Amar Nath. Trained in classical music and drawn to the great depth of Bengali literature, Kumar became a musician with a kind of range and versatility seldom witnessed. Possessing a classical tinged folk music merged with the experimental nature of Rabindra Sangeet, his music had a timbre and lyrical depth which was inspiring even to his colleagues such as the legendary composer SD Burman and later RD Burman. As a playback singer, his baritone conveyed emotion with restraint and dignity, becoming synonymous with iconic tracks like 'Na tum hamen jaano' from 'Baat Ek Raat Ki' (1962), 'Bekaraar karke humein' from 'Bees Saal Baad' (1962), and 'Ya dil ki suno' from 'Anupama' (1966). However, his role was not just limited to that of a singer, but also extended to being a composer, and music producer. Operating through Hemanta-Bela Productions, he introduced genre-defining films and composed scores crafted in rich detail and an engrossing atmosphere. As a music director and composer, Hemant Kumar brought a quiet strength to every score he touched, as displayed by his classic compositions for films like 'Nagin' (1954), and 'Khamoshi' (1969), using finely tuned arrangements that placed melody and ambience at the centre, as opposed to many of his peers who used grandeur and elegance instead. He often worked with famous lyricists like Kaifi Azmi and Gulzar, shaping songs that were poetic yet accessible. While his contributions to Hindi music are unquestionable, his influence in Bengali music cannot be overstated. As an active proponent of Rabindra Sangeet, his compositions played a crucial role in popularising Tagore's many unique works across not just West Bengal, but all of India, even becoming popular in states such as Bihar, Odisha, Gujarat, Punjab, Goa, Assam, Tripura, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, crossing all linguistic boundaries. He also collaborated with cultural figures like Satyajit Ray, Santosh Kumar Ghosh, Subhash Mukhopadhyay, and Salil Chowdhury, bridging the gap between cinema and literature through music. Even decades later, his influence can be traced in the works of contemporary musicians who favour mood-driven storytelling. A true national icon in every sense of the word, Hemant Kumar's legacy crossed every boundary, and to date continues to resonate with people all across India, due to the timeless nature of his music, which remains a defining chapter in the history of Indian music. UNI ANV RN
India Gazette
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Shanghai marks Rabindra Jayanti with cultural festivities; Indian consulate pays tribute to Pahalgam victims
Shanghai [China], June 1 (ANI): The Consulate General of India in the Chinese city of Shanghai on Sunday commemorated the 164th birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore with a vibrant cultural event that also served as a moment of solemn tribute to the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Held at the Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the celebration brought together over a hundred attendees, including members of the Indian diaspora, Chinese students, Tagore enthusiasts, and friends of India. According to a post on X by India in Shanghai (@IndiaInShanghai), the event began with a solemn pledge ceremony led by Consul General Pratik Mathur, who reaffirmed India's firm national resolve to combat terrorism with a zero-tolerance approach. He underscored that this stance was clearly demonstrated through Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the recent attack in Jammu and Kashmir. In his opening remarks, CG Mathur paid homage to the victims and highlighted Gurudev Tagore's enduring cultural legacy both in India and abroad. He noted Tagore's special connection with China, mentioning that his stories are still part of Chinese school curriculums and that his literary and musical works--especially Rabindra Sangeet--are studied in Chinese universities. 'Tagore continues to serve as a bridge for mutual understanding and cultural exchange between India and China,' Mathur said. He also recalled that Tagore had visited Shanghai twice after becoming the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, and that the city honours his legacy with two statues--one at the historic Lu Xun Park and another at Maoming Lu in central Shanghai. The event featured an insightful talk by noted Tagore scholar Tina Kanagratnam on Tagore's legacy in East Asia. This was followed by soulful Rabindra Sangeet performances and classical music recitals on sitar and tabla, presented by young members of the Indian community under the aegis of Shanghai Adda. A themed yoga performance titled 'Yoga for the Young Minds', based on Rabindra Sangeet, added a meditative close to the celebrations. Guests were also treated to light Bengali refreshments. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from scholars, cultural personalities, and children, and served as a blend of reflection, remembrance, and cultural pride. (ANI)
India Gazette
01-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Indians in Shanghai celebrate 164th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore
Shanghai [China], June 1 (ANI): The Indian community in the Eastern China Region gathered on Sunday in large numbers to celebrate the 164th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore and the 101st anniversary of his first visit to China. Consulate General to China, Pratik Mathur, while speaking at the occasion, underlined the abiding relevance of Tagore's words and vision. In a post on X, the Consulate said, 'Remembering Gurudev in China! India's Cultural Heritage Shining Bright- Indian community in Eastern China Region gathered today in large numbers to celebrate 164th birth anniversary of Gurudev and the 101st anniversary of his first visit to China. Speaking on the occasion CG Pratik Mathur underlined the abiding relevance of Gurudev's words and vision. Friends of India and lovers of Rabindra Sangeet gathered in large numbers for the function today.' The Consulate General of India in the Chinese city of Shanghai on Sunday commemorated the 164th birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore with a vibrant cultural event that also served as a moment of solemn tribute to the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Held at the Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the celebration brought together over a hundred attendees, including members of the Indian diaspora, Chinese students, Tagore enthusiasts, and friends of India. According to a post on X by the Indian Consulate in Shanghai, the event began with a solemn pledge ceremony led by Consul General Pratik Mathur, who reaffirmed India's firm national resolve to combat terrorism with a zero-tolerance approach. He underscored that this stance was clearly demonstrated through Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the recent attack in Jammu and Kashmir. In his opening remarks, CG Mathur paid homage to the victims and highlighted Gurudev Tagore's enduring cultural legacy both in India and abroad. He noted Tagore's special connection with China, mentioning that his stories are still part of Chinese school curriculums and that his literary and musical works--especially Rabindra Sangeet--are studied in Chinese universities. 'Tagore continues to serve as a bridge for mutual understanding and cultural exchange between India and China,' Mathur said. He also recalled that Tagore had visited Shanghai twice after becoming the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, and that the city honours his legacy with two statues--one at the historic Lu Xun Park and another at Maoming Lu in central Shanghai. (ANI)
