BY RUCHIRA GHOSH It was a rather interesting evening that would remain etched in my mind forever. After a resounding success in early May this year in Kolkata, Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee, the well-known and immensely popular interdisciplinary artist, decided to stage his latest oeuvre, “Journeys,” at the National Capital a few days later. And it was a good thing he did, for his popularity in … Continue reading A Poetic and Lyrical ‘Journey’ Called Life
BY RUCHIRA GHOSH A Graphic Designer-Turned Astrologer India is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most powerful economies, boasting nuclear power and recently sending an unmanned spacecraft to the Moon. Yet, many Indians remain deeply invested in astrology. From birth to death, astrology significantly influences their lives. They meticulously consider moon phases, planetary alignments, lucky days, auspicious times, and eclipses before undertaking significant activities such … Continue reading She Wears Many Hats
BY RUCHIRA GHOSH Indian classical dances are highly venerated by cultural aficionados and the general public worldwide. The legendary dancers of yesteryears have left the limelight behind them, “yielding place to new.” Their progeny and outstanding disciples are striding forward to showcase their talent, more importantly, to uphold and sustain the sacred traditions bequeathed to them by their mentors. Here we portray two contemporary dancers, … Continue reading Passionate Romance with Indian Classical Dances
BY RUCHIRA GHOSH ‘What was a Baul (wandering minstrel) doing on the premises of JNU, an internationally acclaimed varsity in the Indian capital?’ I wondered, a little flummoxed, ever since I read and heard of him. My doubts were dispelled when I watched him perform at a public function a few weeks ago. The gentleman who goes by the name Shambhu Nath Sarkar, is middle aged, bespectacled, sporting a headful of curly hair. It was amazing to see him … Continue reading A Baul in a Metro
BY RUCHIRA GHOSH On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the 8th of March, it would be highly appropriate to take a retrospective look at Feminism and Liberalism in the context of Indian Women. In this context I firmly believe that my countrymen owe a lot to our erstwhile Colonial rulers. Innumerable hardcore chauvinistic Indians feel proud of and boast about India being one of the most … Continue reading Feminism in India: A Lookback
BY RUCHIRA GHOSH For all lovers of Tagore’s musical creations, the departing year (2023) will go down in history as a memorable one. By sheer coincidence, two doyens of Rabindrasangeet stepped into their centenary years in the last quarter of 2023. On October 12, a cluster of singers, musicians and music lovers from Kolkata and the rest of West Bengal mustered strong at Santiniketan, Bolpur, (WB) to … Continue reading Musical Milestones: Two Nightingales Turning 100
BY RUCHIRA GHOSH During his turbulent tumultuous teenage years, Robi (Nobel Laureate Tagore) stumbled upon ‘Padas’ /devotional lyrics composed by ancient Vaishnava (adherents of Lord Krishna) poets and rendered in the Maithili dialect. This genre of poetry frequently appeared from time to time in the issues of ‘Bharati’ a popular literary journal of those times. Incidentally, the culturally enriched Tagore family happened to be one of its regular subscribers. So that was … Continue reading How an Adolescent Poet’s Amateurish Lyrics Became Brilliant Poetry
BY RUCHIRA GHOSH An international fusion musical band, Josh has lately been creating ripples in and around the Dutch capital of Amsterdam. The name sounds strange, no? Well, it’s got to be because in Hindi (India’s lingua franca) it is synonymous with vim, vigour, vitality, euphoria and what have you. Still foxed? Well no worries, read on…. Josh is the brainchild of Irene Sarkar, a bio scientist cum professional … Continue reading Josh: Fusion Music to Enliven Your Spirits
BY RUCHIRA GHOSH “If music be the food of love, play on…” Shakespeare wrote aeons ago. The ultimate truth of human life. Apparently Param Kalyan Singh, popular Kolkata-based crooner upholds this thought in letter and spirit. The genial, affable Sardarji’s passionate romance with Rabindra Sangeet /Tagore’s Songs began nearly fifteen years ago. A proverbial late bloomer Singh has done rather well for himself. Significantly he prefers … Continue reading The Singh Who Loves Singing Tagore’s Songs
BY RUCHIRA GHOSH This gentleman has two distinct personalities. Five days a week he works as an electrical engineer in a high-profile multinational company, with the national (Delhi) capital region as the place of his current posting. However, as soon as the weekend dawns he is virtually transmogrified so to speak. The corporate gear packed way, you are likely to see him in his casual avatar denim and tee shirts; with his guitar … Continue reading The Musical Techie Who Aims for the Stars
COUNTRY SQUIRE INDIA 