Bappy’s Puja memories

Bappy Chowdhury has become a favourite amongst cinemagoers in a short span of time, thanks to his remarkable performances on the silver screen. The popular actor has been busy shooting his upcoming films. In a candid chat with The Daily Star, he talks about his childhood memories of Durga Puja.

Bappy used to visit the famous Gulshan Diamond Cinema Hall in Narayanganj with his friends during the weeks leading up to Durga Puja. "The tickets were only BDT 11, back in those days. We used to watch 3 to 6 films every season," he shares.

"I had four different punjabis for the four main occasions, along with new t-shirts. My friends and I got a bit competitive about who could buy the best-looking punjabi."

Visiting different neighbourhoods with friends and family during the Puja days was also special for Bappy. During Kumari Puja, on the eighth day, he went to the mandap as early as possible to grab the best seat.

"My father orders special sweets on every Puja. It is a long-standing family tradition," says Bappy. "These sweets are distributed among all our friends and relatives. I will spend the Puja days in different locations, visiting my maternal and paternal ancestral homes." Bappy will travel to his home in Narayanganj.

This year, Durga Puja will be different, as people are confined to their homes.

Bappy urges everyone to follow basic hygiene and social distancing rules while celebrating. "I hope we get some normalcy back in our lives, and are able to combat this virus," concludes Bappy, wishing his fans and well-wishers a safe and prosperous Puja.

Translated by Rasheek Tabassum Mondira