Chanchal Chowdhury on Durga Puja and 'Debi'
This week marks a special date on the calendar for movie buffs, with the release of the much- anticipated film, 'Debi' on October 19. The film features some of the biggest names in the industry, including Chanchal Chowdhury, who looks to celebrate Puja and the film's release at the same time.
You usually return to your hometown for Puja. Will you be doing the same this time?
My parents live in the village of Kamarhat in Pabna, and I plan to go there on the tenth day of the Puja festival. Since it coincides with the release of Debi, I am going to watch the premiere before leaving. Puja is really not the same without family and loved ones.
What do you plan to do there?
It's always a lot of fun. I have five brothers and three sisters, and throughout the year, everyone is busy with their families. It is such a rare treat to have everyone under one roof, including their children. I will be spending time with them.
How do the people in your village react to your fame?
They take a lot of pride in my work, but believe it or not, each time I return it's as though nothing has changed in my life. I go back to being the same person I was before all the fame and success. The most beautiful aspect about our village is the unity the Hindus and Muslims have. In fact, it's a tradition for everyone to be involved in the festival regardless of their religion.
What are your favourite memories of Puja?
During my childhood, I would prepare a month ahead to make the pratima(idol). The atmosphere was festive, even weeks before the actual celebrations. It was only during this time of the year when I would be gifted with new clothes, and so, I would wait in anticipation. I dearly miss those days.
How does it feel to look forward to Puja and the release of Debi at the same time?
I was looking forward to the film's release ever since I started working on it. I look forward to how it will be received by the audience, and as it will be released during the Puja festivities, my excitement has doubled!
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