Puja means reliving my childhood memories: Shankha Dasgupta

Shankha Dasgupta's directorial "Shunno Theke Shuru", featuring Tahsan and Sunerah Binte Kamal, was one of the most anticipated episodes of "Close up Kache Ashar Golpo 2021".

This year, the talented director is set to debut into the world of web films with an all-star cast for Hoichoi's "Boli". A noted face in the world of commercials and an avid photographer, Shankha Dasgupta truly loves the festivities of Puja for their beauty and simplicity.

He opened up about his Puja plans and his childhood memories in his ancestral home.

"Most of the time, I celebrate Puja in Dhaka due to my jam-packed schedules. However, as I shot for 'Boli' for one whole month, I decided to take a break this time to visit my ancestral home. Puja, to me, means reliving my childhood memories with my cousins and friends," he mentions.

When talking about his fond memories of Puja, the director got quite nostalgic.

"Our beautiful ancestral home in Barishal usually remains vacant. However, Puja is the only time all of our cousins get to unite, and enjoy some quality time with one another. We go swimming, fishing, and play cricket," adds Shankha.

The "Boli" director also enjoys the special Puja feasts.

"During the day, we wait in anticipation for the Puja to start so that we can enjoy sweet delicacies like naru and shondhesh. In the evening, we enjoy barbecue at the rooftop," he says.  

Shankha explained that the organised and commercial ambience of Puja in Dhaka lacks the simplicity and organic factor that is prevalent in the traditional Puja in Barishal.

"Puja in Dhaka feels more like event management. Everything is very structured, organised, and magnificent in style. However, the people in Barishal keep things simple, focusing on devotion and being closer to God," he adds.  

The director is excited about the release of Boli.

"It was truly an honour and a privilege to work with such talented and versatile artistes for my OTT project. We have completed shooting for the production and are busy with post-production work. It was truly a breath-taking experience to shoot at the scenic locations of Kuwakata and Manikganj. I got to take some wonderful snaps out there," he shares.

Furthermore, he raved about the rise of OTT platforms in Bangladesh, and how they are bringing about positive changes for filmmakers.

"Directors are getting proper budgets and execution plans to release content for their target audiences on OTT platforms," he mentions. They will be able to execute quality productions with the rise of such digital platforms. More film-makers will come up and produce content of international standards for viewers."