Satyajit Ray

College Street in Kolkata, also known as Boi Para, is a historic hub of knowledge and culture, originating from Madhab Dutta's pond and the establishment of Hindu College in 1817. It has evolved into the world's largest second-hand book market, fueled by the legacy of Battala presses and the intellectual atmosphere of Coffee House.

Sharmila Tagore marked her return to Bengali cinema after nearly two decades with 'Puratwan,' celebrated by her daughter Soha Ali Khan. Soha expressed her admiration, highlighting her mother's significance as an "emotion." 'Puratwan' has garnered accolades, including Best Feature Film at the Indian Film Festival of Houston, showcasing Sharmila's impactful comeback.

Kolkata's rich history is celebrated through its blue plaque trail, highlighting heritage buildings and eateries. Tripura House, Patthar Kothi, Paramount, and the Indian Museum are among the sites recognized. Trincas and Thapar House also received plaques, alongside Writers’ Building and Hare School. INTACH and KMC collaborate to honor historical and cultural landmarks, advocating for an interactive map to enhance accessibility.

Kolkata Kathokata exhibition celebrates Kolkata's heritage with unique collections from 13 local collectors, featuring historical artifacts like old newspapers, documents, vintage banknotes, and memorabilia. The event includes a special tribute to filmmaker Satyajit Ray. It encourages both seasoned and young collectors to preserve and showcase Kolkata’s rich cultural and historical legacy.

Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore is back in Bengali cinema after a long gap. Her new film 'Puratawn' explores family dynamics and aging. She fondly remembers Poila Boishakh celebrations and the importance of Bangla language. Tagore also shared memories of singing lullabies to Saif Ali Khan. She reflected on the re-release of her classic film 'Nayak'.

Biplab Goswami, an SRFTI alumnus, faces plagiarism accusations regarding his ‘Laapataa Ladies' script, allegedly resembling ‘Burqa City.' Goswami asserts prior registration of his script in 2014, emphasizing the importance of script registration to avoid such disputes. SRFTI highlights the need for clarity on copyright norms and encourages writers to document their work meticulously.

Italian Embassy Cultural Centre officials say that since Ray was captivated by Italian filmmaker Vittorio De Sica’s The Bicycle Thief, they also decided to screen Vittorio De Sica’s restored masterpieces in Delhi as part of the Habitat Film Festival, which will begin on March 21.

Muzaffar Ali, a multifaceted artist, plans to bring the renowned Sufi music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau, to Kolkata in December. The festival will celebrate the legacy of poet Amir Khusrau and feature international Sufi musicians. The Victoria Memorial is considered a potential venue for the event.

Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, renowned for his patriotic roles, has passed away at age 87. His pivotal career moments included a supportive friendship with Dharmendra and significant contributions to Indian cinema. Kumar's work ranged from acting and directing to influencing scripts behind the scenes, leaving a lasting legacy.

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Officials from the Italian Embassy Cultural Centre say they have curated a mix of contemporary films and restored classics, giving Indian cinephiles the opportunity to experience the best of Italian cinema - past and present - on the big screen.

Nishtha Jain's documentary 'Farming the Revolution,' which captures the essence of the historic farmers' movement in India, premiered at the Kolkata People's Film Festival to a standing ovation. The film, noted for its objectivity and human portrayal of protestors, highlights the role of women and the resilience of farmers.

Tribeny Rai, a Nepali film-maker and SRFTI student, has won the 'HAF Goes to Cannes' award for her film 'Shape of Momo.' This recognition highlights the emerging film industry in Sikkim and Rai's efforts to challenge patriarchal norms through her work.

The re-release of cult Bengali films like ‘Nayak’ poses significant challenges for contemporary Bengali cinema, struggling to secure screens and attract audiences. Independent filmmakers face difficulties competing with these classic films' established quality and nostalgic allure, affecting their visibility and share of the audience.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee, a renowned designer, has transformed his fashion brand into a cultural movement, emphasizing Indian craftsmanship and heritage. To ensure its longevity, he sold a 51% stake to Aditya Birla Group. He envisions his brand as a lasting institution that celebrates India's rich artistry, beyond his personal legacy.

The evolution of Bengali cinema has seen films like ‘Bohurupi’ and ‘Dhrubor Aschorjo Jibon’ achieving high-quality visuals despite modest budgets. Talented technicians with film school backgrounds and innovative problem-solving skills are key to this progress. Cinematographers use high-end cameras and cost-effective lighting techniques, while meticulous planning ensures impressive results during post-production.

Jahnu Barua, a multiple national award-winning filmmaker, shared insights on his filmmaking journey at the Pune International Film Festival. He discussed his initial interest in cinema, handling child actors, the role of the director, and the impact of technology on creativity. Barua emphasized the importance of director-driven films and the need for creativity over technological reliance.

Actress Sharmila Tagore discusses the re-release of her iconic films ‘Nayak’ and ‘Aradhana’ in theatres. She praises the timeless appeal of Satyajit Ray’s storytelling and Uttam Kumar’s portrayal in ‘Nayak’. She highlights the depth of character development, the contemporary feel of the film, and the exploration of a superstar’s loneliness.

India has produced several Oscar-winning films that have captivated global audiences. Notable mentions include Gandhi, which highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's struggle for independence and won India's first Oscar for costume design, and Slumdog Millionaire, which featured a rags-to-riches tale and won awards for its music and sound mixing. The Elephant Whisperers and RRR have also recently made significant impacts with their compelling narratives and music.

Directors Prarthana Mohan and Nikita Lalwani bring a refreshing take on romantic comedies with 'Picture This', focusing on an Indian wedding. The film highlights South Asian representation with stars Simone Ashley and Hero Fiennes Tiffin in unconventional roles, exploring themes of love, family, and identity. The creative script and diverse cast promise a heartwarming movie experience.

In the latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, sociology student Yubasana Kapas from Kolkata wins Rs 6,40,000. She uses lifelines strategically, correctly answering questions about the EnVision space mission to Venus, active volcanoes in Indonesia, and the construction of the Bara Imambara in Lucknow. Yubasana plans to use her winnings for a laptop.

India's presence at the 97th Academy Awards includes Anuja, nominated for Best Live Action Short Film, and I Am Ready, Warden, a documentary short. Despite historic challenges, Indian cinema's Academy journey has seen successes from Mother India’s nomination to Slumdog Millionaire’s wins, highlighting significant contributions by filmmakers like Bhanu Athaiya and Satyajit Ray.

This year’s selection includes works from acclaimed filmmakers such as Vikramaditya Motwane, Hansal Mehta, Honey Trehan, Richa Chadha, Jeo Baby, Manju Warrier, and Prasanna Vithanage.