Durga Puja is special for me, just like all other Bengalis,” says actor Sandipta Sen who is excited as it is her first Durga Puja post her wedding to Soumya Mukherjee . In a special shoot with Calcutta Times , the actress lovingly remembered for her portrayal of her character Durga on television, talks about her first Durga Puja plans with her husband and family, what Nari Shakti means to her, Pujo shopping and more. Read on...
What is your Pujo wish in 2024?
We all are going through trying times, so this year my biggest wish to Ma Durga is peace for all. I keep noticing that the cruelty and complexity of the human mind is increasing so much so that we have no time to respect others and their views. My Pujo wish for this year is that we all can get rid of all the negativities so that the world becomes a peaceful and better place to live in. I believe the world is big enough for everyone to co-exist in peace.
"It’s my first Pujo post marriage, so there is extra excitement in the air. My husband, Soumya, is a master at planning surprises & I’m sure he has something in mind. We also have a date night on Nabami"
‘This year I plan to relive my childhood Pujo memories’
What are your thoughts on the current mood of the city due to the RG Kar incident?
Durga Puja, this year, is different for all of us due to the recent incident. Though I know law and order will do the needful, it does take time. None of us are at peace from within, but many eagerly await the festivities, not just for fun, but for their livelihood also. So, I believe that Pujo is important and must be performed. When the goddess comes to her paternal home, we must take care of her and welcome her warmly. When we get justice, Ma too will be happy (smiles) along with the world. I am sure Maa Durga will show us all the right path.
How do you plan to celebrate the festivities this year?
I skip pandal hopping nowadays as I dislike people asking for selfies in front of Maa Durga. Instead, I spend it with friends and family with limitless adda and great food. Food is a very important part of the festivities. We plan our meals for each day well in advance and diet takes a backseat. As I love to dance, my friends and I do small impromptu dance performances which is fun.
"I love to see the smile on my house help’s face when I gift her a sari to thank her for taking care of my family. It’s important to express your love during festive days"
What’s the story behind the sari?
For the shoot I chose to wear a blue Dhakai muslin Jamdani from Bangladesh. I love them as the character of Durga (from the eponymous TV show) which I played for many years used to wear this kind of sari. These saris were at that time called ‘Durga saris’ in stores, so wearing this today is very nostalgic to me.
Pics: Tathagata Ghosh
What is your Pujo wish in 2024?
We all are going through trying times, so this year my biggest wish to Ma Durga is peace for all. I keep noticing that the cruelty and complexity of the human mind is increasing so much so that we have no time to respect others and their views. My Pujo wish for this year is that we all can get rid of all the negativities so that the world becomes a peaceful and better place to live in. I believe the world is big enough for everyone to co-exist in peace.
"It’s my first Pujo post marriage, so there is extra excitement in the air. My husband, Soumya, is a master at planning surprises & I’m sure he has something in mind. We also have a date night on Nabami"
‘This year I plan to relive my childhood Pujo memories’
What are your thoughts on the current mood of the city due to the RG Kar incident?
Durga Puja, this year, is different for all of us due to the recent incident. Though I know law and order will do the needful, it does take time. None of us are at peace from within, but many eagerly await the festivities, not just for fun, but for their livelihood also. So, I believe that Pujo is important and must be performed. When the goddess comes to her paternal home, we must take care of her and welcome her warmly. When we get justice, Ma too will be happy (smiles) along with the world. I am sure Maa Durga will show us all the right path.
How do you plan to celebrate the festivities this year?
I skip pandal hopping nowadays as I dislike people asking for selfies in front of Maa Durga. Instead, I spend it with friends and family with limitless adda and great food. Food is a very important part of the festivities. We plan our meals for each day well in advance and diet takes a backseat. As I love to dance, my friends and I do small impromptu dance performances which is fun.
"I love to see the smile on my house help’s face when I gift her a sari to thank her for taking care of my family. It’s important to express your love during festive days"
What’s the story behind the sari?
For the shoot I chose to wear a blue Dhakai muslin Jamdani from Bangladesh. I love them as the character of Durga (from the eponymous TV show) which I played for many years used to wear this kind of sari. These saris were at that time called ‘Durga saris’ in stores, so wearing this today is very nostalgic to me.
Pics: Tathagata Ghosh
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