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The Artistic Endeavors of a Prodigious Child: A Tale of Imagination and Surprises

Ah, my dear reader, let me take you on a romp through the annals of my youth, where embarrassment reigns supreme and pride is but a distant memory. At my advanced age, where one should be boasting of past accomplishments, I find myself plagued by a certain incident from my childhood that gnaws at my very soul. Prepare yourself, my friend, for a tale so outrageous, even the most unemotional person would have struggled to conjure it!

Imagine, if you will, a sprightly lad of seven or eight, armed with a simple drawing notebook and a pencil as humble as can be. Little did I know that this seemingly innocent gift would catapult me into an artistic abyss so deep, it would make the Abyssinian Empire look like a mere ditch. With a glint in my eye and the tenacity of a world explorer, I boldly ventured forth, filling the first page with an eruption of imagination that would forever shape the trajectory of my artistic endeavors. It was a vision so grand, so magnificent, that even the most celebrated proverbs fell short of encapsulating its essence.

In those tender years, I possessed a modicum of artistic talent. I could elegantly sketch miniature human figures, palm trees, ponds, clouds, and even the odd little bird - a prodigy in the making, if ever there was one! My task, it seemed, was simple enough: connect these elements and create a masterpiece that would rival the Sistine Chapel. With unwavering determination, I poured my limited knowledge onto the page before me, but alas, satisfaction eluded me. Something was dreadfully amiss.

Oh, what anguish! The desolation that gripped my miniature artistic soul! Countless hours were spent in deep contemplation, furrowing my brow and rummaging through the darkest corners of my mind, desperately seeking the missing piece of my creation. And then, like a thunderbolt crashing through the night sky, it hit me: grass! Yes, my dear reader, all my opus needed was a touch of grass to bring it to life. But even with that addition, an indescribable void remained.

Allow me, if you will, to provide a glimpse into the labyrinthine depths of my artistic brilliance - my picture boasted two majestic palm trees, beneath which reclined a mysterious figure (a detective could not have unraveled its identity, I assure you), clutching a fishing rod, attempting to subdue the finned inhabitants of a pond. To complete this stroke of genius, I sketched a house; for what is a masterpiece without a cozy abode? Yet still, my artistic hunger persisted. What was missing?

With a furrowed brow and a spark of inspiration, I boldly drew a rectangular shape adjacent to our enigmatic character. Lo and behold, it resembled a suitcase! And in a moment of supreme artistic audacity, I declared it to be just that - a suitcase! For you see, dear reader, my imagination ran wild and conjured a tale to match: our lone figure was marooned on a tropical island (the pond now transformed into a vast ocean), catching fish before heading off to the office. Ah, my creative genius knows no bounds!

Now, my esteemed audience, I shall not delve into the intricacies of my youthful masterpiece. No, my purpose here is to illuminate the extraordinary quality of my imagination, which blossomed at such a tender age. It was enough to make even the most seasoned artist question their own raison d'être in the realm of creativity. For imagination, my friends, is the essential foundation upon which all art is built, is it not?

And so, dear reader, I have regaled you with the tale of my youthful artistic feats, a tale that still sends shivers of embarrassment down my spine. Now, if you'll forgive me, I shall retreat to my sanctum and drown my sorrows in a comforting cup of tea. One simply cannot allow such traumatic memories to dampen one's spirits for too long!

#imagination

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A few songs in Bengali Films that sets the mood for the viewers to watch it

It is widely opined that Indian cinema is fundamentally deficient without its alluring songs. Therefore, it comes as no astonishment that we have been bestowed with copious instances of melodious tunes that effortlessly captivate the hearts of the audience, serving as the quintessential companion to the presented opus.

In my particular case, I have chanced upon a few invaluable gems that instantly transport me to the realm of the film, summoning the desired sentiments. Permit me to bestow upon you my adulations:

Tabo Charana Nimne (Oh! Behold the beauty below) - First and foremost, we have the 1966 magnum opus "Subhaschandra", skilfully directed by the venerable Piyush Basu. This cinematic marvel delves into the existence of Subhash Chandra Bose, an extraordinary patriot who played a pivotal role in India's National movement. The film exhibits an array of patriotic melodies, deftly composed to resonate with the narrative and ignite the fervor of patriotism within the hearts of the viewers. In my humble opinion, the song that truly encapsulates this sentiment is none other than 'Tabo Charana Nimne', crafted by the illustrious Rajanikanta Sen. Although I certainly appreciate the other musical offerings, this particular melody, when juxtaposed with the film, instils in me an unparalleled sense of patriotism and motivation. The musical genius Aparesh Lahiri, in collaboration with Maestro Manna Dey, ensures that this song is performed with utmost delicacy and finesse.

2. Haridaser Bulbul Bhaja (A roadside snack prepared by Haridas) - Progressing to Tarun Majumder's romantic comedy extravaganza of 1972, 'Sriman Prithviraj'. Allow me to assert that the captivating opening song, 'Haridasher bulbul bhaja-', wonderfully crooned by the talented Tarun Bandyopadhyay and brought to life on screen by the incomparable Rabi Ghosh, effortlessly grasps the attention of the audience. Unbeknownst to them, it ushers a delightful smile onto their countenances, preparing them for the enchantment that lies ahead. Penned down by the beloved lyricist Gauriprasanna Majumder and composed by the legendary Hemanta Mukherjee, this delightful melody, in my view, wholeheartedly caters to the desires of the audience. One might even consider it an 'anthem' for the roadside food vendors in India, who, as a crucial part of the masses, satiate the hunger of weary travellers with their freshly prepared and reasonably priced delectables.

3. Potaldangar amra kojon bikhyato char murtiman (We are the famous four musketeers from Potaldanga) Now, let us venture into the whimsical world of "Tenida", where we are regaled by the exploits of the spirited Tenida and his three precocious juniors, Habul, Pyala, and Kyabla. Unlike typical elder figures in any group, Tenida not only acts as a member of the gang but also manages to reduce the average age of the group! The song 'Potaldangar amra kojon', penned by the esteemed Shibdas Bandyopadhyay, brilliantly captures the thoughts and aspirations of a teenager embarking on a new world. It seamlessly combines the innocence and purity of adolescence, presented in a simplistic manner. Ajoy Das, with his musical prowess, and the enchanting voice of Manna Dey, add that extra touch of magic! While I personally believe that the film may pale in comparison to the novel, this particular song successfully revives the ambiance and endeavors to engulf the individual in a world of cheer and merriment, far removed from the clutches of despondency.

4. Chalo Ekhono Somoy Ache (Let's go for there is still time) - Next, we step into the enchanting realm of Anjan Dutta's 2008 spectacle 'Chalo Let's Go'. This cinematic masterpiece delves into the themes of camaraderie, intricate relationships, and most importantly, travel. The song 'Cholo ekhono somoy ache', performed by the talented quartet comprising Anjan Dutt, Ujjaini Mukherjee, Sreekanta Acharya, and Rupam Islam, under the skilled musical direction of Neel Dutta, splendidly encompasses the essence of bohemianism, offering a nonchalant glimpse into life accompanied by a wave of nostalgia. The line within the song, 'Ei poth jodi na sesh hoy-', is guaranteed to bring a smile to any Bengali's countenance even today! This song ingeniously combines the Bengali yearning for exploration with a hint of nostalgia. Personally, I find it to be a melodious bridge that seamlessly connects the audience to the film's narrative. Thus, I strongly assert that this song possesses an extraordinary connection.

5. Jekono Bhumikay Somaane Lore Jaai (I fit into any role) - Last but certainly not the least, we have Abhijit Choudhury's 2003 cinematic marvel, "Patalghar". This film bestowed upon us the unforgettable song 'Jekono bhumikay somaane lore jaai-', rendered with great finesse by the talented Kharaj Mukherjee, under the musical supervision of the revered Debojyoti Mishra. This delightful masterpiece isn't merely a song; it encompasses dialogues and harmonious chaos, paying homage to the luminaries of Bengali cinema, such as the legendary Uttam Kumar and Chhabi Biswas.

Allow me to emphasize that what I have just shared is but a minuscule fraction in the vast expanse of mesmerizing songs that adeptly set the ambience and instantaneously connect the audience with the audio-visual experience. And mind you, this is merely within my vernacular! I am acutely aware that there are countless melodies in other languages, awaiting discovery and admiration. Hence, I beseech my cherished readers to share their thoughts and recommendations, as I eagerly yearn to explore even more musical masterpieces within the confines of my own vernacular.

#songs that touches heart #Youtube

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My Second Cinema Experience

As I perambulate around in the memoirs of my childhood, the memory of my second cultural outing fills me with delirious joy, in a time when the world was simpler, the pace relaxed and the neon was brighter. It was an epiphanic moment that transpired six months following my maiden fiasco, where my technical know-how in the world of visual storytelling was put to the test. But this time around, I was accompanied by a wealthy entourage of distinguished erudite persons, including maternal and avuncular figures, at the Swapan puri-the edifice of dreams of Bansberia-a picturesque township in the district of Hooghly.

Picture of Bansberia Municipality. Pic Courtesy: Facebook

Our destination was none other than the silver screen to partake in one of the then cinematic masterpieces, 'Lawaris' (The Orphan Guy), a blockbuster that had hit the silver screens in the year 1981. The cinematic masterpiece was crafted under the deft aegis of maven director, Mr. Prakash Mehra, and boasted arresting performances by thespian stalwarts, including Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Amzad Khan and Rakhee Gulzar.

Film Poster. Pic Courtesy: Google

As we ventured down the marbled passages, I could feel a tingle of excitement course through my veins. The posters plastered on the walls beckoned, promising scenes of action and adventure, romance, and comedy. The sound of the crowd hummed in the air, vibrant and alive with anticipation.

We found our seats, and I settled in, eager to experience what the legendary Lawaris had to offer. As the lights went down, the excitement in the theatre was palpable. The audience sat still, their breaths held, as the story of Lawaris unfolded in all its glory.

As the credits rolled, I was bewitched by the peppy, foot-tapping melodies comprising the earsplitting auditory hooks, such as 'Mere Aangne Mein Tumhara Kya Kaam Hai' and 'Apni To Jaisi Taisi', phrasing an aesthetic and boisterous marquee, arpeggiated by the musical prowess of the lyrical duo of India, Kalyanji Anandji . The musical score simulated spectral rhymes and induced jerky spasms in my fledgling self, prompting me to flounce and gyrate euphorically along with the beats of the hypnotic soundtrack, despite it having a seat reserved in my name.

Despite my tender years, the nonpareil performance of the formidable lead, Amitabh Bachchan, left an indelible impression on my young mind. Every move he made, every expression that graced his face, was etched in my memory, imprinting an image of a confident, self-assured being, untouchable in his prowess.

As the plot thickened, the exhilarating climax of the frenzy-thickened tale where the protagonist, Heera, administered a beating of biblical proportions to a horde of fearsome protagonists, evoked a debonair composure in the protagonist, a countenance bereft of any vulnerability, in stark contrast to the protagonist of my prior cinematic encounter.

All in all, my second cinematic indulgence had become a real eye-opener, striking a chord with my nascent self and fanning the flames of my imagination. The balletic amalgam of colourful choreography, resplendent melodies and thespian theatrics had effaced the ennui from my existence and left me yearning for more cinematic marvels- a feeling that persisted throughout my life into adulthood. It is a testament to the power of cinema to transport us to other worlds, other times, and make us feel alive; a legacy that lives on, year after year, drawing in audiences young and old, and leaving them with unforgettable memories.