- Wednesday, February 05, 2025
Sinha credited the teachings of luminaries such as Ritwik Ghatak, Satyajit Ray, and Mrinal Sen for shaping his understanding of films and world cinema
By: India Weekly
VETERAN actor and parliamentarian Shatrughan Sinha highlighted the profound influence of Bengali cinema on his artistic journey during the 30th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF).
Reflecting on his time at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, Sinha credited the teachings of luminaries such as Ritwik Ghatak, Satyajit Ray, and Mrinal Sen for shaping his understanding of films and world cinema.
Sinha, who studied under Ghatak when the latter was FTII’s vice-chairman, shared, “Ghatak’s discussions on the ‘Apu Trilogy’ and ‘Charulata’ were insightful, and I consider myself fortunate to have been introduced to the rich legacy of Bengali cinema through his teachings.”
The actor also expressed regret over missing the opportunity to work with Satyajit Ray, despite the legendary filmmaker’s promise of roles. “I wish I could have worked in Manikda’s films,” Sinha said. However, he found solace in his role in Goutam Ghosh’s “Antarjali Yatra” in the 1980s.
Sinha applauded West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s efforts in gaining UNESCO recognition for Durga Puja as a World Heritage event. He also acknowledged Bengali’s classical language status and the cultural contributions of Rabindranath Tagore.
In a nod to contemporary Bengali cinema, Sourav Ganguly, KIFF brand ambassador, praised filmmakers Srijit Mukherji and Kaushik Ganguly for upholding the region’s cinematic legacy.
Argentine director Pablo Ceasar, who was also present, shared his impressions of the city and festival, saying, “I have been struck by the warmth, hospitality, and loving nature of the people of this city. We share a special bond. This is my third visit to the city, the first being in 1995 during the inaugural years of KIFF.”
Ceasar reflected on the shared cinematic history of India and Argentina, referencing the Lumière brothers’ screenings in 1896.
He also highlighted a film celebrating the friendship between Rabindranath Tagore and Argentine writer Victoria Ocampo.
