Towards Divinity: Sight & Sound

Prantik Deka

Towards Divinity

After Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva, the outstanding figure who left an indelible mark in the social and cultural life of Assam through his extraordinary literary creations and philosophy of neo-Vaishnavism, is Mahapurush Sri Sri Madhabdev. The much revered Vaishnavite saint and the chief disciple of Srimanta Sankardeva had composed numerous works on holy themes in different literary forms that reveal his great erudition, intense devotion and ingenuity. His profound efforts not only played a significant role in the growth of the Satras and Sattriya culture, but also helped create an atmosphere that fostered and enhanced harmony, understanding and tolerance among people hailing from various castes, creeds and communities.

The remarkable life of the saint, the creator of the epoch-making - Naam Ghosa, is now being made into an Assamese animation film, the eagerly anticipated 'Mahapurush Sri Sri Madhabdeva', which is all set to release on March 29. The film, produced by the Ramani Chitram Memorial Trust, is conceptualised and directed by noted promoter, preserver of Sattriya culture and philanthropist, late Dalim Pathak. It has always been his endeavour to disseminate and promote the philosophy of Sankardeva, and his faithful disciple Madhabdeva, among the young generation who know very little about the great saints. Recently, the film's audio album, comprising of several Borgeets, Ghosas, Pods, and its official website, were released in the presence of several noted celebrities from various walks of life, at a dignified function held at the Treebo Grand Bhabendra Alay, in Guwahati, recently. The film's teaser had been released earlier.

The function, wonderfully compered by noted musician Abani Ranjan Pathak, started off with a Borgeet, rendered by Jonali Ojah Basumatary. The traditional lamp was ignited by noted actor and a close ally of late Dalim Pathak, Sadhan Hazarika. The film's audio CD was released by veteran actor Nipon Goswami, who appreciated the noble endeavour of Pathak.

The website – www.mahapurushsrisrimadhavadeva.com, was released by popular actor Dinesh Das, who expressed happiness on being given such an opportunity. He heaped praises on Pathak and his team for their tireless endeavour and tenacity of purpose to realise an abiding dream. Sadhan Hazarika stressed on the need for the new generation to follow the saint's footsteps and uphold traditional values and customs, which have eroded to a great extent. The other guests - actor Ashim Krishna Boruah and cultural activist Ramen Das, also spoke on the occasion.

The music of 'Mahapurush Sri Sri Madhabdeva' has been composed by noted Sattriya artiste Gunindra Nath Ojha, noted singer and Sattriya promoter Hamendra Kumar Das and noted classical vocalist Jiten Basumatary. Interestingly, Barpeta Satra's Satradhikar, Basistha Dev Sarma ('Burha bhai harigun gai nacha..') and the Deka Sattriya of the Satra, Nabajit Das Pathak ('He bhabok bhai..') have rendered playback singing for the first time in the film. Musically arranged by Manabjyoti Das, the other singers, who have rendered Borgeets, Ghosas and Pods, are Gunindra Ojha, Hamendra Kumar Das, Jiten Basumatary, Madhusmita Bhattacharya, Krantika Sandilya, Jonali Ojha Basumatary, Rabindra Nath Das and Dinesh Das. The associate singers are Dhananjay Ojha, Nandita Das and Nabajit Das. It has to be mentioned that Dalim Pathak, who was involved with a number of socio-religious associations, was present every minute during the song recordings, and more importantly, provided his own suggestions and ideas.

This animation film is produced by Bishwajyoti Pathak and Gauravjyoti Pathak. The dialogue and research works have been done by Prabhat Chandra Das. The script is written by Dalim Pathak, Dr Gautam Kumar Das and Abani Ranjan Pathak. Dr Gautam Kumar Das, who provided his services as the editor and animation director, really worked hard to bring about an accurate reflection of the legendary personality. The film's associate director is Abani Ranjan Pathak. The film's assistant director is Dipmoni Chutia. The VFX works have been done by Rahul Das. While Kanika Pathak has worked as the production manager, the film's assistant production managers are Dr Dipanwita Das, Basuri Pathak and Jahnabi Pathak.

'Mahapurush Sri Sri Madhabdeva' features a number of profoundly moving traditional Borgeets and Ghosas, including 'Aalo bhai chalo Aais', 'Aalo moi ki kohbo dukh', 'Muke ebar karuna', 'Narayan kahe bhokoti koru', 'Pawe pori hari', 'Pamru mon Ram charane', 'Moi durasar', among others.

The voices to various roles in the film have been rendered by Ranjan Bezbaruah (Madhavadeva), Nipon Goswami, Dinesh Das, Syed Sadullah, Surnjit Malakar, Arati Kalita, Anamika Bordoloi, Jayanta Bhagawati, Abani Bora, Nayan Prasad, Nikumani Barua, Ashim Krishna Boruah, etc.

It's widely hoped that the film, made with the aim of promoting and propagating the ideals and beliefs of Mahapurush Madhavadeva, will succeed in appealing to a wide range of audiences in the State.

Rima Das to receive award at Cleveland International Film Fest

Cleveland International Film Festival will present Rima Das with its SOMEONE TO WATCH Award, which is given to mid-career filmmakers who are rising stars in international filmmaking.

The festival, which prioritises women filmmakers, will screen Das's 'Bulbul Can Sing' (2018) and 'Village Rockstars' (2017), and Das will be in attendance for the screenings.

A self-taught filmmaker, who was born and raised in Chaygaon, Assam, Das was adventurous and creative as a child, spending her days climbing trees and exploring nature. As reflections of her own experiences, her films - 'Village Rockstars' and 'Bulbul Can Sing', depict young girls growing up in rural India with similar rebellious natures to her own.

As a young woman, Das went on to graduate with honors from Cotton College, Guwahati, and received her Master's in Sociology from Pune University. In addition to writing and directing, she now manages the Mumbai-based production company, Flying River Films, which supports local and independent filmmakers in the region.

The 43rd Cleveland International Film Festival, which has several new programmes in store this year, will be held from March 27 to April 7, 2019.

Wonder sisters creating waves

Popularly known as 'Wonder Sisters', siblings Rupankrita Kalita and Alankrita Kalita, whose voices blend beautifully to create a rich, vibrant sound, have performed songs that have encompassed different languages. They started their musical journey with the album 'Akash Subor Mon', which caught a lot of people's attention. One of its songs – 'Bowala tumi', rendered by Rupankrita with Zubeen Garg, became extremely popular. Their innovative interpretation of the popular Hindi song 'Phoolon ka taroon ka', and 'Dhaker taale', their cover version in Bengali, earned instant popularity on the YouTube. The duo has posted a number of videos on their YouTube channel - Wonder Sisters, where they have more than 30,000 subscribers. Their skillful renditions has made them an instant favourite with the audiences. Songs like 'Telephoneote', 'Ki hol ki hol', 'Tokari - Jomunar dhou dekhi', 'Karengor xuwoni', 'Xun poruwa', 'Eketi dalote phool phool', 'Fagun toi ki dusta', 'Tumi noholeu hobo', the patriotic 'Rupohi Axom Vande Mataram', 'Niloge niloge' (Alankrita in duet with Zubeen Garg), among others, have amassed many thousands of views. 'Khaloiti bandhi kokalot ae dehi aai oi dehi' became a smash hit with a viewership of over 1 million and is still going strong. The recent release 'Serek serek' has been garnering massive popularity and is all set to become their biggest hit. Their live performances like Turut Turut, Bihu Nass, etc, have also been uploaded to their official YouTube channel.

Lucid recess releases new single

Lucid Recess, Guwahati's longstanding veterans in Alternative Metal/ Progressive Rock have come out with their new single called 'Cell', recently. This is the second release from their upcoming and as of yet unnamed album after the release of 'Blindmen' in July, last year. The song's video – shot by filmmaker and friend of the band Anurag Baruah – sets the bend members in a small, stuffy under-construction room at the band's Lucid Recess Studio in Guwahati.

"The new album is going to be a groovier departure from our earlier heavy tones," says the band's vocalist Amitabh Barooa. Since its release, 'Blindmen' has received rave reviews from fans and the media alike, with hype building up around their upcoming music.

"We are also planning to release a couple of more singles in the next few months," added Amithabh. With Siddharth Barooa on guitar and Sandeepan Baruah on drums, Lucid Recess have attained an almost legendary status in the Progressive Rock and Alternative Metal genres in the country, and especially so in the North East, and there is enormous anticipation amongst their fans to hear their new sound.