by Rita Dutta
The Bengal Renaissance depicts a tale of a bygone era—a period that symbolizes Bengal’s encounter with a cultural revolution that redefined the course of history. Known as the cultural capital of India, Bengal cemented this status during this transformative time. Highlighting its engagement with liberalism and modernity, this intellectual and nationalist movement gave rise to a cultural elite that shaped the social and political landscape of Bengal and Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).
Within the Bengal Renaissance, one of the most significant phenomena was the emergence of bhadramahilas (educated women of the middle class). While striving to establish the supremacy of the bhadralok (educated male gentry), these women also created space for their own emancipation, both within the household and in the public sphere. Modern working women in the city draw inspiration from these pioneers. Among contemporary cultural icons, Aparna Sen stands as a living legend who has inspired generations of thinking women.
Aparna Sen, regarded as a trailblazer, has worn many hats throughout her career. As the daughter of renowned cultural critic Chidananda Dasgupta, she was introduced to the world of cinema by none other than auteur Satyajit Ray. From that point on, there was no turning back. Sen acted in numerous films in Bengali, Hindi, and English, as well as in theater, reinventing the perspectives of middle-class women and men alike through her artistic endeavors. Her illustrious career certainly warrants documentation, for she has not only created history but remains an integral part of it.
Director Suman Ghosh, a Professor of Economics at Florida Atlantic University, is another multifaceted personality. The world owes him gratitude for choosing to document Aparna Sen’s legacy—a project long overdue. Ghosh’s unique approach involves revisiting the shooting locations of her iconic films, bringing back not only Sen’s memories but also nostalgia for her audience. For instance, visiting the heritage building where “Parama” (1985) was shot evokes a powerful sense of reflection. This seminal film, a torchbearer of women’s empowerment, challenged the patriarchal status quo and raised questions that remain relevant today.
In addition to these reflective moments, the film captures Aparna Sen discussing her life, family background, and inspirations. Her longtime friend and collaborator, Shabana Azmi, recalls their experiences during the shoot of “Sati” and offers insights into Sen’s humanity alongside her brilliance as a filmmaker. Similarly, Rituparna Sengupta, a celebrated actress, credits Sen with elevating her craft, particularly during their collaboration in “Paromitar Ek Din” (2000), a film with a multi-layered narrative that earned Sen the National Film Award for Best Bengali Film.
Gautam Ghosh, another distinguished filmmaker, shares anecdotes about his professional association with Sen. Their friendship evolved into a productive collaboration when Sen entrusted him with the cinematography for “Mr. and Mrs. Iyer“—a film celebrated for its visual brilliance and compelling storytelling. Meanwhile, Sen’s equally talented daughter, Konkona Sen Sharma, reflects on how her mother influenced her acting and worldview, much like Sen’s father, Chidananda Dasgupta, had inspired Aparna’s love for meaningful cinema.
Though Aparna Sen starred in many commercial films, her heart lay in more purposeful projects. She recalls how, during the monotonous shooting of a commercial film, she began writing a short story that organically evolved into a screenplay, complete with terms like “dissolve” and “cut.” This screenplay found its first reader in Satyajit Ray. Eventually, Shashi Kapoor funded the project, and his family acted in what became Sen’s brilliant debut as a director, “36 Chowringhee Lane.”
Sen followed this success with “Parama” (1985), a groundbreaking film on feminist discourse that shattered middle-class hypocrisies and patriarchal norms. It explored the awakening of a middle-class housewife and her search for identity. Over the years, Sen has delivered a series of films infused with her distinct authorial voice and a nuanced female perspective, cementing her status as one of India’s most prolific cinematic voices.
Beyond her cinematic achievements, Aparna Sen also made her mark as the editor of Sananda, an influential women’s magazine she helmed from 1986 to 2005. During her tenure, the magazine shaped the sensibilities of educated Bengali middle-class women. A recipient of the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, Sen has also been an active social activist. Her involvement in the Nandigram protests is well-documented, reflecting her commitment to humanist causes. At 74, Sen continues to direct socially relevant films, such as “The Rapist,” which won the prestigious Kim Jiseok Award at the Busan International Film Festival, while also acting in thought-provoking cinema.
Rahul Bose, a frequent collaborator and muse, shares heartfelt memories of their work together, particularly during the making of “The Japanese Wife.” The film, rooted in mutual respect and intellectual connection, exemplifies the synergy between Bose and Sen.
With this documentary, Suman Ghosh has done a commendable job of archiving the legacy of one of Bengal’s rare cultural icons. His efforts in capturing the essence of Aparna Sen’s life and work deserve high praise. This is more than a documentary; it is a celebration of a luminary who continues to shape the cultural and intellectual landscape of India.
