I’m not sure where it came from but I suddenly imagine myself in a Bengali household. It’s an old fashioned Bengali home with a large verandah and a small courtyard where a huge neem tree stands tall. This room I stand in has a high ceiling, lined with heavy beams. There are two large windows with green shutters. A big, wooden almirah is tucked at the far corner; its glass doors flaunt nicely stacked books. Old books. I walk towards it and the first book I see is probably Datta, as my very limited knowledge of Bengali tells me. I have read the Hindi translation of this book.
I walk back and sit on a chair by the window from where I can have two views —inside there is a long corridor which leads to a couple of closed doors. Outside, there’s a narrow, quiet alley. The purplish grey sky waits for the dawn to break.
At this eerily early hour, the still sleepy house is breathing a pin drop silence.
A gust of wind makes the white curtain hanging from the door frame flutter and I glance towards it. Suddenly you appear from nowhere, clad in a crisp white dhoti-kurta, a sombre expression on your face, and my childhood comes rushing towards me. My heart skips several beats as I cannot believe I am actually seeing you. Is it a dream, I wonder. It feels like I have time travelled. And now I feel what if you sit across from me and we have a little chat with a cup of tea? I can almost smell adrak-elaichi waali chai brewing somewhere.
If we were having tea, I would simply tell you how much I have adored you all these years.
I don't remember how I got introduced and drawn towards your books. Maybe it was after I found Mannu Bhandari’s ‘Swami’ in the small library of our home. You may not know about it so I’d tell you that it was a modified version of your book Swami. It remains my favourite till date.
Or maybe it was after I read your poignant short story ‘Ram Ki Sumati’.
I could see a flicker of a smile on your face and I’d quickly add, with a hint of pride, that we share our native land. I would tell you that I had even crossed your school in the town where you used to study as a young boy. It was Durga Charan High School, right? This thought fascinates me so much that it's indescribable.
If we were having tea, I would tell you that I read your books in Hindi without even realizing that I was reading translations. I feel so lucky to have access to your books because of beautiful translations. I would gladly inform you that I have become a translator, something I had never thought I would do. But now that I am a translator, it gives me a different kind of feeling thinking of your books.
If we were having tea, I would tell you that your books have been adapted into many beautiful movies like Khushboo, Swami, Parineeta and many more. I would see a flicker of surprise in your eyes. You shouldn't be surprised though because I have heard that you were on the sets when Devdas was being made.
I was at my Maa’s friend's place when I found Devdas first. It peeked through the glass doors of an old, dusty bookshelf and I shamelessly borrowed it from her.
I’d tell you that we have at least fifteen other Devdas movies, and I’m sure it would make you laugh.
If we were having tea, I’d tell you that I had requested someone to buy your books from Calcutta and she brought me a big fat book — a collection of your novellas — Grihdaah, Chandranath, Parineeta, Srikant, Brahman Ki Beti, Path Ke Davedar, Charitraheen, Biraj Bahu.
Sometimes I wish I could read Bengali.
If we were having tea, we would talk about writing and good storytelling. How could we not? How could I miss this chance? I would tell you how I felt that your stories were way ahead of time. Would you teach me a few (a lot of, actually) things about storytelling and creating memorable characters? Particularly strong female protagonists.
I am sure I would see a content smile playing on your lips.
If we were having tea, I’d tell you that I dug out your book Panditmashai (Pandit Ji in Hindi) after 17-18 years and am currently reading it.
As we continue to talk, the dawn breaks into a golden, gleeful morning. Streaks of sunshine make a crisscross pattern on the table. A voice comes from somewhere. The sunshine turns bright, so bright that it blurs your presence, as though it's emanating from you. It feels like you are disappearing and my heart sinks. I don’t want this rendezvous to end. I want to talk more.
‘I have to go. It was lovely talking to you,’ you say with a soft smile and my heart melts. You get up and walk towards the same door you came from. The brightness subsides and I see you fade into the length of the corridor.
(It is Saratchandra's birthday today)
Written for Bookish League hosted by Ritu Bindra
Sharing with Blogchatter
Dear Tarang, thank you so much for sharing this wonderful piece with me. Firstly, I appreciate your talent in creating the imagery of a Bengali household without living in one in your real life ever. Also, the subtle flow of your meeting with the great author left me speechless. I loved every bit of this beautifully written piece. It shows your love and fondness towards reading Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's works and also your admiration for Bengali culture and literature. If possible, some day, you and me, we will have a tour to the memorable places of Bengali authors, together. Once again, lots of love for your heart-felt blog post. - Swarnali Nath (The Blissful Storyteller)
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much, Swarnali , for your beautiful and kind words! I'm so glad you found this piece relatable and enjoyed reading it.
Delete'...some day, you and me, we will have a tour to the memorable places of Bengali authors, together.': what a lovely thought. I hope it happens some day soon. 💛
What a poignant tribute to an author. Walking right into the culture and finding the pleasure in his stories. I have never read his books, but going by your words, the Hindi versions are as good as the Bengali ones.
ReplyDeleteYes. They were good. These days, however, I find many proofreading errors in Hindi novels. So glad you liked my post. Thank you, Ambica. :))
DeleteTarang, what an interesting premise it was to read this post about Tea with the famous writer Sarat Chandra!
ReplyDeleteI am sure he would have been happy to read your works too and to know that society has changed so much.
I have seen a few television series based on Sarat Chandra's Novels and had read an English adaptation f his novel too but I do not recall if it was Srikant or Datta but I do recall I loved his style of writing and how appealing it could be. I too felt that if I read them in Bengali , it would have been so golden.
Thank you so much, Preeti. I am so glad you enjoyed reading this post. :))
DeleteA great tribute to a wonderful writer. You have chosen to wear your love for him on your sleeve. Great writing too.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! 🙏
DeleteThis was beautiful! What I loved was your awe and love for Saratchandra's works was oozing from every word. I have only seen Parineeta, the Vidya Balan movie, and I had no idea it was based on a short story. Wonderful to learn this titbit.
ReplyDeleteParineeta is a novel, and Vidya Balan starrer is a good adaptation.
DeleteGlad you liked the post. Thank you so much!
Loved this, Tarang. Read a part of it on Insta and had loved it then as well. Beautifully done and a very unique idea.
ReplyDeleteSonia
Thanks a lot, Sonia! :))
DeleteWhat a beautiful dream encounter with an author you hold in such high regard. It brought a smile to my face and made me wonder if I ever had such an encounter what would I say and how would the author react. Such a lovely read this was, Tarang. Thanks for sharing it with us
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Manali. :))
DeleteBeing a bengali I must share that we grew up reading the books of Rabindranath, Sarat Chandra, Sukumar Ray to name a few. When I read your wonderful piece, it made me feel nostalgic. It feels so good that Bengali authors are getting their share of limelight in Indian literary world.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you liked this post. Thank you! :))
DeleteOh this was such an innovative post. I have to admit that I am a little ignoramus when it comes to Bengali Literature. I have read a few but not many. I know Sarat Chandra wrote many a gems, but am yet to read any of the translations
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot, Harshita! 🙂
DeleteThis was such a heartwarming post! Your liking for Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's writings resonate right through this screen. Sadly, I have not read much of his work, probably seen more adaptations so taking note of it and will try to rectify.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ninu! I really hope you enjoy reading his stories. :))
DeleteA nice tribute to one of the most well-known writers of Indian literature. Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay is praised for his perceptive storytelling and realistic depictions of societal situations.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anuradha! :))
DeleteWhat a beautifully nostalgic and heartfelt piece, Tarang! Your vivid portrayal of a Bengali household immediately transported me to that serene space, rich with cultural heritage and timeless literature. Your deep connection with Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s works and the elegance with which you narrate this imagined tea-time conversation are truly touching. It’s clear how much his stories resonate with you, transcending language barriers. The blend of admiration, personal anecdotes, and literary reverence is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this lovely comment. So glad you liked it. 🙏
DeleteThis is such a beautiful post Tarang, with stunning imagery and your love for the author and their works coming through every little nuanced word.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Sona! :))
DeleteLoved your post, Tarang. Such a lovely tribute. It transported me to the early dawn hours in a typical Bengali household. Listening in to your conversation. I haven't read as much of his works. I am going to get a copy of the collection to course correct that.
ReplyDelete