For the model-actor to be the producer Nilanjanatwo daughters Sara S and Zara S, always the most special people on earth. And this emotion shines when the trio conducts an exclusive shooting and interacts with Calcutta Times. He also talked to us about bonding, Worship plans and more. Quote:
We celebrate this mother-daughter relationship Pujo.
pic Anindya Saha
Tell us more about the equation you are using.
Nilanjana: I lost my mother(Anjana Bhowmik) this year, but he lives on through my children Sara and Zara. I think the mother-daughter relationship is eternal.
Sarah S: A mother-daughter bond is the purest form of love. It is strong and wise, but also innocent at the same time, and develops a lot before the child is born, as the mother nurtures the baby in the womb for nine months. Ma doesn’t judge anyone, so our relationship is built on trust and friendship.
Zara S: Ma is my comfort zone and my best friend. I can share all my secrets with him. What are Pujo’s childhood memories?
Nilanjana: I grew up in Mumbai, so there are no holidays during Pujo. Mom would make me and my sister, Chandana, wear new ethnic clothes and take us for anjali on Ashtami. On one Ashtami, Chandana got lost in the crowd! We found him after some time and realized that he had followed the dhaak and disappeared. After that incident, the mother used to hold his hand tightly.
Zara S: Mom wants to take pictures during Pujo, but you won’t see me smiling anywhere. I found it very loud; many people, daak play around! But I like to have ice cream flavored gum mom treats me. What’s the usual Pujo menu?
Zara S: Roshogolla! And it should be served cold. Phuchka is also an all time favorite.
Sarah S: Must be biryani, chicken chaap, and phirni. It’s a great combo, isn’t it?
Nilanjana: I cannot do without phuchka during Pujo. And dinner should be biryani, chaap, and phirni, along with cold drinks. And yes, mishti paan after meal.
I grew up with middle-class values and my mother only bought me new clothes three times a year – for my birthday, on Durga Puja and for Diwali. I also believe it is okay if you don’t wear new clothes during Pujo; you can repeat the outfit. Zara has grown up with Sara hand-me-down and she’s totally okay with that. I think this is a great habit my mother inculcated in me, and I have passed it to my children. I’d rather teach underprivileged kids to buy new clothes and give them a reason to smile.
Nilanjanaa, is it so difficult to bring up two daughters at a time when women’s safety is a big issue?
I truly believe that no girl should have to fight for equality, which should be the same for all human beings. Every human being should feel safe, secure and should have the freedom to speak without being judged. And that’s the belief system I’ve raised my children with. Even though I have two sons, I will raise them the same way. Let the world judge you, but it will not change your stand. I think the safety of every human being is important.
‘Ingenuity and peace of mind are essential to get through life’
Shakti gives one the strength to live up to the belief and stand by people against all odds, believes Nilanjanaa. “I grew up watching my mother do the same, and that means Shakti to me.” Sara puts on Shakti tenaciously. “It’s the ability to solve problems, sail through life, and make the best foot, of course. I’ve seen my mother and sister go through situations with grace. I’m proud of them as their intelligence and poise are very important to me. Zara, in on the other hand, believe that Shakti is the power that pushes one to do something that people think one cannot do.
pic Anindya Saha
I love happy faces throughout Pujo. The city looks so beautiful at this time. There is also a lot of positivity in the air – Zara S
My favorite Durga Puja memory is me doing dhunuchi naach. I don’t know what I’m doing, but I just follow dhaak – Sarah S
