Madhabi Mukherjee releases book on Bengali stage thespian Binodini Dasi

 The book was launched at Starmark in South City Mall in association with Patra Bharati on Wednesday.

The event was attended by personalities like publisher Tridib Chattopadhyay  and singer Riddhi Bandyopadhyay.

The book is a compilation of writings, rare photographs, portraits and interesting facts of the life of the legendary theatre personality Binodini Dasi (Noti Binodini). It is compiled and edited by well known researcher, performer of Bengali theatre songs, Devajit Bandyopadhyay.

He is also known for his collection of books and manuscripts relating to Bengal’s cultural history.

In the history of Bengali theatre, Binodini Dasi, Nati Binodini, was a legend. Tutored and guided lovingly by Girish Chandra Ghosh, the extraordinarily talented Binodini brought an end to her career on the Bengali stage at an unbelievably young age of 24 years, when she got married and looked forward to a new life. Her happiness was shortlived with the passing away of her only daughter and also her husband. She switched to a new sphere of creativity—writing.

“I have known Devajit for 25 years and I am grateful to him that he has brought back the ‘nata’(stage actor) and ‘nati’ (stage actress) in the limelight through his extraordinary writing,” said Madhabi Mukherjee.

In the history of Bengali theatre Nati Binodini is a legend of the 19th century. She was tutored and guided by Girish Chandra Ghosh, the pioneer of Bengali theatre. The actress ended her career on Bengali stage at the age of 24. Later in life she took to a new area of originality- writing.

“Devajit has brought back a legend that was almost lost in today’s world,” said Tridib Chattopadhyay.

On Devajit Bandyopadhyay’s research, his wife, singer Riddhi Bandyopadhyay said, “ He has dug out the facts from the graves of the lost.”

When asked to comment on his book Devajit Bandyopadhyay said, “We should not forget our rich Bengali culture, I have tried to bring out the essence of the lost culture through this book.”

Tridib Chattapadhyay presented a recitation from the book while both Devajit and Riddhi Bandyopadhyay sang and recited several pieces for the audience.

Binodini Rachanasamagra is published by Patra Bharati and priced at Rs. 150/-

The book is available along with a CD of songs compiled by Pradipta Roy. The cover  is designed by Sudipta Dutta.

(Reporting by Shubhashree Hom)