Buzz back in Kumartuli as shutterbugs & models line up for shoot with Durga idols
Times of India | 20 September 2024
12 Kolkata: With barely three weeks to go for Durga Puja , Kumartuli — which had been missing its usual pre-puja buzz of photographers, videographers, reel-makers and YouTubers — is springing back to life.
The gloom that had settled among the shutterbugs as well as professionals after the RG Kar incident had dampened the zest for pre-puja photoshoots in the narrow and vibrant by-lanes of Kumartuli.But, those with cameras, tripods, lights and models, dressed as Durga, had started landing up in the colony of sculptors in good numbers since Wednesday, said Kartick Paul, secretary of Kumartuli Mritshilpa Samity.
Every year, these enthusiasts of different age groups shoot photographs and short videos with the themes based on several stories related to goddess Durga. Later, they circulate the content on social media.
One of these enthusiasts is Arpita Basak, who usually visits the hub 3 to 4 times every year to be photographed for her different social media pages along with her cameraperson. “The RG Kar incident has shocked me to such an extent that I could not even think of making all these videos this year until now. But, I will go for the shoot at Kumartuli in a few days as puja is approaching fast,” she said. Arpita had also joined several protest vigils to demand justice for the victim.
An artisan, Akash Paul, hoped that more and more photography enthusiasts would visit Kumartuli during the weekend. On Thursday, the narrow lanes were dotted with girls, draped in red bordered sarees, posing for the shutterbugs against the backdrop of clay idols.
Megha Nandi, a Shyambazar resident, had been visiting Kumartuli for the last three years with at least 10-12 of her friends for a photoshoot. But, this year she visited the hub alone. “Many of my friends are reluctant to make short videos as they think that the situation this year isn’t appropriate,” said Megha, who was spotted brushing up make-up on her face inside an artisan’s studio.
“Many of the youngsters have been busy organizing protest rallies in different parts of the city and suburbs. The situation is changing gradually. Many from our photographers’ community are turning up at Kumartuli,” said Sudip Kanthala, a photographer. Sounak Singha Roy, an engineering student and an amateur photographer, said, “We still hope for justice but engaging in puja revelry will certainly boost the livelihoods of many.”