Glitz and glamour galore in the second edition of Stagecraft Awards in Kolkata

To acknowledge the efforts of these people, ‘behind the curtain’ section of the production, Stagecraft Foundation on Monday organized their second annual award ceremony, ‘Stagecraft Awards’ in Kolkata.

Conceptualized by singer Usha Uthup, the event bestowed awards on various technicians under several categories, some of which are unheard of in a regular award show.

Founder and Trustee of Stagecraft Foundation, Uthup said, “I want the younger generation to realize that it’s time to thank them, “in her welcome address.

“Without these people and their hard work, our acts will remain incomplete,” the crooner added.

The event, hosted by popular radio jockey and funnyman Mir, had the audience in splits with his timely jokes and gags.

Barin Dhar was awarded the 'Hall of Fame' award. The partly paralyzed octogenarian while sitting atop a wheelchair, said, “I want to thank the Lord. I am grateful to everyone.”

Senior actor and Tollywood powerhouse, Prosenjit Chatterjee, while giving away the award shared anecdotes about Dhar.

“Ever since I remember, I have been seeing Barin Jethu (father’s elder brother). He used to visit our house almost every day, spending hours with my father (actor Biswajit Chatterjee). I have a lot of love and respect for this man, who I truly believe showed us what ‘Jalsa’ (musical gathering) is,” Prosenjit said.

Singer Anusuya Chowdhury received the ‘Spirit of Stagecraft Award’, an inaugural category, given to people who have battled adversities and come out a winner. Anusuya, a popular Bengali singer survived dual heat attacks in 2011 and had to discontinue her singing owing to the threats imposed by the untimely mishaps.

Earlier this year she returned to singing. Receiving the award, Chowdhury said, “Right now I can’t even describe how I’m feeling. I am touched, this is truly an unexpected honor and I want to thank everyone for their support.”

The evening was also laden with performances from various people.

Sapphire Dance Group performed the opening act. Other acts comprised of Javed Ali, Alka Yagnik, Somlata Acharya, Neeti Mohan, Sona Mahapatra and a host of others.

Neeti and Sona enchanted the audience belting out groovy numbers, while paying tribute to her late father Salil Chowdury; Antara Chowdhury sang old numbers of the maestro. She was ably supported by other artists.

The evening was also graced by Oscar winner Resul Pookutty. While giving away an award Pookutty said, “This is such an innovative concept and I want to thank Usha didi for it.”

“I have been coming to Calcutta for many years now. The literature and music of this place have shaped me and made me what I am today,” the award winning sound designer added.

Badal Das, Sushanta Banerjee, Sandip Mitra, Mohammad Bali and Nabakishore Begura received the 'Special Awards' for their continued support and work.   

(Reporting by Sudipto Maity / Image by Subhodeep Sardar/IBNS)