Argentine film on Rabindranath Tagore Thinking of Him releases in India

The film, which is directed by Pablo Cesar and co-produced by award-winning Indian filmmaker Suraj Kumar, explores the Indian Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s relationship with the Argentine writer Victoria Ocampo.

Having read the French translation of Gitanjali, Ocampo idolised Tagore and when he fell ill during his Bueno Aires visit in 1924, she is said to have taken care of him.

César has been making films right from the age of 13 when his older brother presented him with a Super 8mm camera and taught him the first techniques to film.

He has been a professor at the University of Cinema in Buenos Aires since 1992.

Thinking of Him stars the legendary Victor Banerjee in the role of Tagore and the Argentine actor Eleonora Wexler in the part of Victoria.

The film also stars the noted Indian actress Raima Sen and Hector Bordoni in pivotal roles.

Pablo Cesar has recreated the Tagore-Ocampo encounters based on the real life story.

Tagore had to stop in Buenos Aires on Nov 6, 1924 for medical rest while he was on his way to Peru to attend the centenary celebrations of the country’s independence.

Victoria came to know about it and offered to take care of him.

She rented a beautiful mansion in a suburb of Buenos Aires and put Tagore there.

From his balcony, he had the view of the wide sea-like Plata river and a large garden with tall trees and flower plants.

Tagore left Buenos Aires on Jan 3, 1925 after fully recovering from his illness.

The 63-year-old Tagore was rejuvenated by the charming young Ocampo, 34, who took care of him during his 58-day stay.

She got a spiritual awakening and literary inspiration from the great Indian philosopher poet.

The platonic love of Tagore was reciprocated by the spiritual love of Ocampo who was also the first woman to become a member of the Argentine Academy of Letters.