Perhaps the motive behind the partition of Bengal was absurd: Goutam Ghose

“I often feel that perhaps the motive behind the partition of Bengal is absurd. Previously when Bengal was one nation, we the inhabitants of the land, had owned just the similar identity of being a 'Bengali'. But it is just after the partition, we feel that our identities have bounded up to be defined in terms of religion as- Hindus and Muslims.” he said.

The debate was on the topic 'Was Partition Justified', which is relevant to the upcoming National award winning film, Sankhachil. Besides director Goutam Ghose, Tollywood actor Prosenjit Chatterjee was also present in the panel discussion.

Talking about his film Sankhachil,  Ghose said: “This film belongs very much to the present generation and there is a deep emotional attachment built in the film, in the context of partition.

"Bengal was divided on the grounds of religion by our political leaders, years ago, shattering our dreams and freedom of mind. I just hope that the present generation students, who have much knowledge in the fields of art and culture, will give a thought to it, and try to bring back our rich Bengali culture, as it was before partition, so that our unfulfilled dreams get a new platform to shine and take a new shape.”

Tollywood actor Prosenjit Chatterjee said: “It is indeed a pleasure for me to be a part of such a film like Sankhachil, and especially to be directed by Goutam Ghose. It is a matter of pride that the film is going to be marked in the pages of history. And it is a request for the students, who are our future, to get deeply involved with the concept of the film and contribute something good for our Bengal in future.”

Sankhachil is based on an original story written by Goutam Ghose and Sayantani Putatunda and is produced by nldeas Creations and Productions Pvt. Ltd and Ashirbad Chalochitra along with Impress Telefilm Ltd.

After Moner Manush, Sankhachil is Goutam’s next Indo-Bangladesh endeavour, featuring Prosenjit Chatterjee and Kusum Sikder in the lead roles.

The story narrates of a physical and emotional journey of a family along the Indo-Bangladesh border. As India gained its independence in 1947, a race faced another struggle. Bengal was divided and hundreds of thousands of Bengali's were displaced and divided on the basis of religion.

The Hindus were forced out as Eat Bengal was made a part of Pakistan and the same fate lay in stored for the Muslims of West Bengal.Millions became refugees in their own homeland and thousands still bear the cross and the scar.

The film is set to release on Poila Boshak , the Bengali New Year.

(Reporting by Aninnya Sarkar)