For him, this day is emotional and includes a lot, from “pujo (puja), traditional costumes, to Bangali khabar (Bengali cuisine) and much more.” The actor who was recently in Mumbai, spoke exclusively to Bombay Times as he shared some fond memories of the special day.
“Until a few years ago, many Bengali film mahurats would be seen on this day, where the film would be officially announced, clapped and a scene shot. Each studio would have about two to three mahurats of films. Pandals would be set up and shenhai would be played in all the studios which were beautifully decorated for the occasion. Attendees would be served hot luchi and alur torkari (puri and aloo) and refreshments. I would watch all the mahurats not only of my films but also of other films! Poila Boishak would mark the beginning of a new film. I really miss all of this. This concept of mahurats has now gone out of fashion in our cinema,” says Prosenjit.
The actor has a special connection with this day and says he loves the overall vibe of this day. “I love the atmosphere of this festive day, when everyone is in a holiday mood, young people take to the streets in Kolkata, wearing traditional Punjabi sarees and dhoti and kurta. For Bengalis, the first day of the New Year begins with pujo, wearing new clothes, eating home-made delicacies and having family gatherings.”
Talking about his growing up years, the Bengali star who has also done notable roles in Hindi cinema and web shows says, “When we were kids, things were different, but even today, I like to follow certain rituals like buying new clothes for my family members and preparing special treats at home. These days I can’t get out to meet everyone, so they send me some of my favorite dishes. For two days before Poila Boishak, sweets in Kolkata have hundreds of people queuing up to buy mishti (sweets). And at 9.30 – 10 in the morning of the main day, all sweets run out of misti!”.
For Prosenjit, making sweets at home has a special meaning. “When we were children, we would only have malpuas made by maa, mashi, thakuma, didima (our mothers, aunts and grandmothers). In those days, feeding home cooked food was a sign of love and the immense love felt by our mother figures could be seen through the delicacies they prepared on such days. I love malpua and bonde aar doi (boondi with curd). This is the best sweet dish in the world and the tastiest,” shares the actor.
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