Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Sonagachi goes Bollywood in Sanjay Gupta8217;s new film
As a volunteer with Durbar Mahila Samannay Committee, a collective of sex workers in Sonagachi, Sudipto Chattopadhyay, would be mesmerised by the day-to-day lives of prostitutes working the maze of back alleys scattered around the city8217;s red light district. 8220;I had decided that I will make a film on their lives someday,8221; says Chattopadhyay, whose yet-to-be-released film Pankh is creating ripples in Bollywood because of its sensitive treatment of gender and identity.
Sonagachi will be produced by Sanjay Gupta, who has made films like Kaante, Zinda, Plan, Musafir and Dus Kahaniyaan in the past. 8220;We plan to capture the puja spirit in Kolkata. Sonagachi will be produced under the White Feather Arthouse Film banner like Sudipto8217;s last film Pankh,8221; informs Gupta.
While Pankh, which stars Bipasha Basu and Lilette Dubey, is being readied for a November release, Chattopadhyay is busy with the new film. 8220;I have decided to cast plenty of local talents. There are many talented actors here who are just waiting to be discovered,8221; says the filmmaker who completed his graduation from Presidency College. Tollywood veterans like Indrani Haldar and Rupa Ganguly will be cast in supporting roles in the film. 8220;I have always admired the body of work of these actors. They are so versatile,8221; he says.
Will the lead star of Pankh, Bipasha Basu, also star in Sonagachi? 8220;It is too early to comment on that, but we have a big star in mind,8221; is all Chattopadhyay is willing to divulge.
