In an unprecedented, drowning incident during a shoot, talented Bengali actor Rahul Arunodoy Banerjee passed away on Sunday, March 29, at Talsari near Digha. But with death, does life around him stop? What about theatre group Ichheymoto's ongoing play Je Janlagulor Akash Chilo, directed by Saurav Palodhi and written and acted by Rahul himself? On Thursday, Saurav shares that the show will go on, and ace actor Pratik Dutta will play Rahul's on-stage character, Tubai.
While earlier Saurav had announced the scheduled shows of the play will go on, since "the show must go on", on Friday, he took to Facebook to announce that on Friday, April 10, Ichheymoto will have a special show of Je Janlagulor Akash Chilo, which will be open to all, non-ticketed. One just have to reserve their seats on third bell with a nominal, transactional fee. "We initially thought to arrange a memorial meeting for Rahul Da, but then felt that no, we don't believe he is not there, so why a memorial meeting? Rahul da is very much with us.
"While April 21 onwards, we will have regular shows of the Je Janlagulor Akash Chilo, with Rahul Da living through his writing, we will host the April 10 show, 1.45 onwards, at Academy of Fine Arts, remembering him, in our deepest memories."
He also shared that the character "Tubai Da" will now be played by actor Pratik Dutta, and "we are thankful to him that he agreed to take up this role in such a short notice".
Saurav also believes that as theatre practitioners they have a social responsibility, and like every year, this year too they are organising a blood donation camp, which will also be dedicated to Rahul Arunodoy Banerjee.
Our story sets off in the 90s, in the southern corner of Kolkata. A narrative that pivots around four friends; Soma, Tubai, Buban and Tatin. Their growing up, their dreams, beliefs and aspirations. How they evolve through the adventures revolving around their intertwined lives in the colony they lived in. How time in its ruthlessness, and how, the development of their own political and moral ideologies put their friendship to test.
Will they be able to come together as one again, meet at the same old haunts where they once left each other. Will they be able to open those windows again; the ones that gave them the access to wide blue yonder?
For more updates, join/follow our WhatsApp, Telegram and YouTube channels.