Kolkata: The men behind the mask go missing

KOLKATA: A Kolkata-based director of a documentary on the mask makers of Seraikella Chhau is facing a unique problem. Just before the pandemic broke out, Malay Dasgupta had travelled to Seraikella to shoot ‘Where the Mask Speaks the Mind’.
But now when he wants to shoot an additional segment on the impact of Covid-19 on the traditional mask makers, he found that they have either passed away or had to switch professions to make ends meet.“When I started work, I wanted to explore a new angle. Amitava Ghosh, who helms Celluloid Chapter, a film society , suggested that I feature the mask makers,” said Dasgupta, who had earlier made documentaries on Manna De and Gangubai Hangal.
His work took him to the doorsteps of several mask makers, including the nonagenarian Kanhaiyalal Maharana and Sushanta Mahapatra and his son, Sumit. “Kanhaiyalal was a mine of information. But he expired during the pandemic due to age-related problems. The rest are facing an existential crisis,” Dasgupta said.
Ghosh, who is also the general secretary of the Federation of Film Societies of India, said there have been no performances, invitations and rehearsals during April of 2020 and 2021. “Online workshops can’t be organised because of the dearth of students. Mask makers had to return to their villages. They are now fully dependent on the government ration relief,” Ghosh said.
Sushanta’s workshops on mask-making have been cancelled. “I learnt the art from my uncle. He has expired. I get a monthly pension of Rs 4,000. Sometimes, I make gift items. Some of my students are now selling vegetables,” he said. Sumit survives on his casual job of an electrician. Dilip Acharya, who features in Dasgupta’s documentary, now makes idols. “ Gurus like Kanhailalji and Bishwanath Sahu are no more. The pandemic has ruined us,” he said.