It's my gurudakshina to Rituparno Ghosh: Kaushik Ganguly

Kaushik Ganguly, known best for films like Cinemawala, Bishorjon, Nagarkirtan and Chotoder Chobi, is back with his summer release, Jyeshthoputro. But the film isn’t just another venture for him; it’s a medium to offer gurudaskshina to filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh. Kaushik had directed the deceased filmmaker in Arekti Premer Golpo and shared a close bonding with him. “The basic concept was by Rituparno Ghosh and that made the film more of an additional responsibility for me.Like a diligent student, I am offering my gurudakshina,” he said. Kaushik said the lead cast was decided by Rituparno himself. “When Prosenjit Chatterjee’s mother passed away, he was with the star actor and later came up with the concept. He wanted to make the film with Prosenjit, but at that time, Autograph was already conceived and since it was also about a superstar, he perhaps put it on the back burner,” said Kaushik. Sharing an anecdote that helped him develop the story, the director shared, “After Rituparno Ghosh’s father passed away, I met him at the crematorium. He was surrounded by the media as he was grieving. The city’s who’s who had turned up to be with him. At the same place, Rituparno Ghosh’s brother, Indranil, was mourning in the company of a few family members. Indranil too is extremely talented, but this contrast helped me develop the story further.” Kaushik said he is thankful to the entire Ghosh family for helping him out with the film. “Indranil allowed me to develop the concept without charging a single penny. I am thankful to him and the entire Ghosh family,” he said.