My seven sisters and I still act like kids during Pujo: Srabanti

Seven sisters, laughter, lights and mischiefs
Srabanti reminisced: “Durga Puja in our joint family with seven sisters was a carnival in itself! Before pandal-hopping, the scene in front of a mirror was pure chaos — laughter, touch-ups, playful fights. The two eldest sisters proudly played guardians, taking care of all the mela expenses, while we devoured phuchka and sneaked glances at boys,” adding, “And that little Behala park stall with achar and hojmi? We tasted everything, bought nothing, and laughed endlessly.”

(Pics: Tathagata GhoshLocation: The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata, Makeup: Prosanta Dey, Hair: Sontai, Assisted by: Mou Samanta, Styled by: Subrata Roy, Sari draping by: Soumyojit Chakraborty, Sari by: Rangoli)the pujo Srabanti grew up with
Srabanti shared that Pujo in her school days was the year’s highlight. “At home, outside food was a no-no, but during Puja the rule flipped — ‘Joto icche baire khabi!’,” said the actress. She gorged on chowmein, biryani, rolls, phuchka, not to forget Ashtami’s sacred khichuri bhog. “We also saved our pocket money for ice cream and kulfi — twice a day, every single day,” said the actress with a smile while getting ready for the shoot.

‘Pujo in my para is still the best’
I grew up deeply involved in our parar Pujo. From ankatshari to dhunuchi naach, dance programs to natok — we sisters were part of every cultural celebration. My older sister, without fail, would win the first prize in dhunuchi naach every year, and we couldn’t be prouder. Even before the festivities began, khuti pujo and pandal’s being made signaled Pujo’s arrival. On Mahalaya morning, we gathered at our parar pandal to hear Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s voice on the radio. Even today, I listen to it at home.