Our chemistry with maa is like durga’s homecoming, say Ritabhari Chakraborty and Chitrangada Satarupa

Actress Ritabhari Chakraborty might be known for powerful roles, and taking a stand for what’s right, but she credits her mother, filmmaker Satarupa Sanyal and sister, actress Chitrangada Satarupa for all that she is today. As the trio poses for the CT lens for an exclusive Pujo shoot, they talk about their equation, Durga’s homecoming, Pujo essentials and more.
‘Maa showed us how to protest, but with dignity’

Pic: Sudipta Chanda

This Pujo, we are celebrating mother-daughter relationships. Tell us more about the equation you share
Satarupa Sanyal (SS): Pujo signifies Uma’s homecoming to Bengalis, and to me, Uma is not a goddess but a member of our family. I remember, whenever I used to go to my parents’ house during this time of the year, my father used to refer to it as Durga’s arrival. However, things have changed now with my two daughters getting busy. My daughters have become a maternal figure to me now.
Ritabhari Chakraborty (RC): I’m grateful to God that I get to call this inspiring woman Maa. Whenever I’ve a difficult choice to make, Maa is my go-to person.
Chitrangada Satarupa (CS): The bond I share with Maa is a blend of friendship, support and mutual respect. The chemistry I share with her feels so much like Durga’s homecoming. Pujo shopping with her, and showing clothes to each other was a ritual I still cherish.

Both my daughters are obedient and empathetic. However, Ritabhari used to play pranks sometimes, and Chitrangada used to get scolded for it
– Satarupa Sanyal

Maa seldom had people ask her what she wants but now, we make sure we take her opinions into account before making any decision – Ritabhari Chakraborty

What are your favourite childhood Pujo memories?
SS: My early Pujo memories are from my parents’ house in Bardhaman. I used to return to Kolkata only after Lakshmi Puja. We used to make naru, nimki and goja for the festive days. I still remember how beautiful my mother and aunts’ faces looked after sindur khela on
Dashami.
RC: From pandal-hopping with friends, parar functions to dressing up in Maa’s sari, the list is endless.
CS: The days we spent at my grandparents’ house are some of my favourite Pujo memories. The joy of Pujor jama was unmatched. Sometimes we used to go to the local pandal, sing on the mic and feel like we own the moment.

Nothing compares to the excitement of coming home during Pujo. There’s a distinct pujo pujo gondho in the air that makes the ambience so special
– Chitrangada Satarupa

What about Durga Puja shopping?
SS: To me, Durga Puja is incomplete without new clothes for my loved ones. My pujo shopping starts three months in advance, and all of them wear these clothes on Sasthi. It’s a heartwarming feeling.
RC: I shop throughout the year, but Pujo shopping is special as I get to shop for my family and friends.
CS: Pujo shopping used to be a lot more fun when I was younger. Now gifting has become more of a year-round affair. I don’t buy new clothes for Pujo anymore, except for a few blouses to update my collection as I’m trying to be mindful about not overfilling my wardrobe. However, I do still buy gifts for my close ones.
What is Durga’s homecoming to you?
SS: Durga’s homecoming brings a lot of positivity with it and I never leave Kolkata around this time, because the city looks its best
during Pujo.
RC: The annual homecoming ignites a hope in our hearts and makes me believe that things will get better soon. It is also when my Durga (Satarupa), my Lakshmi (Chitrangada) and I come together.
CS: I look forward to this time of the year, ever since I was a kid. This sense of nostalgia is something I can relive every year. Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s voice at dawn on Mahalaya gives me goosebumps and brings tears to my eyes each time I hear it.

Defining Shakti
Satarupa is the epitome of Shakti to both her daughters, having raised them as a single mother and becoming a filmmaker when the industry was male-dominated. Ritabhari says, “Protesting with dignity comes naturally to me, I’ve learnt from Maa what Shakti is.” Chitrangada adds, “Shakti means wisdom, strength and responsibility.” Satarupa defines Shakti with the power to fight against odds with a strong mind.

Pujo essentials
Satarupa: Pujo signifies everything auspicious and aesthetic. From floating, fluffy clouds to blooming kaash phool
Ritabhari: Bhog, new saris, Bengali songs on the loud speaker
Chitrangada: Pujo pandals, fairy lights, dhak beats, anjali, sandhyarati and bhog

Pic: Sudipta Chanda

Assisted by: Avijit Dey

Makeup: Tapsee Paul

Assisted by: Ankit

Hair: Puja Dey

Styling by: Kiara Sen