Celeb Speak: The importance of physical contact in a relationship

Touch has a memory wrote John Keats once and that's the essence o director duo Shiboprosad Muk herjee and Nandita Ray's family drama, Bela Seshe. It's the story of Biswanath Majumdar and wife Aarti and their four married children. On their 50th wed ding anniversary, Biswanath dr ops a bomb by announcing his decision to divorce his wife.“Everyone is shocked. Such a decision after 50 years of mar riage baffles everyone. So, do they really part ways after sharing a life for 50 years? That's what the film is about," says Shiboprosad. “ A relationship becomes a habit after a point. This film, produced by Windows, is about how one can still keep such relationships warm. The focus is on communication, trust, respect and the power of touch."
CT spoke to the five couples in the film about the importance of physical and mental contact in keeping a marriage alive. Here's what they had to say .

SWATILEKHA SENGUPTA (AARTI) & SOUMITRA CHATTERJEE (BISWANATH)
IN THE FILM: It's 49 years after their marriage when Biswanath asks his wife whether it is love between them or it's just a habit. The spark in their relationship is missing. But Arati tells him that she still has the habit of using his towel to feel close to him.
IN REAL LIFE: Swatilekha feels a touch is the best way to communicate one's feelings.“Whenever I meet a person, I touch hisher hand to say, `Bhalo theko', just to add that personal touch. A simple hug or a warm embrace can communicate much more than words,“ she said.

MONAMI GHOSH (PIU) & ANINDYA CHATTERJEE (PALASH)
IN THE FILM: Married for five years, Piu and Palash are too busy with their careers and social networking to give each other quality time. No wonder there comes a time when Piu tells her hubby, “We no longer connect with each other, as we are so much into networking with the outer world."
IN REAL LIFE: Monami feels communication and touch, physical or mental, is the key to a successful relationship. “I still ask my boyfriend what I should wear for a special occasion. And we never forget to hug each other at the end of the day," she says.

APARAJITA AUDDY (KABERI) & KHARAJ MUKHERJEE (JYOTIRMOY)
IN THE FILM: They are still totally in love. It's not that Jyotirmoy doesn't admire other women, but his love for Kaberi overpowers everything else. And touching her makes his day complete.
IN REAL LIFE: After years of marriage, Kharaj still has to sleep touching his wife, Protibha. “Our son used to sleep between us, but still, Pratibha used to touch my hand. We once played a game. I had to find my wife among 10 women while being blindfolded. I'm so used to her touch that I easily found her," the actor says.

RITUPARNA SENGUPTA (MILI) & SUJOY PROSAD CHATTERJEE (BIJON)
IN THE FILM: Milli and Bijon's differences are pushing them apart. As Bijon surrounds himself with art and culture, his practical wife's sensitivity and vulnerability push her into the arms of another man.But then, the duo realize that there is still a spark in their relationship.
IN REAL LIFE: Rituparna feels that nothing can communicate love better than a touch. “I can feel my husband's love through his touch, whether he gives me a hug or holds my hand. A touch keeps the chemistry alive, and both of us believe that," she says.

INDRANI DUTTA (SHARMISTHA) & SHANKAR CHAKRABORTY (BARIN)
IN THE FILM: Their relationship is a bit strained, as Sharmistha suspects Barin of having an extra-marital affair. But things change when Barin realizes that he doesn't even know his wife's likes and dislikes. And when he touches her hand, Sharmistha says she has been yearning for that touch for all these years.
IN REAL LIFE: Indrani still holds her husband's hand while crossing roads or while shopping. “A mere touch -not necessarily sexual -can make you feel wanted. After years of marriage, these are the small things that keep the fire burning," the actress says.