From feeding street dogs to helping the needy: Here’s how Shoumo Banerjee, Sharly Modak and other Bengali actors are celebrating Noboborsho

This Noboborsho is different from other years. Without the ‘Chaithra Sale’ amid the Covid-19 outbreak and the recent announcement of an extension of the lockdown, people are trying to cope up with the situation. Our Bengali TV actors are no exception. While actor Shoumo Banerjee has decided to help the needy, Hritojeet Chottopadhay decided to drop his lavish plans to celebrate the occasion, Raja Gowami has cooked meals for stray animals. They are trying to stay positive and urged everyone to keep the spirit high on the very first day of the Bengali calendar. (Photo: Facebook)

Actor Shoumo Banerjee is playing the lead role in ‘Nishir Daak’. The actor who is known for his optimistic view, has something special to share. “This year Poila Boisakh is special in a very different way. This year I would like to make it special by helping those who are deprived of the basic amenities due to the lockdown. My mom used to say, if you are helping someone, it shouldn't be made public." So without divulging into details, I would just plead the readers to make a difference in whatever small way we can. The smallest of effort can make a lot of difference. Let's pledge this new year to help those not so privileged so that we can all walk over this phase with a smile.” (Photo: Facebook)

The actor has dropped the plan of celebrating ‘Poila Boishakh’ in a lavish way. “The current situation is really critical. Seeing the losses in terms of lives and other aspects, none of us is in a celebratory mood. Usually, mom cooks delicious food at home but this year, she has only prepared payesh. I still remember how she used to give sweets to my friends during my childhood. There will be no Haalkhata anywhere. But I am hopeful we will overcome the situation soon,” said Hritojeet. (Photo: Facebook)

They young actress is with her family in Jalpaiguri. She has wished everyone on the very first day of Bengali calendar and optimistic that things will be better soon. She said, “I would like to wish you all Shubho Noboborsho. We will overcome the situation soon. I am happy that we all are contributing towards PM fund, CM fund. People who are in dire need, getting the help in the right time. But I think there’s one more who really needs help and that is street dogs. So, in my locality there are a set of people who feed them on a regular basis. So what I do is I help them financially and I get my satisfaction from there. We really need to be caring towards them. And for Poila Baisakh, I don’t have any plans but have cooked for my family.” (Photo: Facebook)

“Yes this year Poila Baisakh is very very different. But I’m very fond of stray dogs and I treat them as my family. Everyday my family including me cook for them. We have a special bonding for them. These days with the lockdown, people are not coming out from their home. We cook and keep the food in front of our lawn and they come and eat. It gives me immense pleasure. My wife and I are music lovers. We have a guitar and keyboard. So, we'll spend some time with some good music,” said Raja.

‘Sarbamangala’ actress Sanchari always considers Poila Boishakh to be more special as her birthday is nearby too. From homemade delicacies to ‘Phuchka’ with friends, Poila Boishakh mostly brings a big smile on her face. But this year, Sanchari couldn’t meet her parents who live in Andul, Howrah. “Poila Boishakh is even more special as my birthday is on April 16. So there would have been double celebration. But things are different this year. I couldn’t meet my parents due to lockdown. I am staying in Kolkata along with an aunt. My heart aches for those who are facing hardship during this situation. I hope everything normalises soon and I’m sure we will fight together and defeat coronavirus,” Sanchaari said. (Photo: Facebook)

The ‘Jiyon Kathi’ actress is also staying away from her parents who are in Murshidabad. “Generally I visit Berhampore on Poila Boishakh. But this year me and my sister are staying in Kolkata while my parents are in Berhampore. Maintaining lockdown is important and we are doing so. We wished Maa and Baba over the phone,” she added. (Photo: Facebook)