A 30-feet shirish tree that stood tall on the Nandan campus and played host to numerous discussions involving film buffs is set for a makeover. Nandan witnessed many discussions among movie-lovers on Truffaut and Godard over lemon tea sitting under the shirish tree.
But now, one might find it difficult to locate the same tree. Covered with tarpaulin, men are seen with saw and hammers carving the tree to give it a shape.
Deep Saha, a pass out of Government College of Arts & Craft, Kolkata, in 1998, is working on a tree sculpture at Nandan campus for beautification before the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) that begins on November 11.
“I wanted to do something with the tree and hence asked the KIFF authorities if I could do a sculpture on it. I was given a free hand,” said the 41-year-old sculptor.
Saha’s sculpture draws inspiration from musical instruments and films. “Since it is a figurative sculpture, it will be an amalgamation of human figures and musical instruments. I also plan to experiment with colours,” said Saha, who has also done the hand-shaped fountain near Raj Bhavan, Esplanade. He has also made sculptures to beautify the city at Eco Park, Princep Ghat and Mahajati Sadan.
It’s been just eight days since the Golf Green resident has started working on the sculpture at Nandan campus. He informed that he spends approximately 12 hours every day on the sculpture. “The work won’t be complete within November 11. We will again start working after the KIFF gets over,” said Saha, who has done shows in Mumbai.
In the meantime, Saha is excited to have received an offer from union shipping minister Nitin Gadkari to make sculptures in Delhi. However, he is yet to meet the minister and discuss the offer.
Atri Bhattacharya, information and cultural affairs secretary, said chief minister wanted to start the renovation work at Nandan for a long time. “Before the film festival begins, the film buffs will have a renewed Nandan campus, which will be more environment friendly,” he said.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by Anindita Acharya, Hindustan Times, New Delhi / November 09th, 2016