Binodini dasi biography of barack
From Star to Binodini, why one of Kolkata’s oldest theatres has a new name today
The last play to be staged at the original Star was Manmath Roy’s Karagar in March 1931, after which it was demolished by the Calcutta Improvement Trust during its mammoth construction of Chittaranjan Avenue, one of Kolkata’s major thoroughfares. Today, nothing remains at 68, Beadon Street to indicate that one of the city’s first theatres was ever built at that address.
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“Many are saying that this Star theatre is not the original Star,” says veteran theatre actor Surajit Bandyopadhyay. “But if I am unable to hold on to my original house, and I decide to make a new one and name it after my father, it is still a house dedicated to him,” he adds.
The renaming of Star theatre has brought significant focus on Binodini and one of the city’s oldest theatres.
Star and the Binodini connection
Binodini was only 13 or 14 years old when she made her stage debut in December 1874 in one of Calcutta’s oldest drama theatres, the Great National Theatre. She played Draupadi from the Mahabharata. Two years later, she began working for the Bengal Theatre, the oldest theatre in Calcutta and the first of its kind in South Asia, and later moved on to the National Theatre. It was here that Binodini met Ghosh, actor-playwright and National Theatre owner who would go on to found Star theatre with her.
The name of Gurmukh Rai, also spelt Gurmookh Ray, is also closely linked with the origins of Star and Binodini’s life. While some journalists have claimed that he was a Marwari businessman who funded Star theatre on the condition that Binodini would be his mistress, other archival records are less clear. What is known is that while Binodini and Ghosh had founded Star, it was funded entirely by Rai.
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Which of the following statements about Binodini Dasi, a pioneering figure in Bengali theatre in the late 19th century, is/are correct?
1. She was one of the prime movers behind the setting up of the Star Theatre (1883) in Calcutta.
2. She serialized her autobiography Amar Katha (My story) between 1910 ad 1913
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Binodiini makes history at NSD with Rukmini and Ram Kamal
Directed with a focus on authenticity and historical context, the film explores the life of Binodini Dasi, a pioneering figure in Bengali theatre during the late 19th century. Binodini, also popularly known as Nati Binodini’s contributions to theatre were instrumental in shaping modern Bengali performance arts. She was also known for her collaborations with erstwhile playwright Girish Chandra Ghosh. Despite her popularity, her story has for long remained underrepresented in mainstream media. The film intends to bring that to the limelight.
Reflecting on her portrayal of the titular role, Rukmini says, "It wasn’t just a role, but a transformative journey. Her resilience, passion, and courage inspired me every day, and to see her story resonate so deeply with audiences at its previews, and how it has earned a place at NSD feels rewarding."
The film's narrative captures Nati Binodini's struggles and triumphs, from the perspective of a female artiste in the 19th Century who is navigating societal challenges and personal hardships.
The screening of Binodiini: Ekti Natiir Upakhyanat NSD underscores its importance in bringing Bengal's rich cultural and theatrical heritage to a broader audience. It also serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of stories that celebrate resilience and artistic integrity. Rukmini concludes by saying, “This milestone not only honours the legacy of Binodini Dasi but also highlights the evolving landscape of Indian cinema in embracing diverse and meaningful narratives.”