Calcutta of the movies

Everywhere , especially in the older parts of Calcutta (now called Kolkata), there seems to be a shot waiting to be captured. The monumental architecture catches the eye, sometimes the people. Although time consuming and many times cumbersome, when sketching I perceive better. Calcutta offered many such opportunities, and I took them, on my recent trip to India.

I wonder if the B/W version of the sketch is better ?

This stunning erstwhile zamindar home was the subject one winter morning. I was out on a walk to the older parts of Calcutta with my brother. This home stood out among the crumbling mansions that surrounded it. The burly looking security men outside kindly let me in, after I showed them my sketchbook.

The Indian Thinking Man 

Sitting next to the 'Indian Thinking man', I tried to do the massive courtyard some justice. Unlike Atlas, the thinking man of the Western world, this Eastern version had a rotund middle section, long hair and somber expression. Surrounded by a marble statues and crystal chandeliers I could hear screeching  calls of exotic birds from the verandah upstairs. The brother informed me that collecting outlandish birds was a hobby of the current owner of this mansion.

Walking along this stunning neighbourhood, I came across many Dickensian homes. One reminded me of Satis House, complete with a derelict fountain on the outside. Some had huge columned entrances with graffiti on it.  Some prettily painted with pastel colours.

Satis House , according to me at least 

A pastel home 

Graffiti and columns 

Many of Kolkata's old and established parts are built along the holy river Ganges. Interesting scenes and people dotted the landscape. I looked for a quintessential Kolkata clip and I found it.

Ghat on the Ganges

This little 'ghat' (steps) leading to the river had an old Peepul tree (Ficus religiosa), the faithful bathing in the Ganges and fishing houseboats.

That day I experienced a part of Kolkata I had read in books and seen only in the movies.