Kolkata : Author and former All India Radio child artist Sarbani Ganguly has launched her new book Album, a collection of four fictional stories that explore the emotional, social, and psychological journeys of women across different eras.
Early Artistic Foundation
Sarbani Ganguly began her creative journey at a young age with All India Radio, performing alongside eminent artistes such as Partho Ghosh and Gauri Ghosh. She contributed her voice to radio programmes based on the works of literary stalwarts Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay and Rabindranath Thakur.
These early experiences shaped her distinctive narrative style, marked by emotional depth and cultural sensitivity.
Literary Influences
As a student of History, Sarbani was influenced strongly by celebrated author Ashapurna Devi. Her storytelling reflects a similar ability to portray the layered emotional landscapes and social realities of women. Over the years, her short stories have appeared in various magazines and have been appreciated for their authenticity and heartfelt expression.
About the Book: Album
Album features four stories that explore themes such as love, identity, memory, longing, and self-realization. Each narrative portrays a different facet of womanhood:
1. Prothom Jiboner Bhalobasha
Follows Tomosha, a woman who experiences love in three defining stages of her life. The story captures innocence, strength, and rediscovery. It is currently being adapted into a feature film titled “Naina.”
2. Album
The titular story tells the haunting love saga of Samantha Rodrigues, whose romance begins a century ago during a pandemic. Themes of memory, time, and transcendence reveal how love can endure beyond eras — and even beyond life.
3. Thikana
Set in the misty hills, this narrative revolves around Sanjukta and a soldier connected by a lost address and unspoken promises. It beautifully portrays the quiet ache of longing and love preserved only through remembrance.
4. 1960
Set in old Kolkata, the story follows Dr. Nikumbha Sarkar, a physician whose life intersects with extraordinary events that blur science and faith. The story evokes nostalgia for a time when miracles still felt possible.
Themes and Significance
Through Album, Sarbani Ganguly delves into the universal yet deeply personal aspects of womanhood. The stories highlight how love, memory, and identity shape a woman’s inner world across both traditional and modern contexts.
Event Highlights
The book launch event witnessed the presence of distinguished guests:
- Ekaterina Tyurina (Vice-Consulate)
- Maxim Kozlov (Consulate General)
- Natalia Gerasimova (Consulate General)
- Richa Sharma
Their participation added grace to the occasion and reflected strong support for contemporary literary voices.
