Indira Dhar’s first post-wedding Durga Puja in Kolkata

For filmmaker Indira Dhar, this year’s Durga Puja was different from the ones she has spent in Kolkata over the years. Usually travelling abroad for work during October, she consciously decided to stay in the city this time, celebrating the festival with her husband, filmmaker Sayan, their son Kabir and their extended family.“It was a very conscious decision that we would be staying in Calcutta throughout Durga Puja. This year was very special because it was my first year post-marriage,” she says.The celebrations took on a traditional turn at the over 400-year-old Durga Puja of the Rajendra Mullick family in Barabazar, which dates back to 1614. Indira’s mother-in-law’s aunt, Shamuli Mullick, heads the family’s puja. The family deity is believed to have belonged to Raja Man Singh I of Amer before being brought to Kolkata and gifted to Raja Rajendra Mullick. For Indira, being part of the family’s celebrations for the first time was a memorable experience.“I had my parents, our son Kabir, my in-laws and the extended family together. It was a fantastic feeling, and I can’t explain what I felt this year,” she says.Bijoya Dashami was equally special for the family. The celebrations continued at Lake Avenue, where the Durga Puja is held at Kalidhan Institution, associated with Sayan’s great-grandfather. Sayan is now a trustee of the institution along with his father. The family took part in the worship of the deity and the traditional boron rituals.For Indira, however, the festival is also closely tied to her professional life. She says she has marked the beginning of her films with a script puja during Durga Puja for the past three years. This year was no different, as she and Sayan embarked on another project.“I worship Maa Durga every day, especially during Shashthi, and I also attend the Anjali on Ashtami morning. These are two things that the three of us, Sayan, Kabir and I, have done together,” she says.Currently working on an international film, Indira spends much of her time abroad. She credits Sayan’s understanding for helping her balance work and family life, particularly as she takes on a major project following her Bollywood debut. She also acknowledges the close bond Sayan shares with Kabir, which helps make the distance easier to manage.Recalling how her family included her in the festivities even when she was away, she says they connected over Zoom while she was abroad, allowing her to join in virtually.“Sayan and Kabir have a fantastic bonding. They take me on Zoom calls, and even this year, they called me while I was abroad so I could wish everyone. I was happy that I could connect with people,” she says.For Indira, the understanding between partners is essential to making a relationship work, particularly when both have demanding careers. “If you have a good partner, life is easy,” she says, adding that she believes Maa Durga’s blessings have played an important role in bringing them together.As the filmmaker returns to work on her next project, this year’s Puja remains memorable for more than just the rituals. It was an opportunity to embrace family traditions, celebrate with loved ones and begin another creative collaboration with Sayan.Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!