Modern Mime Centre’s Mime Festival 2025
Shankha Bhattacharyya
Over the past four years, with the active cooperation of the Paschim Banga Natya Akademi, the Modern Mime Centre has been continuously promoting the art of mime across various districts of West Bengal as well as in Kolkata. Under the guidance and direction of the eminent mime artist and guru Shri Kamal Naskar, numerous young boys and girls from the state have become proficient in the art form.
On September 20, 2025, the students showcased their mime talents on the stage of Rabindra Sadan in Kolkata. The festival was inaugurated by Gautam De, former Director of ICCR, and Ritish Ranjan Chakraborty, the guiding force of Suranandan Bharati. Shri Gautam De delivered an insightful speech on the Art of Mime and Kamal Naskar, while Shri Ritish Ranjan Chakraborty recited a self-composed poem dedicated to the guru. The event was gracefully conducted by renowned mime artist Dr. Shubhra Sanyal.
With the participation of nearly a hundred students selected from various districts of West Bengal, the Mime Festival 2025 was a grand success. From the vast repertoire of 250 mime sketches created by Guru Kamal Naskar over his illustrious 45-year journey in mime, seven selected pieces were performed at this year’s festival.
From North 24 Parganas, the Jaygram Social Welfare Society presented “Mondo Khadya” (Bad Food)—a performance by speech and hearing-impaired students that conveyed a strong message on social awareness through humour and satire. Their brilliant performance by Sumaiya, Tamanna, Ashraful, Rakesh, Tuhina, Rupsana, Iman, and Merina, guided by Guru Kamal Naskar, left an indelible impression on the audience. Watching them perform, one could feel the spirit of their message —
“We may be mute and deaf, yet we shall set new milestones.
With the touch of love extended towards us, we shall never lose.”
Indeed, Guru Kamal Naskar’s compassion and dedication made the impossible possible.
From Howrah district, students of Baksara High School presented “Lobhe Paap, Paape Mrityu” (Greed Leads to Sin, Sin to Death) — a mime adaptation inspired by the Arabian Nights tale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Debashis Poddar, as Kasim, and Pallabi De, as the Leader of the Thieves, delivered memorable performances, supported by Gagan, Abhirup, Anish, Manik, Prasenjit, Sandeep, Sujan, Mainak, Sujit, Ayush, Jeet, Manish, Shambhu, Inos, and Neelakash.
Kolkata Modern Mime Centre, staged two presentations. The first, “Bandhu” (Friend), explored the fragile bond of friendship — how personal interest can sometimes rupture even the deepest ties. The principal roles were enacted by Dr. Shubhra Sanyal and Pallabi De, accompanied by Khushi, Anwesha, Debashis, and Mohana.
The final presentation from the Kolkata team was “Khudiram” — a tribute to the great revolutionary Shahid Khudiram Bose, one of India’s youngest martyrs. On April 30, 1908, Khudiram hurled a bomb at a carriage near the European Club in an attempt to assassinate the notorious Chief Presidency Magistrate. Unfortunately, the bomb mistakenly struck the car of barrister Pringle Kennedy, resulting in his arrest and eventual execution.
Debashis Poddar’s powerful portrayal of Khudiram, alongside his depiction of the British police officer, the judge, and the executioner, stood out as one of the most remarkable performances of the day. The lighting, designed by Kartik Dev Barman and Mintu Das, enhanced the dramatic effect with perfection.
With the continued support of the Paschim Banga Natya Akademi, the noble initiative of the Modern Mime Centre will undoubtedly enrich the art of mime in West Bengal. Guru Kamal Naskar’s relentless efforts across the districts will surely elevate the art form to a place of great honour in the years to come.