The Chalachhitra Podcast

Hi everyone!! We are back, OFFICIALLY! And this time for real - with a line up of episodes, and solid plans! We have a new producer, and new schedule (or lack thereof) and so many things to discuss and catch up on!In this update episode, Komolika talks about what the podcast means to her, why there was a gap in between since the launch, and why and how we are back - OFFICIALLY!Turn your notifications on for our Instagram at @chalachhitra and follow us wherever you listen to your music and podcasts! Insta: https://www.instagram.com/chalachhitra/Website and blog, Chitranatya: https://chalachhitra.wixsite.com/chalachhitra

Mahalaya is the day that marks the beginning of Bengal's, and maybe India's most iconic festival - Durga Puja or Navratri. Mahalaya is synonymous with the Bengali radio program Mahishasur Mardini, which is a mix of songs, scripture recitation, and a dramatic narration of the feminist mythological tale of Goddess Durga slaying the misogynistic demon Mahishasur. Komolika talks about why this radio program is so popular and the longest running Indian radio show ever - and her feminist take on the myth and the art of the show itself. Happy Mahalaya!

In this special weekend episode celebrating the birth anniversary of the most legendary Indian playback singer Lata Mangeshkar (1929 - 2022), Komolika talks about the rich musical legacy of the Nightingale of India, and how her music has also been created into a queer legacy as she influenced the interiormost emotions and sensibilities of queer men and trans feminine South Asians especially, across the world. This is also the first episode of a series within the podcast, called Mother - covering women icons of the Indian film industry who have been the inspiration and heart of Queer people.Don't forget to check out our companion blog Chitranatya to read about and listen to all the songs Komolika mentions in the episode! Happy Birthday Lata Didi!

In Episode 1, Komolika talks about nagivating trans relationships, especially that with oneself and their parents, as well as the cultural and historical legitimization of Indian trans identity with Rituparno Ghosh's 2012 Bengali film Chitrangada: The Crowning Wish. They delve into their own personal experiences that the film's scenes resonate with, and how the film was a crucial part of finding their own sense of self as a trans person. Some parts of the episode have some audio issues - thank you in advance for bearing with them!Join us every Wednesday at 8 am PST for more episodes, and don't forget to check out our companion blog Chitranatya, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok @chalachhitra for updates!

Welcome to The Chalachhitra Podcast with Komolika Basu. In this introductory episode, Komolika delves into the powerful world of Indian cinema, tracing her lifelong love affair with the medium and its impact on her identity. Join us every Wednesday at 8 AM PST for more episodes, and don’t forget to check out our companion blog, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok @chalachchitra for updates!Link to our blog: https://chalachchitra.blogspot.com/ Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalachchitra/Link to Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chalachchitraLink to Patreon: patreon.com/Komolika