After the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, the anger against the Mamata government of West Bengal has increased to such an extent that the leading artists of the Bengali entertainment world have started returning their awards. The political atmosphere in Bengal has heated up over this matter. This incident has created anger in the entire state. Many people, whether common or special, have come out on the streets along with the doctors. Now Bengali film and theater artists are also raising their voice in this protest. Experienced artists like Sudipta Chakraborty, Chandan Sen and Biplab Banerjee have started returning the awards given by the state government. They say that the government has ignored the sentiments of the public and the demand for justice, due to which they are deeply hurt.
Commenting on the protests against the Mamata government, TMC MLA Kanchan Malik said that the artists who are protesting against the state government should return the honors given to them by the state government. After this statement of Kanchan Malik, Bengali artists have erupted in anger.
National Award winning actress Sudipto Chakraborty has decided to return the ‘Special Film Award’. Regarding her decision, she said, “I have never compromised with anyone and neither will I. When the MLA said that those who are taking to the streets should return their awards, I immediately took this decision.” Expressing her anger on social media, Sudipto wrote, “I will stand on the road and keep demanding justice – both in legal and social forms.”
On the other hand, famous playwright Chandan Sen, hurt by the statement of Trinamool Congress MLA Kanchan Malik, has announced to return the ‘Deenbandhu Mitra Award’. Chandan Sen, who received this award in 2017 for his outstanding contribution in the field of theater, said that his father was a doctor in a government hospital and he understands the pain of doctors very well. Inspired by this feeling, he decided to return the award.
After this, actor-director Biplab Banerjee has also announced to return his ‘Natya Akademi Award’. Biplab also said that Kanchan Malik’s statement has hurt him deeply, and hence he is returning the award along with the prize money of Rs 30,000. Biplab said, “The government has demanded blind devotion in return for this award, which I completely reject.”
This wave of Bengali artists returning their awards has increased the pressure on the Mamata government. This step is further intensifying the ongoing protests in Bengal. Now it will be interesting to see how the Mamata government calms down this anger and whether this protest succeeds in bringing any major change in the politics of the state.
