Make Calcutta Relevant Again

Join Meghdut as he hosts an unforgettable session with all five members of Bhoomi, the iconic Bengali folk-fusion band. Dive into untold tour stories—from the hilarious reason one member is codenamed "Venue" to the time they botched a live telecast and accidentally created a new song. The band reveals the deep meaning behind hits like 'Mone Ar Nai Re' and their history-making per...

Young people in Calcutta are eager to build something new and #MakeCalcuttaRelevantAgain helps them do that.  We provide sponsorships to upcoming creators and help them showcase their work with top-notch mentors and industry experts who help them take their creations to the next level. Our aim is to bring back Calcutta's Glory and not only bring it back but take it to the next level through co...

Young people in Calcutta are eager to build something new and #MakeCalcuttaRelevantAgain helps them do that.  We provide sponsorships to upcoming creators and help them showcase their work with top-notch mentors and industry experts who help them take their creations to the next level. Our aim is to bring back Calcutta's Glory and not only bring it back but take it to the next level through co...

Join Meghdut on the MCRA Podcast as he sits down with Arjun Sen — global brand strategist, leadership advisor, and cancer survivor — whose extraordinary life inspired Shoojit Sircar to make a film starring Abhishek Bachchan. From Kolkata’s streets to boardrooms across the world, and from hospital wards to film sets, this episode dives into: – Arjun’s 20+ year battle with cancer and the philosophy...

Young people in Calcutta are eager to build something new and #MakeCalcuttaRelevantAgain helps them do that.  We provide sponsorships to upcoming creators and help them showcase their work with top-notch mentors and industry experts who help them take their creations to the next level. Our aim is to bring back Calcutta's Glory and not only bring it back but take it to the next level through co...

Young people in Calcutta are eager to build something new and #MakeCalcuttaRelevantAgain helps them do that.  We provide sponsorships to upcoming creators and help them showcase their work with top-notch mentors and industry experts who help them take their creations to the next level. Our aim is to bring back Calcutta's Glory and not only bring it back but take it to the next level through co...

Join Meghdut on the MCRA Podcast for an unfiltered, eye-opening journey across India one step at a time with environmentalist, storyteller, and barefoot changemaker Siddharth Agarwal, founder of Veditum India Foundation. In this episode, Siddharth opens up about his unusual life path cycling from Kolkata to Bombay, walking thousands of kilometres along India’s rivers, and discovering the invisible...

this episode, we bring together two incredible drummers from very different musical worlds — Sambit Chatterjee, rooted in Indian classical percussion and Nicolas Notini Wallin, a Swedish groove master with a deep love for Indian rhythms. They dive into: •⁠ ⁠How tabla training influenced Sambit's drumming technique •⁠ ⁠The cultural shift Nicolas experienced when he moved to India •⁠ ⁠Jamming ac...

Join Meghdut on the MCRA Podcast as he sits down with Sayantan Maitra Boka (MassArt) and Ushmita Sahu (Emami Art) to unpack why Durga Puja is not just a festival—but the world’s biggest public art movement. From Kolkata’s para pujos to international gallery spaces, this episode dives into: – The art economy behind Durga Puja – Breaking elitism in the gallery world – The role of patronage in revivi...

Join Meghdut on the MCRA Podcast for a fun, unfiltered journey from the bylanes of Lake Market to global campaigns with illustrator and visual storyteller Srishti Guptaroy, better known online as @srillustrator. In this episode, Srishti opens up about her unconventional path—growing up in 90s Kolkata, building her creative voice, and eventually landing collaborations with brands like Hermès and Ad...

Join Meghdut on the MCRA Podcast for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes journey from Kolkata to Hollywood with Pradipto, lead character effects artist at DreamWorks Animation. In this episode, Pradipto shares his unconventional path from doodling comics in Kolkata to animating blockbuster films in Los Angeles. With honesty and humour, he opens up about breaking away from societal expectations, naviga...

Join Meghdut on the MCRA Podcast as he walks through the layered streets of Kolkata—this time through the eyes of Chelsea McGill, founder of Immersive Trails, a storytelling-driven heritage tour company redefining how we experience the city. In this episode, Chelsea shares the journey of building Kolkata’s most thoughtfully curated walking tours—tours that go beyond guidebooks and tourist checklis...

Join Meghdut on the MCRA Podcast for a powerful conversation with Bengali music icons Rupam Islam and Sidhu, as they open up about life, loss, and the healing power of art. Recorded live at Techno India, this episode begins with a sobering reflection on a young student’s suicide, leading into a deeply personal dialogue on mental health, self-worth, and resilience. Rupam shares his own struggles wi...

Join Meghdut on the MCRA Podcast as he sits down with a proud fourth-generation jeweller and cultural storyteller from Kolkata to uncover the legacy of craftsmanship, community, and conviction that continues to shine—quite literally—from Bengal to the world. In this soulful episode, journey through the origins of Sarbojanin Durga Puja, freedom fighters like Atindranath Basu, and Kolkata’s legacy o...

Join Meghdut on the MCRA Podcast for a deeply moving and inspiring conversation with tennis legend and changemaker Leander Paes, as they explore legacy, identity, and the powerful roots of Kolkata. In this powerful episode, Leander shares his remarkable journey—from being born during the 1972 Munich Olympics to growing up in Kolkata’s cultural heart and rising to global tennis fame. It’s a story o...

Join Meghdut on the MCRA Podcast as he shares a deliciously candid conversation with a passionate home cook and supper club host who's putting Bengali food on the global map—one plate at a time. In this flavour-packed episode, discover how a London flat transforms into a Bengali Supper Club, where every dish tells a story. From Pulao and Kosha Mangsho to reimagining tradition, it’s a journey throu...

Join Meghdut on the MCRA Podcast as he sits down with Nivedita Poddar from Art Fervour to explore the fascinating world of art and the vibrant art scene in Calcutta. This insightful conversation delves into the importance of art in society, the challenges and opportunities facing artists today, and the unique character of Calcutta's creative landscape. Nivedita shares her expertise and passion...

Join us on the Make Calcutta Relevant Again podcast for an inspiring journey through the heart of Kolkata's thriving music scene. Meet Raghu, the lockdown rapper who honed his skills in his bathroom, and Teej, the former Wall Street banker turned DJ and producer. Discover how their collective, Homebound, is more than just a series of parties; it's a movement to introduce Kolkata to new sounds, sup...

In this special episode, usual host Meghdut Roy Chowdhury steps aside for Tomas Magalhaes, a champion of understanding from Portugal. Together with Pauline Laravoire, a visionary leader in Eastern India, they explore the heart of Kolkata's identity: is it still relevant? Tomas, with his outsider's view, contemplates Kolkata's faded grandeur, while Meghdut, fueled by love for his city,...

Get ready to dive into the heart and soul of Kolkata like never before! Join us on Make Calcutta Relevant Again as filmmaker Ekta Das paints a vivid picture of this vibrant city, comparing its rich tapestry of culture and history to the complex flavors of a beet chop. Prepare to be captivated by hotelier Darshan Dudhoria's extraordinary journey. From Bollywood dreams to legal battles, and fina...

Prepare to be captivated by a symphony of passion and insight as two of Calcutta's icons, Debaditya Chaudhury and the legendary Debojyoti Mishra, take center stage. This isn't your average interview; it's a harmonious blend of shared dreams, frustrations, and an unwavering desire to elevate Calcutta to its rightful place as a cultural powerhouse. Delve into the untold stories as we unv...

Ever wondered how Balaram Mullick became synonymous with Bengali sweets? Join us for a delightful conversation with Sudip Mullick, the fourth-generation entrepreneur from the iconic Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick family. In this episode, Sudip takes us on a journey through time, sharing the fascinating history of his family's sweet legacy. From the humble beginnings in 1885 to becomi...

Designer, activist, and LGBTQ+ advocate Navonil (Nil) joins us for a thought-provoking discussion on Kolkata's vibrant spirit and the power of everyday changemakers. From overcoming personal obstacles to co-founding the fashion brand Dev R Nil, hear how Nil's journey has shaped his unwavering belief in Kolkata's relevance. Discover the inspiring story behind Nil's involvement with...

Ever wondered how to breathe life back into a city? Join us as we uncover the secrets of urban design with architect Monica Khosla Bhargava, the visionary behind Kolkata's Park Street rejuvenation. In this captivating episode, Monica reveals her unique approach to transforming spaces into vibrant hubs of human interaction. From her childhood memories of Rabindra Sadan's construction to her...

Calling all Calcutta lovers! Rahul & Pragya are overflowing with city pride and AI dreams in this jam-packed episode. Get the inside scoop on 145 East, Pragya's game-changing plans, and join the ultimate brainstorming session to #MakeCalcuttaRelevantAgain! 🚀 MCRA Podcast Crew Host : Meghdut RoyChowdhury Created by : Tuhin Saha & Shilaz Dutta Cinematography : Anik Chatterjee, Susmit Pa...