Parambrata on His "Very Special" First Durga Puja with Son Nishad

Parambrata Chattopadhyay: The Durga Puja was very good. The Sharodiya Durga Puja festival is a festival that is very dear to us, our most favourite festival. And this year, for the first time, with our child, with our son. We tried to take him out, we tried to make him understand. He is not old enough to understand yet. Yes, I talked a lot. I talked to him during the anjali (offering of prayers).

Journalist: What all did you tell him about what happens during anjali? When he grows up, we are waiting for him to grow up.

Parambrata Chattopadhyay: He didn't understand. He ate his allotted food, whatever is his food for the morning, in the morning. So, hopefully, next year he will understand a little more. However, this was a very special Durga Puja because Piya and I had a very beautiful time with little Nishad. And every day, Nishad wore a dhoti-panjabi (traditional attire). Every single day of Durga Puja. We made it a point that this year he must wear a dhoti-panjabi every day during Durga Puja. And he looked tremendously funny and sweet. I'm not saying this because he's my own child. I honestly felt he looked very sweet.

Journalist: Just as you said, small hands, small feet.

Parambrata Chattopadhyay: Yes, small hands, small feet sticking out. The whole dhoti-panjabi thing is very alluring.

Journalist: So, were you getting a little more emotional about the whole experience because it was all new to him?

Parambrata Chattopadhyay: I enjoy it. Perhaps because I became a father slightly later in life compared to my peers, there is an added huge joy, a sparkle, an excitement in me about the whole thing, the entire experience.

Journalist: Okay, how proficient are you at cooking, Param Da?

Parambrata Chattopadhyay: I can cook, I mean, I can do basic cooking. I can cook enough so that one doesn't have to starve. But calling it 'proficient,' that would be wrong.

Journalist: Okay, are firecrackers set off, since the Puja is nearby? (Referring to Kali Puja/Diwali)

Parambrata Chattopadhyay: Yes, yes, yes, we set them off. What about this year? Green crackers. This year the Supreme Court has given a directive for green crackers. I am waiting for green crackers. Green fireworks, green firecrackers. Let's see where we can find green firecrackers. I'm waiting for that.

Journalist: (Smiling) Will you set off firecrackers with him?

Parambrata Chattopadhyay: No, I will keep him a little away from the fire aspect. The noise might bother him. Again, as such, no one sets off noisy firecrackers now. But still, I probably won't take him right into the middle of the activity. I'll let him watch from a distance.

Journalist: Okay, have you told him that we are waiting for him to grow up because we have a lot to talk to him about?

Parambrata Chattopadhyay: No, I haven't told him. Not yet. I am telling him. I will need a separate, a man-to-man session.

Journalist: Please offer your best wishes for Kali Puja.

Parambrata Chattopadhyay: Namaskar. I am Parambrata. Deepavali and Kali Puja are very joyful occasions, festivals for all of us. I extend my best wishes for Kali Puja to everyone.