Story /poem / interview of the week
Portrait of a Lady
By Swapan K Banerjee
A year or so ago, we were invited to a marriage ceremony at Brahmapur in South Kolkata. Due to a lack of space at the relative’s house, I was placed in a rented one-room flat at an apartment located fifteen-twenty minutes away by auto. Usually I stick out like a sore thumb in a crowded place, so this arrangement fitted me to a tee. It was around midnight that I made a move towards the flat.
No auto was available at that hour, so I decided to walk. The apartment was located in the interiors of a place called Pragati Maidan Park. When I turned a lane or two the light of our relative’s house was no longer visible. Everything became still and silent.
About Swapan K Banerjee
Swapan K Banerjee is a freelance writer specialising in literary features. Banerjee realised his calling as a writer when the author Ruskin Bond sent his articles and poems to Boston University’s Special Collection Library. His literary write-ups have been featured in several anthologies. Swapan K Banerjee is known for his books Rusty & I: Up-close with Ruskin Bond (RUPA) & People Who Meet People: Interviews with the Stars (Tranquebar).
You got us to open doors which we thought had been rusted shut many years ago.
Hugh Gantzer
Relationships matter for me more than poetry that brought you over to Cuttack. Am grateful for your inherent goodness. That is perhaps why you see the 'good' in others.
Jayanta Mahapatra
I've seen a copy of your interview, which I think is excellent.
David Davidar
Thank you for your kind email and the lovely poem (published in Poetry Society of India). Always follow your dreams and fight for them with faith.
Paulo Coelho
Your articles as always make for interesting reading. Wish you continued success with your lively interviews. You have the knack of elicitating the deeper layer of a writer’s urges. You remain a fond memory to us all.
Bill Aitken from Mussoorie
Thank you for your nice words!
Acclaim from Nobel Laureate Mme Wislawa Szymborska (1996)
Swapan K Banerjee is a Boswell of sorts - a Boswell not just to one writer, such as a Dr. Johnson, but to many men of letters, musicians and others.
Ruskin Bond
You have a keen eye and a voyager's heart. I like your work. You are so attentive. All power to your pen.
I Allan Sealy
