Report
Anuradha
Halder
BAJMC Sem 2
On the eve prior to Rabindra Jayanti,
AHAVA Communications and AHAVA Readers' and Writers' Club organised the
launch of Horror Next Door (translation of Tagore’s stories) by Prasun
Roy on May 8, 2026, at Starmark, South City Mall. The literary
evening celebrated the literary brilliance
of Rabindranath Tagore and revisited the timeless charm of Bengali horror
storytelling through discussion, memory and translation.
The evening was graced by Aniruddha
Roy Chowdhury, acclaimed National Award-winning filmmaker, who attended as the
Chief Guest. The session was anchored by Dr. Julie Mehta, whose engaging
moderation thoughtfully connected literature, cinema and cultural memory
throughout the discussion. The panel featured Sudeshna Roy, filmmaker and
author; Dr. Sanjukta Dasgupta, former Dean of Calcutta University; and Ashoke
Viswanathan, National and International Award-winning filmmaker. Brinda Roy,
poet and wife of the author, was also present during the event.
The book presents English
translations of eight renowned Bengali horror stories by Rabindranath Tagore,
including Monihara, Kankal and Khudito Pashan. The discussions focused on the
mystery, emotions and storytelling in these stories and how they continue to
remain memorable for readers across generations.
The panel discussion focused on
different aspects of Tagore’s literary legacy, from his Nobel Prize recognition
to the continued relevance of his writings even today. The speakers discussed
how Tagore’s horror stories presented fear through human emotions, loneliness
and psychological depth rather than traditional horror.
A large number of literature
lovers, readers and students gathered for the event. The evening turned into a
beautiful walkthrough nostalgic stories, old memories and discussions on
Bengali literature, storytelling and the importance of preserving Tagore’s
stories through translation for newer generations of readers.
Roy, the author remarked that
“Rabindranath Thakur is a polymath. He's somebody whom every Bengali of at
least my generation look up to as a creator of stories of every sort, whatever
the mind can think of.” He further shared that he had grown up reading Tagore’s
works, his poems, songs, essays, novels and stories that etched deep in his literary
journey till date.
The evening witnessed the presence
of many readers, students and literature lovers, creating an atmosphere filled
with discussions, nostalgia and admiration for Tagore’s literary genius. The
program concluded with the author interacting with the audience and personally
signing copies of the book, bringing the memorable literary evening to a warm
end.
P.C: Shivarati Saha
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