For the past 16 years, Durga Puja has meant music programmes at home and abroad or relaxed gatherings with friends for singer Anupam Roy. But this year, his life has changed completely.
The singer, who became a father only a month ago, now finds that his daily routine revolves around his newborn son. As a result, he and his wife Prashmita have not yet been able to make any definite plans for Durga Puja.
Asked whether he had bought anything for his son, Anupam jokingly said he has hardly had the opportunity to do so. Someone or the other is bringing gifts for the baby every day, leaving little reason for him to go shopping himself.
Anupam said he would prefer to spend this year’s Puja at home with his wife and son. Going out with a newborn can be difficult, he noted, while enjoying every moment with his child at home offers a different kind of happiness from attending music programmes, visiting puja pandals or eating out.
The singer said even his everyday decisions now depend on his month-old son. He has not even been able to plan what he will do the following morning, as everything happens according to the baby’s routine.
One thing is certain, however: Anupam will not be seen visiting puja pandals this year. He has stayed away from pandal-hopping since 2010, preferring to spend the four days quietly in his own way.
“After ‘Amake Amar Moto Thakte Dao’, if I go to a pandal, nobody lets me stay as I am. So I no longer go around pandals,” Anupam said.
Before beginning his music career in Kolkata permanently, Anupam spent several years in Bengaluru. During those days, he would go out during Puja, explore the city and enjoy meals outside.
Life is different now. With Prashmita and their newborn son by his side, Anupam is preparing to experience his first Durga Puja as a father in a completely new way.
