A date with Alokananda Roy

Mani Matters recently hosted danseuse Alokananda Roy at Mio Amore, a high-end restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine at Mani Square owned by the Group. The much-publicised film, Muktadhara, is partly based on Royʼs life. Dinner began with  delicious starters comprising Istakoz Firinda, a tasty prawn preparation, Samak Cher Moula of succulent fish and a delightful Chicken Shish Taouk. The main meal included a Rotole De Pollo Al Romeo of chicken, Baked Fish stuffed with Mascarpone Cheese and Spinach, a Choui Cher Moula of tender lamb, accompanied by fluffy cheese nans. And, of course, Tiramisu and Crepe Fantasia ended the feast!

“AS I WAS COMING OUT, I FIRST NOTICED THE BOYS. THATʼS WHEN I WAS A LITTLE SHAKEN. THEY WERE SO YOUNG vulnerable! AND WHAT COULD HAVE PUSHED THEM INTO THE PATH OF CRIME, I WONDERED. ANY ONE OF THEM COULD HAVE BEEN MY SON”

“Nothing in my life has been planned. I have always done things my way. It was really a great challenge when the former ADG Prisons, B D Sharma, invited me on International Womenʼs Day in 2007 to a programme conducted by the inmates of Presidency Jail. When I entered the premises, the ambience surprised me. The idea that I had of prisons was a cooped up place with just a streak of neon light, like you see in Hindi movies. But here I was exposed to open space, tall trees and birds chirping. This was very heartening. After the programme, the women inmates, along with Mr Sharma, asked if I could teach them how to dance. I accepted most spontaneously, without any thought of using dance as therapy. I was plain curious! Curious to know what their thought-process was and what made them end up in jail.”

“As I was coming out, I first noticed the boys. Thatʼs when I was a little shaken. They were so young and vulnerable! What could have pushed them into the path of crime, I wondered. Any one of them could have been my son. When a child is born, would any mother think that her baby would end up in jail one day? I immediately turned to Mr Sharma and asked if I could work with the boys as well. He was a little surprised by my request. Usually, people feel scared of handling kids who are perceived as hardened criminals. I had no fears. So Mr Sharma asked me to begin classes the following Sunday. I told him I would not be able to as it was my birthday. He laughed and said that that was just the right day to start. I did. And when I walked in through the gates of the jail, I did not realise that I would, at last, find my freedom, my moksha! Before I knew it, my students became my sons and daughters and began calling me Ma.”

“Today, I am truly grateful for what these youngsters have given me. I am so indebted to them. No one would believe that I could receive so much unconditional love from people who are considered hard-hearted. Nigel Akkara, who had initially resisted working with me, is today not only the star of our production of Balmiki Pratibha but has also acted in the film, Muktadhara. All that these boys need is guidance. They need people to give them back their confidence and tell them that life will give them a fresh chance if they repent their crime and face their punishment. They have to understand that there is life beyond the confines of their cells. A new life, free from sorrow and blame.”

Pics: Shreya Goswami