MS Desk
New Delhi, India – May 6, 2024 – Instituto Cervantes New Delhi, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in India, is proud to announce a special screening of the film “Thinking of Him” on the occasion of Rabindranath Tagore’s 163rd birth anniversary. The film stars Victor Banerjee, Raima Sen, Eleonora Wexler, and Hector Bordoni in the pivotal roles. The event aims to commemorate Tagore’s profound impact on literature, spirituality, and his role in fostering cultural connections between India and Latin America. The screening is scheduled for 6PM on May 8, 2024 at Instituto Cervantes New Delhi.
An Indo-Argentinean co-production directed by Pablo Cesar, “Thinking of Him” delves into the untold chapter of Tagore’s life during his 1924 visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina. The film portrays Tagore’s platonic bond with Victoria Ocampo, an Argentine writer, highlighting their spiritual connection and its influence on Ocampo’s literary pursuits. Through Tagore’s lens, viewers witness a narrative of love, compassion, and cross-cultural understanding.
Commenting on the significance of the film’s screening, Suraj Kumar, the noted Indian filmmaker and producer, expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s an immense honor to present ‘Thinking of Him’ on Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary. This film celebrates Tagore’s universal values of love and compassion, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.”
The Padma Bhushan awarded actor Victor Banerjee, who is best known for his work in critically acclaimed films directed by the likes of Satyajit Ray, David Lean, and Roman Polanski, shared his insights on Tagore’s enduring legacy, remarking, “Doing a Paramhansa Yogananda or a Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore is probably my biggest challenge as an actor. I can’t rate any of the other films which are fictional with the portrayal of a personality that’s as great as Tagore. Tagore’s message of love and compassion remains as relevant today as it was during his time. Through ‘Thinking of Him,’ we aim to honor Tagore’s vision of a more empathetic and interconnected world.”
Dr. Oscar Pujol, Director of Instituto Cervantes New Delhi, emphasized the film’s role in fostering cultural dialogue between India and Latin America, stating, “This unique movie ‘Thinking of him’ describes the long month stay of Tagore in Argentina in 1924 and his relation with Argentinean writer Victoria Ocampo. Much has been written about the platonic relationship between Tagore and Ocampo, but we should see this movie as a symbol of an unfulfilled promise: the relation of Tagore with Argentina, of course, but above all with Latin America and the Spanish speaking world. ”
Following the screening, a panel discussion will be moderated by Murtaza Ali Khan, film critic and curator, featuring esteemed panelists, Ms. Cecilia Ines Silberberg, Chargee d’affaires, Embassy of the Argentine Republic in India, Dr. Oscar Pujol, Prof. S.P. Ganguly, and Suraj Kumar. The discussion will delve into Tagore’s influence on India-Latin America relations and the enduring relevance of his values in today’s world.