Staff Reporter | July 13, Kolkata: After making his mark in politics and cinema, BJP leader and director Shankhudeb Panda has now embarked on a new chapter in his personal life. He tied the knot on Sunday amidst a grand ceremony held on the Ganges.
The wedding venue was set up on a floating platform on the river. Many prominent figures from the worlds of politics, entertainment, and media were in attendance. Shankhudeb was dressed in a vibrant red panjabi and dhoti, accessorized with a gold chain. The bride, Swarnali, looked radiant for her partner, adorned in a red Banarasi saree, elaborate jewelry, and floral ornaments. The traditional Saat Pak (seven ritual circumambulations) was performed amidst Vedic chants, with the flowing Ganges and its bustling banks serving as witnesses.
The Gaye Holud (pre-wedding turmeric ceremony) took place the day before, featuring a theme centered on the color yellow; Shankhudeb wore a bright yellow panjabi and dhoti, while the bride was dressed in a yellow saree and floral jewelry.
The bride, Swarnali Sarkar, is a journalist by profession. Rumors about their relationship had been circulating in the media for quite some time, and on Sunday, their relationship finally culminated in marriage.
Beyond the wedding, director Shankhudeb also announced his upcoming film, titled Abhaya Shakti. The subject matter: the RG Kar incident.
Shankhudeb stated, “Many new details regarding the RG Kar incident are still coming to light. I will portray everything in the film. It won’t just be a movie; it will become the focal point of the movement.”
The film is being produced by Rana Sarkar. Shooting is scheduled to begin in August. The cast will include actors from both Kolkata and outside the city, though the specific names have not yet been finalized.
The announcement of the film has generated as much buzz as the news of the wedding itself. Just as he is active in politics, he is also keen to bring controversial and significant topics to the screen as a director.
Following the wedding, Shankhudeb has become a hot topic of discussion across both the political and cinematic arenas in Bengal.
