Life and times of Rosogolla inventor N C Das set for screen

A feature film on the life and times of 'Rosogolla' inventor in Bengal, Nobin Chandra Das, in 19th century Kolkata as the backdrop, is set to hit the screens by this year-end.

The Bengali film 'Rosogolla' seeks to capture the journey of Das, from a humble background to a business tycoon.

Das had invented Rosogolla by dipping cotton cheese ball in sugary syrup (in 1868) after trying various combinations.

The film is being directed by Pavel and produced by Shiboprosad Mukhopadhyay and Nandita Roy, directors of a string of blockbusters.

"Being a feature film, it is not a biopic. It is partly based on real-life events and there are some fictional accounts," the director told PTI.

To recreate the settings perfectly, he studied the preserved works at the Victoria Memorial, including paintings by Thomas and William Daniels, Calcutta Gazette, besides works of researchers such as P T Nair and others, Pavel said.

Pavel said, "The film traces the journey of Das, who is the protagonist. It captures the discovery of the spongy syrupy sweet by him after months of efforts in 1868. It also focusses on the love life of a young Das."
Asked about the response of the family of K C Das, Nobin Chandra's successor and owners of one of the leading sweetmeat chains in the country, the director said, "After hearing the story they were very very encouraging from day one. The family of K C Das is happy that we are making the film."
Asked if he was inspired to do the film after Bengal got the GI tag for 'Banglar Rosogolla', Pavel said "On the contrary I had made up my mind to do a feature film on the Rosogolla maker in early 2016 and then started doing research and writing the script. I am thankful that Shiboprosad Mukhopadhyay and Nandita Roy kept faith in me."