Shakuntalam reopens to retrospective of Bhupen Hazarika films

New Delhi: The capital`s popular Shakuntalam theatre, closed for regular screening of commercial cinema from April 1, has reopened, albeit briefly, for an exclusive retrospective of late Assamese filmmaker and musician Bhupen Hazarika`s movies. Five films among those for which Hazarika composed music are being screened at the festival that kick-started on Friday ‘Chameli Memsaab’ (Assamese, 1975), ‘Ek Pal’ (Hindi, 1986), ‘Rudali’ (Hindi, 1983), ‘Aparoopa’ (Assamese, 1982) and ‘Gandhi to Hitler’ (Hindi, 2011). The retrospective is being organised by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) in collaboration with the Directorate of Film Festivals of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The ITPO said this is the first screening at Shakuntalam theatre after the decision to stop regular screening of commercial cinema to make way for hosting business conferences and seminars and to use it only for special screening of select films including regional ones from time to time when the facility is not wanted for business events. Under ITPO`s plans for enlarging business related conference facilities at Pragati Maidan, Shakuntalam theatre is being converted to a business meeting facility. The 300-odd seated theatre opened in 1981 and was known for its low-priced tickets. PTI