When Anjan Dutt was in trouble while presenting Mrinal Sen’s ‘Mahaprithibi’ in East Germany

We all know Anjan Dutt had a long association with late Mrinal Sen but only a few know Anjan once had to face the wrath of the then East German audience when he was presenting Mrinal Sen’s ‘Mahaprithibi’ at Berlinale. The critically acclaimed 1992 film was adapted by the lade director from a popular play that Dutt had penned against the backdrop of the fall of Berlin Wall and its larger impact on a family from Kolkata.
The story had impressed Mrinal Sen and he decided to make a film based on it. Though Anjan Dutt played a small role in the film he mainly assisted the iconic filmmaker in direction. At the time ‘Mahaprithibi’ was sent to Berlinale Mrinal Sen fell sick and missed the festival. So Dutt had to present the film. It’s the first time that he was presenting a film and that too at a festival of Berlinale’s stature.
Mrinal Sen was a strong believer of Communist ideologies throughout his life. While speaking to the media Dutt recalled after the screening the East German audience of the then united Berlin were literally at his throat for the representation of socialism in the film. And he despite being an opponent to Communism had no other choice but to defend his director.
‘Mahaprithibi’ had a stellar cast including Soumitra Chatterjee, Victor Banerjee, Aparna Sen, and Anashua Majumdar in pivotal roles.