The highest honour for the evening was reserved for Soumitra Chatterjee. The Tollywood legend received the Serar Sera award from Sankha Ghosh as the audience rose to its feet at ABP Ananda Sera Bangali 2017, presented by Camellia Group, Siddha Group, Peerless, Ayuvedam Natural Cosmetics, and partnered by The Telegraph, with Senco Gold & Diamonds as the trophy partner, at The Oberoi Grand on Saturday evening. “You might not believe it but I still feel nervous when I am asked to give a speech,” said Ray’s favourite actor after Suman De, co-host for the evening, requested him for a few words. “Just like a lengthy practice takes you closer to perfection, a long time in the same field also threatens to make it monotonous and create a vacuum. However, over the years, I have fought these emotions to continue with my craft. Whatever love I have received over the years is from the people and while I am overwhelmed by it, I hope to also give it back to you all through my work,” concluded the stage-and-screen veteran.

Former Chief of Air Staff Arup Raha received the Lifetime Achievement award from General Shankar Roychowdhury, a former Chief of Army Staff. On being asked why more Bengalis don’t sign up for the air force, the Air Chief Marshal said: “I know young Bengalis have the qualities to become good fighters... to not only have physical strength but also possess razor-sharp intelligence, the determination and mental strength to fight... they can compete with anyone from other areas of the country.”

What’s the proudest moment in his career, t2 later asked him. “The air force has made me proud throughout my career. But the proudest moment was when the Indian Air Force helped carry out relief work in Nepal after the April 2015 earthquake. We were there within four hours of the first earthquake striking. The air force’s exemplary relief work made me very proud.” Raha, who loves reading books,  is “enjoying the anonymity as people don’t recognise me here (Calcutta). But I am thankful for this recognition that this award has brought me,” he said.  

Bibhas Chakraborty got the Sera Bangali (Theatre) award from Debshankar Halder.

Dubbed “the most successful Bengali captain in the international arena after Sourav Ganguly”, Mashrafe Mortaza received the Sera Bangali (Sports) award from Jhulan Goswami. “This award means everything to me as it fetes Bangalis,” said Bangladesh’s star pacer, who considers his debut in 2001 as the proudest moment in his career. Though his love for sports (football, badminton, swimming...) started early on in life, the former KKR player’s first love will always be bikes! “I still take my bike out for a spin every time I am home. Some love affairs never die!” Mortaza told t2.

PC Sorcar Junior received the Sera Bangali (Entertainment) award from Koel Mallick and Dev. “I saw my father doing it and I wanted to be able to do it too,” PC Sorcar Junior told t2 about becoming a magician. And who does he dream of saying ‘vanish’ to? “I want to actually make corrupt politicians disappear so that they stop making our taxes disappear!” India’s most famous magician told t2. 

KD Paul received the Sera Bangali (Business) award from Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, MD & CEO of Bandhan Bank, and Sanjay Jain, managing director, Siddha Group. “ABP Ananda’s Sera Bangali felicitation ceremony is a unique, innovative and inspiring platform.... I find  myself very distinguished to be in the midst of legends and toppers across various streams,” the Bisk Farm man later said.

Ramananda Bandyopadhyay was felicitated with the Sera Bangali (Art) award by Jogen Chowdhury.  “I feel more responsible about my work after receiving this award,” smiled the veteran artist, referring to himself as “a rural representative in urban Calcutta”. Asked about his inspiration, he told us: “Youngsters need inspiration, I don’t!”

Joy Goswami got the Sera Bangali (Literature) award from Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay.

Jaya Ahsan received the Sera Bangali (Acting) award from Prosenjit. “This is a huge honour for me. Of course it feels nice when your work is appreciated,” said Jaya, who divides her time between Dhaka and Calcutta. “So I might be enjoying dinner in Calcutta and then having breakfast in Dhaka the next morning... I am constantly travelling. I’ve have become a jet-setter!” she told t2 with a smile.  

Kaushiki Chakraborty received the Sera Bangali (Music) award from Subhashree and Abir Chatterjee, with Srabanti, the hostess for the evening, cheering her on. “I want to forever be a student of music and a student of life,” said Kaushiki, who later tweeted: “Spreading music is my purpose.. bless me that I continue to serve my divine by serving the purpose... #SeraBangali2017... Love and congratulations pouring in... so humbled... it’s not me, it’s Indian Classical Music that is being celebrated... keep loving our music.” 

FROM THE SIDELINES, AT THE OBEROI GRAND