Never say die: Nilanjana Sen in action; (below) members of the audience (Photos: Daleep Kakkar)

April 2, 2005. It was late in the afternoon. The living room of Kavita Poddar’s residence in south Calcutta was abuzz with activity. About 35 elderly women ? and a handful of elderly gentlemen ? were listening with rapt attention. Addressing the small gathering was another lady, about 60 years old. Clad in black, she was reading out lines from a red diary ? lines that she had composed herself. Minutes later, the crowd broke out in applause. As the tea and snacks were brought in, members of the audience circled the speaker, congratulating her on her “wonderful” and “powerful” performance.

The performance was indeed one of a kind. In fact, it was a debut of sorts ? that of the performer as well as the forum she represented. Meet Nilanjana Sen, a housewife who is now a full-time member of Old Wine, a platform strictly meant for the elderly.

It all started with a couple of phone calls, a number of e-mails and a few brainstorming sessions to bring about this small ? yet unique ? change in the city’s culturescape. A brainchild of Mira Kakkar, secretary and communications director of Thoughtshop Foundation, Calcutta, Old Wine is all set to go places now.

“The idea had been with me for quite a few years,” says Kakkar. “I was just looking out for the right person to hit the road with,” she adds. Kakkar found the perfect candidate in Sen who walked into her office on Southern Avenue one morning late last year. “I was looking for a translator, someone with a thorough knowledge of Hindi,” says Kakkar. “I was amazed at her command of the language and realised she was an excellent storyteller with a very powerful presence.”

Within a few days, Kakkar was convinced that Sen could pull off a stage show. “Mimicry, poetry, oration ? this lady could do all this and more with ease,” says Kakkar. “All she needed was a platform, which, sadly, none of the cultural groups in the city could provide her with.”

Fortunately, it took just one phone call for Kakkar to find a venue for Sen’s performance. With that worry off her mind, Kakkar then set about inviting friends to the show.

“It was a novel experience and an unusual approach,” recalls Bandana Saha, Kakkar’s neighbour, who attended the show. “Mira asked if I would be interested in attending a party for those above 50. Quite naturally, I asked her what this gathering was all about. Then she told me the whole story and what they were trying to achieve. My interest was kindled,” says Saha who is “more than glad” to have been invited to this programme. “It is so inspiring. For once, an elderly person was given the importance that only young artists get and she was just like any of us in the audience. No formal training, no awards and yet so much to give,” says Saha.

For Sen, things could not have been better. Following her younger daughter’s untimely death in 2001, she had been living the life of a recluse. “I have dabbled in many things ? music, creative writing, acting and even catering,” she reminisces. “But somehow, I could never find enough time to do my own thing. I was looking for a channel because I believe that I have all the makings of a good entertainer,” she says. “Luckily, I found a mentor in Mira. Thanks to that chance meeting, I am now doing what I love doing best. People have been very kind and supportive too. I can now rope in at least 20 other elderly and equally talented persons to take this mission ahead,” Sen declares.

“There are hundreds of Nilanjanas in this city, but how does one find them,” asks Kakkar. She and her circle of friends have now started tapping old-age support groups in the city to tap these hidden talents. Dignity Foundation is one of them. Says Preeti Roy, chairperson of the Calcutta chapter: “I receive hundreds of phone calls a day for different purposes ? some from distressed families, some from social welfare organisations and so on. But this is the first time that someone called up to ask if any of our members would be willing to perform at private shows. It’s a wonderful idea but our members might need some time to come out of their shells. Their skills have gathered rust, they need a bit of polishing. The task is time-consuming but not impossible.”

While Kakkar is scouting for more candidates, Sen’s schedule is getting busier by the day. “She’s been approached by a few schoolteachers to help their students develop an interest in Hindi through storytelling sessions and workshops,” informs Kakkar. Together, the duo is now trying to fix another date and venue for Old Wine’s second show. “If all goes well, our show will be held in a few months’ time. Next time, we would like to have more than one performer,” says Kakkar.

Sen is now busy preparing for her next show. “I have composed a few more verses,” she grins while fishing out a couple of A-4 sheets from her leather bag. “I am also going to sing a few lines from a Chhattisgarhi folk song. I am sure my audience will love it,” she says.