News Desk, News Nation 360 : Distinguished writer and culinary historian Sharmila Basu Thakur released "Rannar Roopkatha," her eagerly awaited book, on November 28 and 29, 2023. Published by Mandas, the book explores the rich tapestry of Sharmila's life, her early recollections, and her deep love for her mother, going beyond traditional recipe collections. Celebrated figures including
Joy Goswami, Swastika Mukherjee, Sudipta Chakraborty, Sujoy Prosad Chatterjee, Bratati Bandopadhyay, Paroma Banerjee, and Alpana Habib, among others, launched the book over the course of two days. Before retiring, Sharmila Basu Thakur, a versatile person with a wealth of experience in academia and journalism, held the position of editor at Sananda magazine.
She proudly wears the title of "Food Historian" these days, setting herself apart from traditional food bloggers by sharing not only recipes but also the fascinating histories and cultural contexts that go along with them. "Rannar Roopkatha" deftly combines culinary instructions, stories from the author's early years, and her changing relationship with food. From using toy utensils to learning about food histories from her mother, Sharmila's culinary identity has been shaped by a variety of influences, as evidenced by her journey. In the chapter "Extended Family," the book even offers a glimpse of her extended family—the vendors at the neighbourhood bazaar. The touching chapter "Gurudakshina" honours Sharmila's chef daughter and delves into the heritage of three generations united by a deep love of food. Apart from her writing endeavours, Sharmila has established a dynamic virtual community via her YouTube channel,
"Food Farishta," and a distinctive pop-up restaurant located at 549 Lake Road, Amarabati, 2nd Floor. In addition to serving delicious dinners prepared with seasonal, fresh ingredients, this unique culinary endeavour also hosts interactive sessions and cultural events in a comfortable, intimate setting.
Pic - Krishnendu Kundu
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