Nilabja Das

This Foundation Project implemented by IFA under Explorations will be a satirical exploration of Bengali linguistics, through the writing of screenplays, where each episode will be centred on a grammarian that will feature debates in which the claims of Bengali purists would be systematically dismantled. Nilabja Das is the Coordinator for this project. 

Nilabja Das is a film director and screenwriter with a passion for independent cinema. He is the co-founder and creative partner of Blue Aroma Tales. He has co-produced, written, and co-directed the Bengali sci-fi film Hell & Heaven (2023). Nilabja’s work spans diverse genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and documentaries. His notable works include the Bengali short film Baalir Niche Jawler Shabda (2016), which won Best Screenplay at the Bengal International Independent Film Festival, and the documentary In Search of a Muluk: Old Memory of Love (2014), which received critical acclaim. Alongside his film career, Nilabja is also a language professional specialising in Bengali, offering services in translation, transcription, and copy editing. With a graduation in science from the University of Calcutta and multiple certifications in film and journalism, Nilabja continues to explore innovative storytelling techniques, blending research-based projects with creative experimentation. He is also associated with editing a magazine on art and culture named Marupathik. Given his experience, Nilabja Das is best placed to be the Project Coordinator of this Foundation Project of IFA.

This project involves the writing of six satirical episodes as screenplays, where each episode will be centred on a grammarian that will feature debates in which the claims of Bengali purists would be systematically dismantled, showcasing the fluid and evolving nature of the language. The screenplays will make use of comedic elements, VFX, and real interviews to enhance the narrative, addressing various linguistic issues such as spoken versus written language, phonology, inflexions and influences. By highlighting the contradictions and artificial standards imposed by purists, the screenplays would intend to offer a fresh perspective on the true nature of Bengali, emphasising that language must evolve naturally and inclusively, without being confined to outdated grammatical norms. The proposed screenplays will aim to challenge the rigid norms of Bengali grammar and the notion of 'pure' Bengali by presenting a series of episodes that humorously critique the purist stance.

The Bengali language faces a growing threat, with many educated Bengalis concerned about its preservation amidst the increasing influence of Hindi and the younger generation's evolving usage. The language's purists, driven by a desire to uphold 'correct' Bengali, often adhere to prescriptive grammar modelled on Sanskrit rather than allowing for the natural evolution of language. This rigid approach is criticised for stifling the language's vitality, particularly as Standard Colloquial Bengali, primarily used in literature and formal contexts, becomes increasingly imposed on everyday speech. Historical figures like Rabindranath Tagore attempted to develop a true Bengali grammar, but the language continues to struggle under an outdated framework that fails to accommodate its organic growth and phonological aspects. Consequently, Bengali risks following in the footsteps of Latin and Sanskrit, becoming overly codified and potentially facing extinction if it cannot adapt to contemporary linguistic influences.

The artistic process would venture into speculative territory, imagining a future where Bengali undergoes significant changes, including a shift to the Roman script and the acceptance of currently 'incorrect' phrases. This science fiction approach would underscore the arbitrary nature of linguistic standards, influenced more by social and political factors than any inherent superiority. The narrative would suggest that as environmental and societal shifts occur, so too will language standards, potentially leading to a new dialect becoming the standard. The episodes that would eventually come out of these screenplays would not only entertain but also provoke thought about the future of Bengali and the importance of allowing languages to evolve. Any additional insights from the research will be shared in subsequent articles, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter beyond the scope of filmmaking.

The outcome of the project will be extensive research on Bengali grammar, a fiction screenplay and a few articles based on the materials gathered during the research phase. The Project Coordinator’s deliverables to IFA with the final report will be the fiction screenplay, the articles and documentation of the artistic process.  

This project suitably addresses the framework of IFA’s Arts Practice programme in the manner in which it attempts to blend satire and speculative fiction, elements to critique linguistic purism in Bengali, offering an unprecedented, immersive exploration of language evolution that bridges traditional narrative filmmaking with contemporary documentary techniques. 

IFA will ensure that the implementation of this project happens in a timely manner and funds expended are accounted for. IFA will also review the progress of the project at midterm by convening an online gathering of artists coordinating Explorations projects. After the project is finished and all deliverables are submitted, IFA will put together a Final Evaluation to share with Trustees.

This project is made possible with support from Sony Pictures Entertainment Fund.