Dil toh bachcha hai ji: On the childhood trail with Bickram Ghosh & Arav

On the occasion of Children’s Day, master percussionist and composer Bickram Ghosh took his twelve-year-old son Arav to some of the places that were special to him during his growing up years. From cherished rituals with his father Pt Shankar Ghosh at the St Paul’s Cathedral and New Market to fun times he’s had with his friends, Bickram gave his son a glimpse of his wonder years in the city.A Calcutta Times exclusive.

Beats of legacy

Mukta Das’s shop in Tollygunge has been crafting the tabla (above) Bickram uses for his performances. It was the last stop on our memory trail. Father and son even treated us to an impromptu jam session at the venue. It was preceded by Bickram channeling his inner child at New Market’s candy stores.Reliving college days

To relive his college days, tabla maestro Bickram Ghosh took his son Arav to his alma mater, St Xavier’s College.

“I wanted my son to get a feel of my college life,” he said. Sitting on his father’s old bench in Room 21, Arav said, “I’ve heard so many stories about baba’s college days that everything felt familiar.” Smiling, Bickram added, “Nothing has changed. I still remember the endless supply of Arun da’s tea at the canteen.

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Memories and meaning

A visit to the 19th-century Gothic marvel reminded Bickram of his early winter morning football matches at the sprawling premises.

“After the match, my father and I would step inside the church and sit quietly for a while. Those moments taught me that to grow in life, one must respect different cultures and faiths,” he said. Arav, who visited the Cathedral for the first time, was in awe of the sheer magnificence of the architecture.

“The interiors make me feel so peaceful and positive,” he said.

‘Sweet’ memories

For a young Bickram, New Market was the ultimate hangout spot, known for frequent visits by celebrities. He said, “It was our favourite place, especially before Christmas, when we came here to buy cakes and cold cuts. In college, my friends and I would come here to watch morning shows of English movies in the theatres around.” It was a delight for Arav to see his dad eat candy with him. “Baba said you get this variety only here.

I told him I want to come again right before Christmas, just like he used to with dadu.”