Ashoke Viswanathan (born in 1959), a mathematics
graduate from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, is a post
graduate in film direction from the Film and
Television Institute of India (Pune), having
finished his specialization in 1985. Subsequently, he
completed a certificate course in video production
from the same institute in 1986. Since then, he has
been active in both film and video media as a
director, screenplay writer, actor and presenter,
having directed more than 150 films and television
programmes including feature films, documentaries,
telefilms, music videos, and teleserials. He has won
three National Awards and one International
Award. Three of his feature films and one of his
short features have been included in the INDIAN
PANORAMA sections of IFFI ’94, 1999, 2001,
2002.One of his documentaries was selected in the
Indian Panorama of 2006. His films have been shown
at the Commonwealth Film Festival, Manchester, the
Pyongyang International Film Festival, the Dhaka
International Film Festival, and the Ipswich Film
Festival, among others.
Viswanathan has represented India at the
Cambridge Seminar on contemporary British
writing, held at Downing College, Cambridge
(1997). He has also been an Assistant Professor and
Head of the Department of Direction at the Satyajit
Ray Film and Television Institute and a Visiting
Professor at Film and Television Institute of
India, Pune, at the Dept. of Cinema and Theatre,
Tufts University, Boston, Dept. of Film Studies,
Jadavpur University, and Dept. of Film Studies, St.
Xavier’s College, Kolkata.
He has presented papers and illustrated lectures at
Monmouth University, New Jersey, Tisch School of
Arts, New York University, and at Downing College,
Cambridge.
Ashoke Viswanathan
108, Raja Basanta Roy Road,
Kolkata – 700 029,
India.
Mobile : (0) 98310-33782/98904-61008
Dial : (91) (33) 2466-4315
Fax : (91) (33) 2466-7632
E-mail : ashokeviswanathan@yahoo.com
Curriculum Vitae
Among the significant films directed by Ashoke Viswanathan are:
A)
FICTION
1
SUNYA THEKE SURU (A RETURN TO ZERO) A feature film in Bengali, 35 mm (colour), 127 minutes (1994),
National Award (1994), Indian Panorama (1994), Silver
Torchlight at the Pyongyang International Film Festival (1994),
Dishari
Award
(1996).
2.
KICHHU SANGLAP
DELIRIUM)
KICHHU
PRALAP
(DIALOGUE
AND
A feature film in Bengali (colour) 117 minutes (1999), National
Award (1999), Indian Panorama (1999), Rainbow Film Festival,
Dhaka (2000), B.F.J.A. Award (2001).
3.
SWAPNER SANDHANEY (DREAMHUNT) A feature film in Bengali (colour) 126 minutes (1999), produced by
National Film Development Corporation and Ministry of
Information and Cultural Affairs, Government of West Bengal,
Indian
Panorama
(2001),
European
Premiere
at
Commonwealth Film Festival, Manchester (2002), Ipswich
Film Festival, selected screenings at Cambridge, Luton, Norwich,
Southend and Watford.
4.
ANYA SWAPNA (The alternative dream) Short feature in Bengali, 52 min., 35 mm, colour, Indian Panorama
(2002), New Jersey Mini Film Festival (2002), special screening at
Monmouth University, New Jersey (2002).
5.
BYATIKRAMI (The exception) Feature film in Bengali, 108 min., 35 mm, colour (2003), screened at
Cinefan-the Asian Film Festival organized by Cinemaya
(2003).
6.
ANDHAKARER SHABDO (SOUNDS OF DARKNESS) –
Feature Film in Bengali, 125 minutes, 35 mm, color, cinema scope
dolby SR (2006), screened at OSIAN – The Asian Film Festival
(2006).
7.
SESH SANGHAT (THE LAST BATTLE) –
Feature Film In Bengali, 150 minutes, 35 mm, color, cinema scope
Dolby digital (2009).
8.
GUMSHUDA (THE DIAMOND MURDERS) –
Feature Film in Hindi, 113 minutes, 35 mm, color, cinema scope,
Dolby digital (2010)
9.
ROOP (FORM) -
A telefilm in Bengali based on Ramapada Chowdhury’s novel, U-Matic
video, a Doordarshan commissioned programme of 93 minutes,
(1988).
10.
HENRY IV A telefim in Bengali based on Pirandello’s famous play. U-matic
video, 47 minutes, part of a long running Doordarshan sponsored
serial entitled, “Theatre through the ages”, (1989).
11.
AMLAMADHUR (SWEET AND SOUR) A 3 part serial in Bengali based on Sanjib Chattopadhyay’s short
stories, U-matic video, (29+26+34) minutes, a Doordarshan
commissioned serial, (1991).
12.
PAGLA DASHU (DASHU : THE CRAZY ONE) A 4 part serial in Bengali based on the stories of Sukumar Ray, UMatic video, (18+14+16+17) minutes, a Doordarshan commissioned
serial, (1988).
13.
BAD BAD JOJO A short film in English, 35 mm (black and white), produced by
F.T.I.I., 13 minutes (1984).
14.
NIYATI KE VIRODH MEIN (Fighting against destiny) A short film in Hindi, 35 mm, (black and white), produced by F.T.I.I.,
33 minutes (1985).
15.
MASTER AND ARTIST A short film, U-matic video, produced for exhibition at the Festival
of India in Moscow, 19 minutes, (1987).
16.
THEATRE THROUGH THE AGES A 9 part English serial, Betacam SP, documenting 200 years of
theatre in Bengal, produced for Doordarshan, India, (1996).
17.
BLIND LANE A 13 part Bengali serial, commissioned by ZEE TELEFILMS PVT. LTD.,
Betacam SP, Awarded Best Director Prize by Lions
International, (1994).
18.
ADHOORA SAPNA (THE UNFULFILLED DREAM) A 30 minute telefilm, commissioned by Doordarshan, Betacam SP,
(1995).
19.
KUASHA GHERA KURSEONG (MISTY KURSEONG) A 39 part serial in Bengali, commissioned by E-TV (Bangla), Betacam
SP, (2000), presented the Best Serial Award by Kalakar Awards.
20.
CELL THREE (TARKASH : A quiver of arrows) –
A serial in Hindi, Made for ZEE TELEFILMS PVT. LTD. (1999).
21.
AGANTUK (The outsider) A telefilm in Bengali, made for E-TV (Bangla), 105 minutes, Betacam
SP, (2000).
22.
KALO COFFEER KELENKARI (Coffee and Scandal) A telefilm in Bengali, made for E-TV (Bangla), 105 minutes, Betacam
SP, (2000).
23.
DOST HO TO AISA (Friends, indeed) A telefilm in Hindu, commissioned by Doordarshan (National
Network), 90 minutes, Betacam, SP (2000).
24.
AANDHI MEIN CHIRAAG (A light in the storm) A telefilm in Urdu made for E-TV (Urdu), 90 minutes, Betacam SP
(2000).
25.
SOFA-CUM-BED A serial in Bengali for Alpha (Bangla), Betacam SP, (2000).
26.
–
TRIKON KA CHAUTHA KON (The fourth vertex of a triangle)
A short film in Hindi, colour, 16 mm, produced by S.R.F.T.I.
minutes) (1998).
27.
(13
USHA (Dawn) A short fiction film in Hindi, colour, 35 mm, 22 mins, 35 mm, colour
(2004).
28.
JAKHAN ANDHAR (When it is dark…) A telefilm in Bengali, Tara Bangla, 80 mins, DVCam (2003).
29.
BHODORI A serial in Hindi, seven episodes, Doordarshan (2003).
30.
KASHINATH A telefilm in Bengali, Betacam SP, 110 mins., Doordarshan (2004).
31.
DOMRU CHARIT (The stories of Domru) A telefilm in Bengali, Betacam SP, 30 min., Doordarshan (National
Network, 2004).
32.
SARAL NAAMER SARTHAKATA (Justifying the simple name) A telefilm in Bengali, Betacam SP, 80 min., Aakash Bangla, 2001.
B)
DOCUMENTARY
1.
ARE THEY POTTED PLANTS? A PSBT commissioned documentary exploring the loneliness of “gulf
wives” 30 min., digital video (2006).
2.
THE FOLK THEATRE OF BENGAL –
A documentary financed by the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre on the
dying and disappearing theatrical forms in Bengal, 60 min., digital
video (2006).Selected in the Indian Panorama of IFFI, 2006.
3.
THE LEGEND OF MANASA –
A 30 min. educational documentary based on the Manasa Mangal
Epic, made for Central Institute Of Indian Languages, digital video
(2006).
4.
BANGLA WRITING SYSTEM –
A 30 min. educational documentary on the Bangla Script, made for
Central Institute Of Indian Languages, digital video (2006).
5.
WALLS A PSBT commissioned documentary exploring the phenomenon of
physical walls existing between Hindus and Muslim, 30 min. (2003),
inaugural film of the PSBT Film Festival, 2003.
6.
THE AHOM SAGA A four part documentary serial on the history and import of the
Ahoms in India, Betacam SP, (2003).
7.
SCULPTING IN TIME A documentary on the archaeological section of the National
Museum, (2004).
8.
PASCHIM BANGLAR JELE (The Fishermen of West Bengal) A 2 part serial, U-Matic video, commissioned by Doordarshan,
(28+26) minutes, (1988).
9.
MEANING AND MELODY A 4 part serial documenting the life and times of famous young
musicians from Bengal, U-Matic video, commissioned by
Doordarshan, (20 + 19 + 24) minutes (1989).
10.
SHADES OF SOCIETY A 2 part serial documenting the lives of the Anglo Indians and the
Parsees in Kolkata, U-matic video, commissioned by Doordarshan,
(20 + 20) minutes, (1989).
11.
CALCUTTA : EK DIN (One day in Kolkata) A 22 minutes documentary dealing with 24 hours in the city of
Kolkata, made as a sponsored programme for Doordarshan (metro
Channel) Betacam SP, (1996).
12.
SAMPARK (Relationships) Two episodes of a long running women’s magazine programme,
made for Doordarshan, Hindi, Highband U-Matic, (1995).
13.
SILVER A 12 minutes documentary produced by Alsoc, 35 mm, (2003).
C)
EDUCATIONAL
1.
SENSES OF TIME A 20 minute programme based on an illustrated lecture by Ken
McMullen, the British film-maker, produced by E.M.R.C., Kolkata, for
the U.G.C. countrywide classroom project, (1991).
2.
TEACHING SHAKESPEARE IN TEXT AND PERFORMANCE A 27 minute programme based on a talk by the Shakespeare expert,
Dr. Thomas Matheson, produced by E.M.R.C. (Kolkata) for the U.G.C.
countrywide classroom project, (1991).
3.
BYRON ……….. BYRON …………. BYRON …………
A 2 part serial documenting the life and times of Lord Byron as
performed by John Watts, produced by E.M.R.C. (Kolkata) for the
U.G.C. countrywide classroom project, (1991).
4.
THE PIED PIPER OF WIMPOLE STREET A 2 part serial documenting the life and times of Robert Browning as
performed by John Watts, produced by E.M.R.C. (Kolkata) for the
U.G.C. countrywide classroom project, (1991).
5.
THE KHAYAL AND BEYOND A 2 part serial introducing the KHAYAL as a significant Indian
classical vocal form, produced by E.M.R.C. (Kolkata) for the U.G.C.
countrywide classroom project, (1992).
6.
ARMS AND THE MAN A 2 part serial that provides insights into Shaw’s famous play,
produced by E.R.M.C. (Kolkata) for the U.G.C. countrywide classroom
project (1993).
7.
ENGLISH ROMANTIC POETRY A 3 part serial covering some of the works of Wordsworth, Coleridge,
Byron, Keats, and Shelley, produced by E.R.M.C. (Kolkata) for the
U.G.C. countrywide classroom project, (1993).
8.
WAITING FOR BECKETT A 30 minute programme on the life and times of Samuel Beckett,
produced by Kolkata Doordarshan, (1987).
9.
RAAGSANGEET A 6 part serial, illustrating the intricacies of several Ragas, made for
the U.G.C. countrywide classroom project, Betacam SP, National level
Award (UGC) for best sound recording, (1995).
10.
SOPAN (The ladder) A 22 part serial on career counselling, made for E-TV (Bangla),
Betacam SP (2000).
D)
INDUSTRIAL
1.
THE VITAL LINK A corporate video on Hindustan Cables Ltd., (1989). Awarded 2nd
Prize by Public Relations Society of India, (1991).
2.
THE PAPER STORY A series of 5 films on the different units of Hindustan Paper Ltd.,
(1990). Awarded 3rd Prize by Public Relations Society of
India, (1991).
3.
TOWARDS TOMORROW An export documentary for Hindustan Cables Ltd., shown at the
Communications Festival in Geneva, (1987).
4.
IN DEFENCE OF OUR NATION A profile of the Gun and Shell Factory, Cossipore, (1990).
5.
THE ARM OF THE SOLDIER A profile of the Rifle Factory, Ishapore, (1992).
6.
TOWARDS QUALITY IN ELECTRONICS A promotional documentary for STQC (India), shown at the CEBIT
FAIR, Hanover, (1989).
7.
THE SPACE SAGA A 20 minute promotional film on the proposed RAJARHAT HOUSING
COMPLEX, English, Betacam SP, (1995).
8.
Comprehensive
corporate
videos
for
BALMER-LAWRIE,
DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS LTD., WELLMAN INCANDESCENT and
McNALLY BHARAT.
TELEVISION WORK
Ashoke Viswanathan has been associated with Calcutta Doordarshan since
1978 as a scriptwriter, presenter, actor and commentator. He has
interviewed several film and theatre personalities on television including V.
Shantaram, Shyam Bengal, Govind Nihalani, Buddhadev Dasgupta, Goutam
Ghosh, Soumendu Roy and Rudraprasad Sengupta. Among the notable
programmes scripted and compered by him are documentaries on the
Andaman and Nicorbar Islands (1986), the Calcutta Odessa Space Bride
(1988), a report on the International Film Festival of India (1990), and a
report on the death anniversary of Satyajit Ray (1993). He has acted in
several teleserials including Saikat Bhattacharya’s “RAAG ANURAAG”
(1988), Anjan Dutta’s “RUDRA SENER DIARY” (1988), Nitish Mukherjee’s
“ANDARMAHAL” (1987), Kamal Roy’s “AVASESHEY” (1999), Pinaki
Chowdhury’s “WAJOOD” (1995), Monindra Mondal’s “ALEYA” (1996),
Partha Das’s “SAMUDRA TEEREY” (1997), Ajit Gupta’s “BHOR” (1997), and
in telefilms such as Shyamal Sengupta’s “SAANP SHIRI” (2001), and
“RAATER ISTANBUL” (2001).
FILM PERFORMANCES
Viswanathan has played significant roles in the following films :
1.
Utpalendu Chakraborty’s “BIKALPA”, (1987).
2.
Ashoke Viswanathan’s “SUNYA THEKE SURU”, (1993).
3.
Chris Morahan’s “THE PEACOCK SPRING”, (1995).
4.
Madhavi Chakraborty’s “ATMAJAA”, (1996).
5.
Ashoke Viswanathan’s “KICHHU SANGLAP KICHHU PRALAP” (1998).
6.
Tony Tew’s “A CANDLE IN THE DARK” (1998).
7.
Rituparno Ghosh’s “BARIWALI” (1999).
8.
Ashoke Viswanathan’s “SWAPNER SANDHANEY” (1999).
9.
Satarupa sanyal’s “ATATAYEE” (1999).
10.
T.V. Chandran’s “KATHA-AVASHESHAM” (2004).
11.
Kamal Roy’s “ABISHWASHI” (2004).
12.
Ashoke Viswanathan’s “ANYA SWAPNA” (2002).
13.
Ashoke Viswanathan’s “BYATIKRAMI” (2003).
14.
Gaurav Pande’s “ Spagetti 24/7(2011)
15.
Shyamal Karmakar’s “ Chokher Pani”(2011)
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
a)
Viswanathan has been an Assistant Professor and H.O.D. of
Direction at S.R.F.T.I., (1996 to 1997).
b)
He has been a Visiting Professor of Direction and Film
Appreciation at F.T.I.I., Pune (2004).
c)
He has been a Guest Lecturer of Cinema at the Dept. of Film Studies,
Jadavpur University, at the Department of Film Studies and
Videography, St. Xavier’s College and at Tufts University, Boston.
d)
He has participated in several seminars on cinema including the ones
organized by Tufts University, Boston, Monmouth University, New
Jersey, Downing College, Cambridge, F.T.I.I., Pune, St. Xavier’s
College, Kolkata,
S.R.F.T.I.,
Kolkata,
Indira College
of
Communication, Pune, Calcutta University and Symbiosis College of
Mass Communication, Pune.
THEATRE WORK
Among the plays he has directed and/or acted in, are the following :
1.
Erwin Sylvanus’ “Dr. Korczac and the children” – English, and
Bengali, (1982 – 1986).
2.
Eugene lonesco’s “The picture” – English, (1983 – 1984).
3.
Max Frisch’s “The great fury of Philip Hotz” – English, (1984).
4.
I.S. Johar’s “Bhutto” – English, (1986).
5.
Arthur Miller’s “All my sons” – English (1986).
6.
Badal Sircar’s “Sara Rattir” (Through the night) – English and
Bengali, (1986 – 1987).
7.
J.B. Priestley’s “Dangerous Corner” – English (1987).
8.
Eugene lonesco’s “The Killer” – English and Bengali, (1986 – 1987).
9.
Jean Paul Sartre’s “Dirty Hands” – English and Bengali, (1988).
10.
Badal Sircar’s “Jodi aar ek baar” (If only, one more time) – Bengali
(1987).
11.
Bernard Shaw’s “The millionairess” – English. (1987).
12.
Samuel Beckett’s “Endgame” – English (1987).
13.
Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for godot” – Bengali (1988).
14.
Badal Sircar’s “Sesh nei” (No end) – Bengali, (1989 – 1993).
15.
Neil Simon’s “The Apartment”. (1995).
16.
Neil Simon’s “Chapter Two” (1996).
17.
Ariel Dorfman’s “Death and the maiden” – English, (1997).
18.
Agatha Christie’s “The unexpected guest” (1998).
19.
Oscar Wilde’s “The importance of being earnest” (2004).
20.
Tom Stoppard’s “Travesties” (2004).
21.
Harold Pinter’s “The Lover” (2006).
22.
Mahesh Elkunchwar’s “ Party”(2007)
23.
Dario Fo’s “ We can’t pay! We won’t pay! “ (2011)
SCRIPTWRITING
Has scripted and/or narrated several documentaries, serials, feature films,
and corporate videos including SUNYA THEKE SURU, KICHU SANGLAP
KICHU PRALAP, SWAPNER SANDHANEY, ANDHAKARER SHABDA, WALLS,
ARE THEY POTTED PLANTS?, BAD BAD JOJO, HENRY IV, MEANING AND
MELODY, WAITING FOR BECKETT and the corporate films relating to DPS,
DPL, BALMER-LAWRIE, WELLMAN INCANDESCENT, CPWD (EASTERN
ZONE), McNALLY BHARAT, HINDUSTAN PAPER AND HINDUSTAN CABLES.
FREELANCE WRITING
Has been writing fairly regularly on the arts, particularly on cinema, in
various journals and some daily newspapers like THE STATESMAN, THE
TELEGRAPH, THE ECONOMIC TIMES, AMRITA BAZAR PATRIKA and
ANANDA BAZAR PATRIKA. Has been a regular contributor to the Bengali bimonthly magazine, DESH, as a drama critic. Often writes for the
ANANDALOK, SANANDA and AAJKAL. Is a regular writer for the film journal
CHITRABHAS.
PUBLICATIONS
a)
An article in English entitled “Strategies of subversion” in the journal
published by NANDAN on the occasion of hundred years of world
cinema, (1995).
b)
A companion article in Bengali entitled “Face to face with Adoor
Gopalakrishnan” in the Bengali journal brought out by NANDAN on
the occasion of hundred years of world cinema, (1995).
c)
An article entitle “A problematic interface” in the journal, “RASA”,
published by ANAMIKA KALA SANGAM, (1995).
d)
An entry on Television Drama in the OXFORD COMPANION TO
INDIAN THEATRE.
e)
The complete screenplay of “SUNYA THEKE SURU” (A return to zero)
brought out as a book by AAJKER RAKTAKARABI, (1997).
POSITIONS HELD
i) President, EASTERN INDIA FILM DIRECTORS’ ASSOCIATION
(2010 – 2011)
ii) General Secretary, EASTERN INDIA FILM DIRECTORS’
ASSOCIATION (2003 – 2009)
iii) Sometime member, Academic Council, Satyajit Ray Film and Television
Institute (2003 to 2004).
iii) Member, Academic Council, Film and Television Institute of India
(2005 to 2006).
iv)
Working President, Federation of Cine Technician and
Workers of Eastern India (2004-2005).
v)
Sometime General Secretary, St. Xavier’s College students Union,
(1981).
vi)
Member, Doordarshan panel of directors for fiction and documentary
programmes.
vii)
Sometime Executive Committee Member, CINE TECHNICIANS AND
WORKERS UNION OF EASTERN INDIA.
viii)
General Secretary, BOHUBRIHI KALAKENDRA.
ix)
Member, SHORT FILM MAKERS ASSOCIATION OF EASTERN INDIA.
x)
Founder-Member, CALCUTTA DEBATING SOCIETY.
xi)
Member, panel of documentary film makers, nominated by the Dept.
of Information and Cultural Affairs, Government of West Bengal.
xii)
Sometime Assistant professor and head of the department of Film
Direction, Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute.
xiii)
Sometime Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Film Studies,
Jadavpur University, and at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television
Institute.
xiv)
Member, panel of producers for the West Bengal Film Development
Corporation.
xv)
Member, Entertainment Sub-committee, Confederation of Indian
Industries, (2003 & 2004).
xvi)
Member, Executive Committee, FEDERATION OF CINETECHNICIANS AND WORKERS OF EASTERN INDIA, (2003 &
2004).
AWARDS AND HONOURS
i)
Received the Indira Gandhi National Award (Golden Lotus) for
best first film : SUNYA THEKE SURU, (1994).
ii)
SUNYA THEKE SURU was selected in the INDIAN PANORAMA at
IFFI ’94, Kolkata.
iii)
SUNYA THEKE SURU was awarded the DISHARI award for BEST
FILM (1996).
iv)
SUNYA THEKE SURU was awarded the SILVER TORCHLIGHT at
the PYONGYANG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, (1994).
v)
Awarded the Special Jury Prize (National Award) for “KICHHU
SANGLAP KICHHU PRALAP” (1999).
vi)
KICHHU SANGLAP KICHHU PRALAP was selected in the Indian
Panorama of IFFI ’99, Hyderabad.
vii)
KICHHU SANGLAP KICHHU PRALAP was awarded the B.F.J.A. Prize
(2001).
viii)
KICHHU SANGLAP KICHHU PRALAP was screened at the Kolkata Film
Festival (1998).
ix)
KICHHU SANGLAP KICHHU PRALAP was screened at the DHAKA
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, (2000).
x)
SWAPNER SANDHANEY was screened as a European Premiere at
the COMMONWEALTH FILM FESTIVAL, MANCHESTER, (2002),
at IPSWICH FILM FESTIVAL and at five centres in the United
Kingdom : Cambridge, Luton, Norwich, Southend and Watford.
xi)
SWAPNER SANDHANEY was selected in the INDIAN PANORAMA
section of I.F.F.I. 2001.
xii)
SWAPNER SANDHANEY was screened at the Kolkata Film Festival
(1999).
xiii)
SWAPNER
SANDHANEY
was
screened
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, (2000).
xiv)
Awarded the best play of the year award for BHUTTO by
GENTLEMAN magazine, (1986).
xv)
Outstanding young person award presented by North Kolkata
Jaycees (1987).
xvi)
Adjudged director of 2nd best corporate film for THE VITAL LINK –
presented by Public Relations Society of India, (1991).
at
the
DHAKA
xvii) Adjudged director of 3rd best corporate film for THE PAPER STORY –
presented by Public Relations Society of India, (1991).
xviii) The serial BLIND LANE was awarded the BEST DIRECTOR Prize by
Lions International, (1994).
xix)
The serial KUASHA GHERA KURSEONG was awarded the BEST
SERIAL Prize by KALAKAR, (2002).
xx)
Awarded the special prize for Vocational Excellence by Rotary
Club of Kolkata, Inner City (2000).
xxi)
Awarded the best presenter certificate by UGC-CEC for the long
running TV series on FILM EDITING PRODUCED BY EMRC(2008)
LECTURES, TOURS AND TRAVEL
Ashoke Viswanathan has lectured widely on cinema and theatre in India
and abroad. Among some of his tours abroad are those that relate to :
i)
The Cambridge seminar on contemporary British Fiction
where Ashoke was an overseas fellow (1997).
ii)
The North American Bengali Conference (N.A.B.C.) where the
film “SUNYA THEKE SURU was presented (Valley Forge, 1997).
iii)
A visit to South East Asia (Malaysia and Singapore) as part of
research work for a possible book on Asian Cinema (1996).
iv)
A tour as an International Visitor organized by the State
Department, Washington DC, with interactions at Temple University,
Philadelphia, New York University, and Columbia University, (2002).
v)
Lecture tours to Boston and New Jersey along with screenings of his
film, “THE ALTERNATIVE DREAM”, (2002).
vi)
A visit to the Banga Mela (2005) in Chicago to present the film
BYATIKRAMI and to Washington and New York for a series of play
readings.