Besides the author himself, noted writer Samaresh Mazumdar, poet Srijato, filmmaker and actor Arindam Sil, and singer Swagatalakshmi Dasgupta were present at the book launch.

As the name suggests, 'Hariye Jawa Lekha' is a collection of Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay’s heretofore unpublished writings.

Published in two volumes, the collection includes six novels, 59 short stories, five humorous pieces, 10 essays on literature and four on theology and spirituality, nine articles related to sports, 11 on society, three on politics, one on cinema and 15 are reminiscences and recollections.

"I am a very unmindful person, so when I was told about these pieces I had to think twice before I could recognize them," said Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay while introducing the collection.

While speaking to IBNS, said Mukhopadhyay,"It is a great feeling when you see such works which were virtually lost, getting published after so many years."

Filmmaker Arindam Sil who has adapted several of Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay's stories into films, said, "Whenever people see me with him, they think I am about to make a new film based on his books."

He added,"Honestly it would be very nice if I could do that. But no I am here because staying in the company of such eminent personalities gives me a lot of positive vibes."

The first volume of the book is priced at Rs.600 and the second one is for Rs. 450.

(Reporting by Sourajit Choudhury)

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