SVF, Hindustan Unilever create Durga Puja song to spread festive cheer

SVF Entertainment, in a recent collaboration with Hindustan Unilever's detergent brand Sunlight, has come up with Durga Puja song titled 'Sunlight Pujor Rong', the video of which features actor Abir Chatterjee and actress Srabanti Chatterjee. Composed and written by Ranajoy Bhattacharjee and sung by Lagnajita Chakraborty, the song evokes festive cheer despite the pall cast by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also featuring veteran actress Alokananda Roy and actor Sumanta Mukherjee as a couple, the video of the song, which was directed by Dhrubo Banerjee, is filled with vibrant colours and warmth. Chakraborty beautifully sets up a trip down to memory lane with her stylings as Roy's character recalls her younger days of celebrating Durga Puja with her husband and daughter. She is morose because her daughter’s flight has been cancelled because of the pandemic and she cannot return home.

The younger version of the couple has been portrayed by Srabanti and Abir. As Roy relives a cherished memory of having been gifted a saree by her husband, who was himself adorned in a vibrant kurta, she gradually shrugs off her grief and tries to ensure that her daughter receives the blessing of Goddess Durga over a video call while participating in the ceremony.

Banerjee, who highlights the essence of Bengalis' most awaited festival of the year, said his main focus was to make the video resonate the lyrics. "The scenes are capable of evoking a feeling of happiness and positivity among the audience. It is always an honour to work with Alokananda Roy. Both Abir and Srabanti have helped me fulfil the vision of the song. I hope it helps people enjoy the different colours of Durga Puja,” he said.

Needless to say, because of the pandemic, the festival has to be celebrated with a lot of restraint. Arindam Biswas, the head of SVF Brands, took care to ensure that the message of heeding safety measures was put across. “Amid the infelicitous situation right now, the aim of the campaign is primarily to spread positivity and raise hope in the minds of the audience,” he said.

Speaking of the experience of working with the team, he said, “We are elated to work with Hindustan Unilever for the first time. Re-creating this iconic song for Sunlight was enlightening as was working with the talented team of actors. The campaign beautifully expresses the essential features of Sunlight as a brand in the light of festivity."

Stating that the goal was to deliver emotional content with which the audience could relate, Biswas said, "I hope the campaign receives positive feedback as we are looking forward to doing more such exciting work with Hindustan Unilever and the Sunlight team.”

Echoing Biswas’ sentiments, Nitish Bhalotia, GM, Fabric Care, Hindustan Unilever, said, “Sunlight is an iconic brand in West Bengal and its message is all about celebrating the colours of life. It encourages people to "live life in colour" whatever be the context or situation. This year Durga Puja will be different because of COVID and through this video song we want to inspire everyone to be safe, make the most of the situation, keep their spirits high and enjoy the myriad colours of the Puja."

Watch the song on YouTube.