--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The only thing redeeming about my being…" description: "\"The only thing redeeming about my being born a Bengali is being brought up reading Rabindranath and Saratchandra. Other than that, the stagnancy of thi..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97b/sayani-gupta-11154_bengali_the-only-thing-redeeming-about-my-being_2469866.jpg" --- # The only thing redeeming about my being born a Bengali is… ![“The only thing redeeming about my being born a Bengali is being brought up reading Rabindranath and Saratchandra. Other than that, the stagnancy of this city put me off all along.” quote by Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97b/sayani-gupta-11154_bengali_the-only-thing-redeeming-about-my-being_2469866.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97b/sayani-gupta-11154_bengali_the-only-thing-redeeming-about-my-being_2469866.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97b/sayani-gupta-11154_bengali_the-only-thing-redeeming-about-my-being_2469866.jpg) > “The only thing redeeming about my being born a Bengali is being brought up reading Rabindranath and Saratchandra. Other than that, the stagnancy of this city put me off all along.” [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker finds cultural pride in Bengali literature but feels the city’s stagnation overshadows it. **In simple terms:** Literature gives identity, city feels stagnant. Key Takeaway Seek vibrant communities that match your cultural roots. Themes identity literature urban stagnation discontent culture Mood reflective melancholic Type personal critical When to use this quote - Finding literary groups - relocating to dynamic cities - engaging with cultural events - seeking mentorship - exploring new neighborhoods Key Concepts Bengali heritage urban critique personal reflection Questions to Reflect On - How can you cultivate cultural pride despite a stagnant environment? - What steps can you take to find a more stimulating community? A Different Perspective City stagnation may limit opportunities and growth. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bengali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bengali/) [Bengali Brought](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bengali-brought-747892/) [Born](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/born/) [Born Bengali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/born-bengali-747890/) [City](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/city/) [Delhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/delhi/) [Only](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/only/) [Reading](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reading/) [Reading Rabindranath](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reading-rabindranath-747893/) [Saratchandra Stagnancy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/saratchandra-stagnancy-747891/) ## Related quotes > [My mother is half Malayali and half Tamilian. I can speak Bengali and Tamil, but can't read or write.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anoushka-shankar/my-mother-is-half-malayali-and-half-tamilian-i-can-speak-bengali-and/) [Anoushka Shankar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anoushka-shankar/) > [My films play only in Bengal, and my audience is the educated middle class in the cities and small towns. They also play in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/satyajit-ray/my-films-play-only-in-bengal-and-my-audience-is-the-educated-middle/) [Satyajit Ray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/satyajit-ray/) > [I am neither a Bengali nor am I from Delhi's St Stephen's. I am an Allahabad boy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikas-swarup/i-am-neither-a-bengali-nor-am-i-from-delhi-s-st-stephen-s-i-am-an/) [Vikas Swarup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikas-swarup/) > [I am a Bengali. My mother is from Mangalore so it's a mix of both cultures at home.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rhea-chakraborty/i-am-a-bengali-my-mother-is-from-mangalore-so-it-s-a-mix-of-both/) [Rhea Chakraborty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rhea-chakraborty/) > [I would love to act in Bengali movies, but the work culture here is pathetic.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/i-would-love-to-act-in-bengali-movies-but-the-work-culture-here-is/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [Thanks to my Bengali genes I look very young.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/thanks-to-my-bengali-genes-i-look-very-young/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [My mum knew if I got out of Kolkata, I wouldn't return. So she made me sit for the entrance of St Xavier's. But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/my-mum-knew-if-i-got-out-of-kolkata-i-wouldn-t-return-so-she-made-me/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [I have been offered several Bengali films. Due to destiny and good luck, 'Noukadubi' will be my first.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/riya-sen/i-have-been-offered-several-bengali-films-due-to-destiny-and-good/) [Riya Sen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/riya-sen/) > [I am songwriter. I do compose the music of songs that I write in Bengali. But I've never thought of composing for a film.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arijit-singh/i-am-songwriter-i-do-compose-the-music-of-songs-that-i-write-in/) [Arijit Singh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arijit-singh/) > [In fact, the Bengali film industry is becoming more balanced between creativity and commercialization. And if Bollywood can remake south Indian and Hollywood films,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rituparna-sengupta/in-fact-the-bengali-film-industry-is-becoming-more-balanced-between/) [Rituparna Sengupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rituparna-sengupta/) > [I like watching Bengali film DVDs with sub-titles.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amrita-rao/i-like-watching-bengali-film-dvds-with-sub-titles/) [Amrita Rao](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amrita-rao/) > [Everywhere I go today, people talk about Bengali cinema. I completely refuse to accept that Bengali filmmakers are not making good films.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prosenjit-chatterjee/everywhere-i-go-today-people-talk-about-bengali-cinema-i-completely/) [Prosenjit Chatterjee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prosenjit-chatterjee/) > [I respect Malayalam films the same way I respect Bengali films. I think Malayalam films have not compromised on the essence and have kept…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prosenjit-chatterjee/i-respect-malayalam-films-the-same-way-i-respect-bengali-films-i/) [Prosenjit Chatterjee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prosenjit-chatterjee/) > [Although several actors have worked in films down South, I feel unsure of whether I will be able to emote and act as exuberantly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/konkona-sen-sharma/although-several-actors-have-worked-in-films-down-south-i-feel-unsure/) [Konkona Sen Sharma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/konkona-sen-sharma/) > [What I like about Calcutta is the food. I like simple Bengali food like dal, shukto, fish, and mutton.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barun-sobti/what-i-like-about-calcutta-is-the-food-i-like-simple-bengali-food/) [Barun Sobti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barun-sobti/) ## More by Sayani Gupta > [I'm neither excited nor worried when my film releases. As an artiste, I would definitely want people to like my work... that's why we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/i-m-neither-excited-nor-worried-when-my-film-releases-as-an-artiste-i/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [My father, a musician who worked with All India Radio, is no more. My mother had a government job at BSNL and was always…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/my-father-a-musician-who-worked-with-all-india-radio-is-no-more-my/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [I know how a Manipuri is different from a Mizo or someone from Shillong. It's culturally very different... the food is also very different,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/i-know-how-a-manipuri-is-different-from-a-mizo-or-someone-from/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [I have a personal trainer who comes home. I work out three times a week for an hour each and focus on concentrated body…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/i-have-a-personal-trainer-who-comes-home-i-work-out-three-times-a/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [I have been brought up around art. Even now, when I travel, I love going to museums and spend hours in front of paintings.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/i-have-been-brought-up-around-art-even-now-when-i-travel-i-love-going/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [I believe in eating everything and love my rice and sweets. And eating it without guilt and worry... I feel that's the best way…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/i-believe-in-eating-everything-and-love-my-rice-and-sweets-and-eating/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [I do many commercials. All of them are interesting in their own ways.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/i-do-many-commercials-all-of-them-are-interesting-in-their-own-ways/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [There are very very few narratives in mainstream that are actually about the woman.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/there-are-very-very-few-narratives-in-mainstream-that-are-actually/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [I am no star. Nobody recognises me on the street.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/i-am-no-star-nobody-recognises-me-on-the-street/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [Axone', of course, was on racism, but it was also a kind of representation that hadn't happened ever before of the Northeast and the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/axone-of-course-was-on-racism-but-it-was-also-a-kind-of/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [In my opinion, empowerment is when women have the chance to do what they want to do and the courage to do what they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/in-my-opinion-empowerment-is-when-women-have-the-chance-to-do-what/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [A country can develop only when you ensure these basic rights, let them voice their opinion and give them basic education, hygiene, medication, portable…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/a-country-can-develop-only-when-you-ensure-these-basic-rights-let/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [I'm a greedy actor, craving for exciting parts to play.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/i-m-a-greedy-actor-craving-for-exciting-parts-to-play/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [I've always been interested in why do people behave in certain ways which are crazy from a normal point of view.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/i-ve-always-been-interested-in-why-do-people-behave-in-certain-ways/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) > [I heard Hindi film songs only on Chitrahaar, when my next door neighbour would increase the volume of her TV.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sayani-gupta/i-heard-hindi-film-songs-only-on-chitrahaar-when-my-next-door/) [Sayani Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) [Explore all 61 Sayani Gupta quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sayani-gupta/) ## More Bengali quotes > [What I like about Calcutta is the food. I like simple Bengali food like dal, shukto, fish, and mutton.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barun-sobti/what-i-like-about-calcutta-is-the-food-i-like-simple-bengali-food/) [Barun Sobti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barun-sobti/) > [Although several actors have worked in films down South, I feel unsure of whether I will be able to emote and act as exuberantly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/konkona-sen-sharma/although-several-actors-have-worked-in-films-down-south-i-feel-unsure/) [Konkona Sen Sharma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/konkona-sen-sharma/) > [I respect Malayalam films the same way I respect Bengali films. I think Malayalam films have not compromised on the essence and have kept…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prosenjit-chatterjee/i-respect-malayalam-films-the-same-way-i-respect-bengali-films-i/) [Prosenjit Chatterjee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prosenjit-chatterjee/) > [Everywhere I go today, people talk about Bengali cinema. I completely refuse to accept that Bengali filmmakers are not making good films.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prosenjit-chatterjee/everywhere-i-go-today-people-talk-about-bengali-cinema-i-completely/) [Prosenjit Chatterjee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prosenjit-chatterjee/) > [I like watching Bengali film DVDs with sub-titles.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amrita-rao/i-like-watching-bengali-film-dvds-with-sub-titles/) [Amrita Rao](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amrita-rao/) > [In fact, the Bengali film industry is becoming more balanced between creativity and commercialization. And if Bollywood can remake south Indian and Hollywood films,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rituparna-sengupta/in-fact-the-bengali-film-industry-is-becoming-more-balanced-between/) [Rituparna Sengupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rituparna-sengupta/) > [I am songwriter. I do compose the music of songs that I write in Bengali. But I've never thought of composing for a film.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arijit-singh/i-am-songwriter-i-do-compose-the-music-of-songs-that-i-write-in/) [Arijit Singh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arijit-singh/) > [I have been offered several Bengali films. Due to destiny and good luck, 'Noukadubi' will be my first.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/riya-sen/i-have-been-offered-several-bengali-films-due-to-destiny-and-good/) [Riya Sen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/riya-sen/) > [I am overwhelmed by the reaction to my songs. At Mitra, people went crazy dancing to Paglu's songs. Naveena, which hardly ever screens a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeet-gannguli/i-am-overwhelmed-by-the-reaction-to-my-songs-at-mitra-people-went/) [Jeet Gannguli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeet-gannguli/) > [How can BJP be anti-Bangla when BJP founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee himself was a Bengali?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amit-shah/how-can-bjp-be-anti-bangla-when-bjp-founder-syama-prasad-mookerjee/) [Amit Shah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amit-shah/) > [Culturally, I remember listening to Salil Chowdhury's music for Malayalam films. Many Bengali actors have worked in our films, too.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mammootty/culturally-i-remember-listening-to-salil-chowdhury-s-music-for/) [Mammootty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mammootty/) > [I am a Bengali. My mother is from Mangalore so it's a mix of both cultures at home.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rhea-chakraborty/i-am-a-bengali-my-mother-is-from-mangalore-so-it-s-a-mix-of-both/) [Rhea Chakraborty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rhea-chakraborty/) > [I have a lot of Bengali friends and most of them are pretty well read.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kk/i-have-a-lot-of-bengali-friends-and-most-of-them-are-pretty-well-read/) [KK](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kk/) > [“The intention (of the puja pandals) is not so much to entertain as to disorient and astonish; to tap into the Bengali’s appetite for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amit-chaudhuri/the-intention-of-the-puja-pandals-is-not-so-much-to-entertain-as-to/) [Amit Chaudhuri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amit-chaudhuri/) > [If you're talking about industry, I've never restricted myself to Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, or Kannada. Whichever the language is, from Swahili to Marathi or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/parvathy/if-you-re-talking-about-industry-i-ve-never-restricted-myself-to/) [Parvathy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/parvathy/) [Browse all 156 Bengali quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bengali/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The only thing redeeming about my being born a Bengali is being brought up reading Rabindranath and Saratchandra. 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