Exploring India's Cultural Heritage: 'Chalo India With Eric Ji' Premieres in London
Documentary Showcases Varanasi's Rich Traditions
The Varanasi episode was filmed during Makar Sankranti and captures the city during the Maha Kumbh period.
Guwahati, May 14: The documentary titled ‘Chalo India With Eric Ji (Varanasi)’, directed by filmmaker Rajdeep Choudhury from Assam, was recently showcased at the British Film Institute in London. This screening followed its selection for the Indian Panorama Non-Feature section at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
This documentary is part of a broader travel and cultural anthology led by Eric Ollerenshaw OBE, a former UK Member of Parliament and history educator, whose fascination with India inspired this initiative.
Choudhury, who hails from Silchar and has lived in London for over 17 years, envisioned this anthology to delve into various regions of India, highlighting their culture, history, and personal narratives.
The episode focusing on Varanasi was filmed during Makar Sankranti, capturing the essence of the city amid the Maha Kumbh festivities. It documents daily life, spiritual customs, and the cultural vibrancy of this ancient locale.
The film follows Eric Ollerenshaw as he explores Varanasi's ghats, indulges in local delicacies, navigates its narrow streets, and visits nearby historical sites like Sarnath. Through observational storytelling and visual documentation, the documentary aims to reveal the multifaceted nature of the city and its enduring cultural relevance.
The screening at BFI NFT2 on May 10 was organized by the Indian High Commission in London, in partnership with the UK Asian Film Festival and Tongues on Fire. Attendees included members of the Indian community, film aficionados, and a diverse audience.
At the event, the documentary team was honored with the “Heritage Cinema Excellence Award,” presented in collaboration with the Indian High Commission, UK Asian Film Festival, and Tongues on Fire, recognizing their contributions to cultural storytelling through film.
The next episode of the anthology, ‘Chalo India With Eric Ji (Mizoram)’, will explore the cultural richness of Northeast India. Earlier this year, the teaser for this upcoming episode was unveiled by the India Tourism Development Corporation, with Union tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and ITDC managing director Mugdha Sinha in attendance.
The creators aim to document various states across India through travel narratives that appeal to international audiences, while also shedding light on lesser-known cultural stories from the nation.
For Rajdeep Choudhury, this project marks the start of a larger cinematic journey to eventually cover all 28 states of India, celebrating each region's distinct identity and connecting with global viewers.
The team describes ‘Chalo India With Eric Ji’ as more than just a travel series; it is a cultural storytelling initiative designed to present a diverse and globally appealing image of India.