On International Mother Language Day, Mouli Ganguly talks about the importance of it

International Mother Language Day is celebrated every year on 21st February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. On International Mother Language Day, &TV actor, Mouli Ganguly (Mahasati Anusuya, Baal Shiv) shares her list of favourite fun words and phrases in her mother tongue, Bengali. 

Mouli Ganguly essaying Mahasati Anusuya’s character in &TV’s Baal Shiv, says, "I am most expressive when I speak in my mother tongue, Bengali, as certain words come naturally and cannot have a literal translation. I am from Kolkata, and I always crave street food -Puchkas and Jhal Muri apart from fondly thinking of my friends and family. Two things I miss a lot is Durga Puja and hearing conversations out on the road in Bengali. I have a lot of Bengali friends here. I feel super happy whenever I meet a fellow Bengali. I often want to say something excitedly to someone and end up switching over to Bengali or using a fun Bengali word. 

For instance, when my friends tell me something that I find unreasonable. I say either of these words, "Paglamo koro na" or "Baaje kotha bolo na" – Something like 'Don’t act silly’ and ‘Don’t talk nonsense, or even ‘Pagol Na Mathakharap. (Are you crazy?).’ ‘Nyaka’ means Drama Queen, which I use daily to refer to people close to me. To which they often reply, ‘Apani eka jano natoker rani’ (Laughs)” In fact, the Bengali language is quite sweet yet fun at the same time and has some of the most amazing words, which cannot be substituted or translated. Words like Fatafati (brilliant), Kyabla (Dumbo), Gondogol (Trouble), Opurbo (awesome), and many such words. Also, how can I forget the infamous line that people everywhere have embraced so lovingly – ‘Ami Tomake Bhalo Bhashi’! There is always a sense of affinity and pride in the mother language. It is what gives us our identity. Warm wishes to everyone on International Mother Language Day.”