In the world of breaking news, the entertainment segment of India has got glittering stars. But down the line, very few are remembered for their efforts or leave permanent impressions. Kolkata’s very own Sharmila Maiti is one such personality, who has redefined celebrity journalism in Eastern India with her quest for perfection and dedication for work. But there is a catch — Sharmila Maiti — an FTII alumna, knows the details of what happens behind the camera and in its front as well.
In a decade or so, Sharmila Maiti has become the face of celebrity journalism, along with her other avatars. Whether as an anchor, host or journalist, she is the darling of exclusive updates on filmy and social celebrities.
Be it Bollywood or Tollywood, Sharmila has become a brand on its own.
As a television primetime host, Sharmila has taken exclusive interviews of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Katrina Kaif , Saif Ali Khan , Hrithik Roshan , Anurag Basu to name a few.
As a writer too, Sharmila has been very eloquent. During her stint in print journalism, along with being a sub-editor, Sharmila has been a cartoonist in Anandalok, the entertainment vertical of the Ananda Bazar Patrika group (ABP). As a Certified cartoonist, mentored by British cartoonist, Martin Rowson, conducted by the British Council at Govt. College of Art & Craft, she has regularly illustrated in an exclusive cartoon strip “Cholti Hawa” for Anandalok, and organized filmy photoshoots, covered Tollywood and Bollywood gatherings simultaneously. She has also worked in mainstream print media like The Times of India, The Statesman and Hindustan Times. Her column ‘Hand-in-glove’ in The Statesman was quite popular in those days.
Sharmila has also worked as anchor-producer of a popular celeb-lifestyle show, Celeb Secrets, on Zee24 Ghanta. This apart, her book on Actor Dev Adhikari was received greatly by fans and well-wishers in the recently-concluded Kolkata International Book Fair 2019.
Sharmila has written and directed docu-features like Bharati Devi, a beautiful Heart in 2009, which was produced by the National Film Archive of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India. The documentary was selected in the Kolkata Film Festival (KIFF) 2009, International Women’s Day film festival in Kolkata, Assam Film Festival, JDCA Art & Artiste Film Festival in Orissa, International Women’s Film Festival in Pune and Womens’ Film Festival in Berlin.
Sharmila has also produced and directed Beyond Border which was selected in the International Social Cinema Conference, Pune International Womens’ film festival, International Women’s Day Film Festival, Haryana International Film Festival, Kolkata International Film festival 2010. Her work was appreciated by the Indian selector of the Venice Film Festival 2010. It was awarded Selector’s reward for the inaugural film in the Haryana International film festival. She also worked as an Assistant Director in Srijit Mukherji’s film Baishey Srabon (2011).
Sharmila’s recent endeavour is her celebrity news blog Sharmila’s
Showhouse which is no less than Malini Agarwal’s Miss Malini. In fact, the entire credit goes to Sharmila for being a dedicated entertainment entrepreneur. She is not only focussing on content but also nurturing new talent in Kolkata and across the districts of Bengal.
On social media too, Sharmila Maiti is followed by millions. In a country where film-stars are next to godly avatars, Sharmila has been an inspiration for many. She has been hugely successful in all formats of entertainment and never failed in her endeavours. Team Optimist wishes Sharmila Maiti all the best on International Women’s Day!
.
