Kaalpurush – The Orion, rarely sighted in the night sky

• Kaalpurush is the third novel in the Animesh quartet, the masterpiece creation of Shri Samaresh Majumdar. The story charts the journey of Arko, the only son of Animesh and Madhabilata. Animesh was a bright student and a noted Naxalite leader, who subsequently arrested. His pregnant wife Madhabilata was assaulted by the police but Animesh did not succumb to the pressure. Madhabi gave birth to Arko and took up a teaching job. Animesh, crippled by inhuman police torture was released and the three of them started living in a slum in Belgachhia, struggling to make ends meet.
• Arko grows up in the slum amongst hooligans and street children as a very confused and spoilt young lad, who has no mental connect with his father’s ideology or his mother’s personality. He uses slangs, smokes and drinks with his anti-social neighbours Kila, Khurki, Kowa, Koyla, Bilu and others, disrespects principles, but is helpful and sensitive by nature. He goes to the burning ghats when a neighbour expires, rescues a drunkard man injured by an accident, and fights with an eve teaser to protect Urmimala from his indecent advances. Urmi is an artist and a high-class elegant girl, who slowly develops a feeling for Arko. On the other side, Jhimli, a slum dweller and a bar singer, also has feelings for him. Arko finds himself in a crossroad of emotions and confusion.
• Param, Animesh’s childhood friend and Ani and Madhabi’s college mate, inform them about Ani’s father’s illness, for which they visit their native town Jalpaiguri.  After his father’s death, Ani wants to stay back to support his pishima and chhotoma, which results in a serious emotional outburst by Madhabilata. Arko overhears the conversation and learns that he is a child conceived out of wedlock and considers himself a bastard. He comes back to Kolkata with Madhabi, who subsequently falls severely ill. The ensuing reconciliation between the parents and the son is a thoroughly emotional journey, subtly aided by the presence of Urmimala.
• Arko becomes a torchbearer of change for the slum dwellers when he generates a common fund to feed all inhabitants throughout the month in the concept of a commune. He gets full support of his parents, Urmi and all his neighbours. However, his leadership is considered a threat to the ruling party and there is a conspiracy to eliminate him. His associate Bilu is killed in the process, and Arko is arrested with charges of murder. From here, the movement is led by Madhabilata and Urmi. The play ends with a positive note that Arko, the Kaalpurush, cannot be restricted or defeated. The positivity of standing up together for a common cause remains until the curtain falls.