Mamata to lay foundation stone of new film city

Eastern India`s biggest film city is all set to come up in Hooghly`s Uttarpara, with WB CM Mamata Banerjee laying the foundation stone August 13.

Kolkata: Eastern India`s biggest film city is all set to come up on a 350-acre plot in Hooghly`s Uttarpara, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee laying the foundation stone August 13, said Kolkata Mayor Sovan Chatterjee Sunday.

"On Aug 13, our Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lay the stone for the biggest film city in eastern India. The plot is perfect for the project which will come up on around 350 acres while rest of the land may be used for other purposes," said Chatterjee. "We have requested Banerjee to lay the foundation stone which will be a step towards realising the dream of a state-of-the-art film city," he said. The land, which is currently under the Trinamool-run Kolkata Municipal Corporation, befits the setting of a film city with a small forest, dilapidated buildings and abandoned railway tracks. Noted Tollywood director Haranath Chakraborty expressed happiness over the decision. "It`s a very good news. I am so happy. The age-long dream of a film city will soon be realised. The whole Bengali film industry including current and past stars will surely grace the historic occasion," he said. Actor Dipankar Dey said: "I cannot describe how happy I am. When the project comes up, it will not only boost our cinema, but also generate employment which for me is the happiest thing. The credit goes to Banerjee for her efforts." IANS