Agartala: Ratan Saha, a prominent cinema promoter and businessman from Tripura, who is also the elder brother of Chief Minister Manik Saha, has been elected as the president of the Eastern India Motion Pictures Association (EIMPA). The election took place recently, and Saha was chosen without any opposition.
EIMPA's Role and Election Context
EIMPA is a key organization that oversees film production and studio management in Tollygunge, the hub of the Bengali film industry. The election was necessitated following the defeat of former Trinamool Congress minister Arup Biswas, who had faced serious allegations of corruption and extortion. Biswas had wielded significant influence over Tollygunge, but his removal paved the way for new leadership.
Ratan Saha's Background
Ratan Saha is the founder of SSR Cinema Chains, a network of movie theaters operating in Kolkata and Agartala. His extensive experience in the film exhibition sector made him a suitable candidate for the presidency. According to reports, his election was preceded by a walk-out by former president Piya Sengupta, who raised concerns about the conduct of the EIMPA executive committee meeting. Despite this, Saha's candidacy remained uncontested.
The election outcome is seen as a significant development in the regional film industry, potentially bringing new perspectives to EIMPA's operations. Saha's business acumen and connections in both Tripura and West Bengal are expected to influence the association's future direction.
About the Author: Biswendu Bhattacharjee is a seasoned journalist and the Times of India correspondent based in Agartala, Tripura. He has been reporting on political, social, and regional developments in northeast India and is one of the oldest TOI correspondents on the ground.
