Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's penchant for poetry and writing is quite well-known. Be it in the Assembly or in rallies or even at public meetings, she evokes Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam's compositions quite effortlessly.
Coupled with this, she has herself written several books on politics and values of life. Her books are a hot favourite this Akshay Tritiya, a day when Bengalis flock to the bookstores in huge numbers.
Publishing houses situated on the lanes and bylanes surrounding College Square are abuzz with activity during Poila Baishak, the first day of Bengali New Year and Akshay
Tritiya which fell on Saturday when hundreds of book lovers gather to scan through and buy new collections.
Upalabdhi, the first book by the Chief Minister, written over a decade ago, is among the bestsellers. Banerjee had dedicated it to the martyrs who were gunned down in Kolkata on July 21, 1993.
In the book, she reflects upon her understanding of various aspects of life and political values which will give proper direction to the upcoming generation.
According to Sudhangshu Dey, head of Dey's Publishers, over 50,000 copies of Upalabdhi have been sold so far. Many people, including TMC workers, come to collect the book which has completed several editions.
Banerjee has authored around 70 books including some in English as well. A Delhi-based publishing house has brought out several books titled Struggle for Existence, Dark Horizon, Smile, Earth Song, Kathanjali (simple quotations) etc.
After Upalabdhi, 22 books written by Banerjee till 2010 have been published. Around 12,000 copies of Janatar Darbar followed by 8,000 copies of Ma have been sold.
Her books on children's rhymes, Ajab Chara and Sishusathi have hit more than 10,000 and 14,000 figures.
After coming to power in 2011, her bestselling books are Netai, Paribartan, Sojasapta, Jibonsangram and Biswa Bangla.
Besides writing books, Banerjee takes special interest in painting as well.
The logos used on the cars given under Gatidhara scheme and the bicycles given to students of Classes IX, X, XI and XII of the state-run, sponsored and aided schools under Sabuj Sathi are sketched by her. While observing fast during the Singur movement to get back plots of unwilling farmers during the Left Front regime, she used to paint and sketch in the dharna mancha itself.
Even in her chamber at Nabanna, one often finds her engrossed in her creative work. Banerjee is also skilled on the electric organ and was found playing the piano accordion during her trip to London.