Hugh Grant's Heartfelt Throwback: 80s Kolkata Magic with Ray, Sen & Tolly Tales

Nostalgic Kolkata Chronicles

Hugh Grant revisited his formative 1988 visit to Kolkata (then Calcutta) during a recent interview, sharing vivid memories from filming French drama The Bengali Night (La Nuit Bengali). The actor, then in his 20s, immersed in the city's cultural tapestry—admiring Satyajit Ray's cinematic legacy, encountering actress Moon Moon Sen's grace, and savoring exclusivity at Tollygunge Club—contrasting Hollywood gloss with Kolkata's raw, enchanting vibe. Directed by Nicolas Klotz, the film starred Supriya Pathak, Soumitra Chatterjee, and Shabana Azmi, capturing forbidden romance in a Bengali household.​

Key Highlights

Iconic Encounters: Met Moon Moon Sen; hailed Satyajit Ray as inspiration amid Kolkata's film heritage.​

Tollygunge Club Vibes: Luxuriated at the historic elite club, emblematic of colonial-era socializing.​

City's Raw Charm: Called 1988 Calcutta "strange" yet captivating—chaotic streets, young drivers, cultural depth.​

Film Anecdotes: Hired 11-year-old "driver" who crashed; reconnected later as school bus operator.​

Lasting Impact: Shaped early career; film based on Mircea Eliade's novel, shot winter 1987.​

Sources: Times of India