From Medicine to the Silver Screen
On a crisp day at the Loft Café in Macquarie Centre, Sydney, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Surjit Tarafdar, a passionate film lover and the driving force behind the Indian Parallel Cinema Festival of Australia. Hosted by the Indian Doctors in Australia, this festival marks a unique cultural initiative in a land known more for its medical achievements than its cinematic endeavors. Dr. Tarafdar’s story is a captivating tale of how a career in medicine transformed into a deep involvement with cinema, proving that life’s twists can be more intriguing than any scripted drama.
Memories from Silchar
Dr. Tarafdar’s journey began in Silchar, where he attended Silchar Medical College (SMC) as part of the 1986 batch. His college days were a mix of joy and mischief. Known as a perennial backbencher and daydreamer, he was well-loved by seniors and became a cherished figure among juniors. Among his many escapades, one prank stood out: stealing 50 rosogollahs (a Bengali sweet) and joyriding on a friend’s motorbike while singing “Rocky mera naam,” a stunt that ended in a crash but fortunately, no serious injuries.
A Mountain Adventure
Dr. Tarafdar’s love for the mountains led him to Himachal Pradesh, where he worked near Renuka Lake in the district of Sirmour. This quiet, picturesque setting provided a perfect backdrop for his work and his passion for extracurricular activities. During his seven years there, he founded the NGO ‘Navachetna,’ focusing on child nutrition, reducing school dropouts, combating gender discrimination, and improving sanitation. A village elder’s praise, “Son, due to your efforts, no one died from diarrhea in our village this year,” was a testament to his impactful work.
Westward Bound
At 37, Dr. Tarafdar ventured to the UK to further his medical career. His first day as an observer at Llanelli Hospital in Wales was eye-opening; the presence of automatic BP machines and the warm hospitality of the staff left a lasting impression. Embracing this new phase with youthful enthusiasm, he dedicated himself to his work and passed his MRCP Part 1 exam with a promise to himself to minimize sleep until he achieved his goal.
A Nephrologist’s Path
Now a nephrologist at a teaching hospital in Sydney, Dr. Tarafdar has continued to make significant contributions to his field. He authored two books, including “Lecture Notes in Nephrology,” published by Wiley in 2020. He fondly recalls his medical teacher from SMC, Dr. Dipankar Bhattacharjee, who contributed a chapter to his book and humorously remembered him as a troublemaker from his college days. Dr. Tarafdar’s dedication to nephrology extends beyond his clinical work; he has also organized an annual nephrology weekend revision course for postgraduate students in Australia and New Zealand.
Cinematic Dreams
Dr. Tarafdar’s love for cinema has led him to create and host the Indian Parallel Cinema Festival of Australia. This festival showcases films like Ghara Baira and Pather Panchali by the acclaimed director Satyajit Ray. The screenings, held at the Palace Theatre in Leichhardt, are accompanied by QA sessions featuring actors such as Victor Banerjee, which engage the Indian diaspora, multicultural Australians, and students from Australian film and television colleges.
A Thoughtful Man
Dr. Tarafdar’s approach to medicine and cinema reflects a deep commitment to understanding and improving his fields. He advises new medical graduates to take full ownership of their practice, engage in meaningful research, and study not just for exams but to truly understand their work. At 56, he resonates with Einstein’s quote, “It is not that I have any special talent; I just stay with problems longer,” as he prepares for the festival. As our meeting concluded and I prepared for my own appointment, I was left inspired by Dr. Tarafdar’s journey—a narrative of blending passion with profession and finding fulfillment in unexpected places. His story is a testament to the rich tapestry of experiences that life can offer when one follows their heart and remains open to new possibilities.
