JANUARY 2014 MEMBER FEATURE

Know Your Admins

For January 2014, we are featuring KAC admins so that you know a bit more about the people who helps run KAC effectively. 

Abhishek Dasgupta : 

Our beloved ADG tan has been with us since KAC's inception and has proved to be a valuable team mate for KAC. His vast knowledge of anime and his really friendly persona has made him a KAC fav. a Final Year MBA student, Abhishek likes all sorts of anime and J and K-Dorama.

Words from ADG :

Q1>What is your thought on Indian anime culture?

-Indian anime culture is still blossoming ,but it has grown leaps and bounds in the past few years. Part of it is due the growth of city based anime clubs,the internet and of course the amazing channel called Animax.

Q2>How is it like to be a KAC admin? 

-I have been with KAC right from the beginning. The initial days felt no different than being a member,but I guess as the club has grown so has the demands of being an admin.

it's fun,definitely, but there's also a lot of other stuff that one needs to do.(This is a secret from all other members)

Q3>If you had to describe KAC in a few words? 

-A crazy bunch of people who would rather be addicted to anime than anything else. :P 

ADG is the big, dependable bear of KAC. A great friend to all who knows him and a dependable team mate. Here's hoping you continue to Support KAC in the years to come!!!! :D

Chayan Chakrabarty :

 Our newest addition to the Admin circle, Chayan is a bright guy with unique vision and ideas. He is currently in charge of the KAC Visual Novel Project.

Q1>What is your view about the Indian anime Culture?
- A few years ago, Indian Anime culture wasn't as matured as it's today. back in those days many people were not aware of the word "anime" itself (I'm talking about the parents mostly). Then came Doraemon in India, and even the parents who used to think that cartoons were only for kids started to change their thoughts on the matter. Now knowing the term "Anime", they started to think "may be those "Anime' do have some depth". Since then, the Indian anime culture has progressed a lot. Now we are more open minded because more people are aware of this huge industry. And it's growing exponentially. More kids are becoming interested in this field, and the society are broadly supporting them. So yes, I'll say the Indian Anime culture has broaden up a lot.
Q2> How do you feel about KAC?
 KAC - We call it "Kolkata Anime Club". And Whether anybody agree or not, "Kolkata's Anime Culture" has developed a lot here. When the club started out, the members only used to chat with each other about anime/manga. Since then we have changed quite a bit. . We had participated in Yukichi-Sensei's workshop, we have members who have won in the Art Section of Cool Japan Festival, We have member who has made us proud in the Cosplay at many events. Not to mention we also have a lot of other talented members. After joining KAC, my world of Anime/Manga has become wide and vast. And that definitely also goes for anyone who has joined or will join. It now has become a place for a cool hangout, fun and Creativity.

Reetam Majumdar :

Reetam has been and continues to be an indispensable asset to KAC. He was there to provide good advise regarding KAC baseline and has supported the group since. Multi-Talented Reetam, plays the guitar like a pro, cosplays like a boss and is also a fantastic writer. Here are a few words from Reetam,

Q1>What is your thought on Indian anime culture?
-It's expanding, leaps and bounds at that! The progress we've seen in terms of involvement in the last two years is more than what happened in the five years before that. Events like Cool Japan Festival and Comic Con has helped a lot too. And the best part is, the Japanese companies have started considering India as a potential market they can expand into. So things can only get better.

Q2>How is it like to be a KAC admin? 
-It's a mixed bag. Sometimes it's fun, sometimes it's stressful, but mostly it's a lazy job. KAC is reasonably self regulated so being admin doesn't really entitle me to a role very different from what even a normal member could take up.
I believe that the real impetus and enthusiasm and action when it comes to taking KAC forward must come from every member - the admins' role should only be to channelize that in the right direction.
Q3>If you had to describe KAC in a few words?
Two words - untapped potential. There are so many possibilities, so much more KAC can achieve. Hopefully, given time, KAC's full potential will be realised and we will play a more active role in spreading anime culture in India.

Sayanee Das : 

Another KAC admin who has been with us since inception. Saya chan is our happy admin with a craze for cats and love for anime. She is usually quiet and is always happy to help. Here are a few words from her.
Q1>What is your view about the Indian anime Culture?
-Great to see that the anime culture is gradually growing in India compared to just two years ago. Each person has different hobbies and the current situation is actually giving them the privilege to enjoy it to the maximum possible.

Q2>What is it like, being a KAC admin?
-  Being an admin made me able to find people with similar interest much better and being able to make many great friends. Granted that being just a member would've made that possible too but being an admin means it gives a responsibility to check up more on the club.
Q3>What do you feel about KAC?
-It is an anime club with loads of potential which needs to be utilized more to strengthen the anime culture in Kolkata. So as to be able to host events, con etc.

Sayantan Bhattacharjee :

 Our youngest admin is an anime fan subber and can speak Japanese like a pro! He is great with crowd control and is always a great sport about anything fun! 

Here are a few words from Sunny Kun!

Q1>What is your thought on Indian anime culture?
-It's bigger than what I initially thought it to be. It still has a long way to go before the more closeted fans come out
Q2>How is it like to be a KAC admin? 

-It's fun, if anything. Given the other admins are also pretty efficient themselves, everything gets done smoothly once everyone starts working seriously.
Q3>If you had to describe KAC in a few words?
-It's hard to describe something that has given me so many friends and memories in a few words. If things keep going in the right direction, we will definitely show people why Kolkata is called the cultural capital of the country.

And finally there is me, Nia.  :). 

I already have a blog dedicated to me Last year which was dripping with loyalty and praises and I hardly think it necessary to write more about myself. :D

I could probably go on and on about the admins and it still would not be enough!! This is a tribute to you guys for making KAC stay awesome through thick and thin. Thank you for working together and defining teamwork.

KAC Member Showcase : December 2013

 The Girl With Many Names and Faces

2013 is at an end, and what an awesome year it has been for anime lovers across the country! For the month of December 2013, we showcase KAC’s resident cosplay diva, Akanksha Sachan. A student at NIFT Kolkata, Akanksha’s lovely cosplays have made her a well-known name among the Indian anime and cosplay circles. 

 

 Here is a small interview with Akanksha:

Q. So, tell us about your interest in Anime and Cosplay.

- Well, anime is what I would call the ‘ Religion’ I follow. It is the most important thing in my world! Cosplay comes second. Hmm, My favourite anime: All mainstreams+ Monster+ Oh well, too many to count! :P and cosplay is what my passion is! It’s the best I can do.’

Q.When did you start Cosplaying? 

‘My second year of college, 2012.’ Says Sachan. ‘It was new! It was like I touched the thing first time that I always used to dream about! That was the first time I made any clothing on my own without even learning it in my academics, it felt amazing!!!

Her first Cosplay was Kagome Higurashi from a popular anime.

Q. From Inuyasha? Is that one of your favourites?

 ‘Yes, favourite.’ She says. ‘Way back from Animax days!’

  

Sachan's first cosplay as Kagome Higurashi.

Q. You have made quite a bit of a name for yourself in the Indian cosplay community since then.

-Well, so many cosplays to do, very little time. Oh, and money too. >.<

News Paper cut outs about Sachan and her work

Q. Haha, so Cosplay is an expensive hobby?

A.Yes J

Q.Which cosplay of yours would you say, is your best/ favourite?

A. Erza Scarlet (Heaven's Wheel Armor).

 

Sachan's Erza Scarlet Cosplay 

Q. Isn't that your Otaku House entry?

A. Yes. It was my qualifier's entry which took me into the finals.

Sachan's Elizabeth from Bioshock

Q. Excellent... you're a finalist, all the best for the Otaku House finals!! J

A. Thank you J

Q. So, are you going to be a full time Cosplayer from now on? What can we expect to see in the near future?

- Not really, it's a hobby. And a hobby remains a hobby. I will be cosplaying Female Commander Shepherd in Delhi Comic Con 2014 and many more projects to come in 2014 J

Q. Are there any Cosplayers that you consider your inspiration?

‘Yes, a lot of them!’ Reveals Sachan. ‘ Reika <3! Well, I followed Allodia for a long time, and now it's time to make my own way.’

Q. You are a well known name in Indian cosplay circle, and an Otaku House finalist, how does it feel to have this sort of fame? And what would you like to say to all the aspiring cosplayers?

- Feels good, man. I feel like I am doing something which is really unconventional in this country! Very unique and different! My words to everyone aspiring to cosplay is  just do it! J

Q. Any general advice you'd like to share?

A. *secrets* :P Well it's all confidence, never lose it.

Q. Last but not the least; tell us about your experience with KAC.

A. KAC is the best thing that had happened to me since I came to Kolkata, it is family J

Q. Great to hear that! Thank you for your time. J

A. You’re welcome J

 A few pictures Sachan generously shared of her work in progress :-

Author’s word: KAC, indeed is a family. We love you too, Akanksha and we hope to see more awesome cosplays from you in the future.



Interview and Content: Shuvo Das
Images: Provided by Akanksha Sachan

Edits by Kuroneko and Sedion

KAC September Showcase: Founder -sama

It began as a dream. Of having an anime club in Kolkata. Bringing all the members who love anime and manga in the city together, and giving them a platform to indulge in their passion and also share it with others.
As we are approaching KAC's 2nd Anniversary, this month's showcase is about the person who made it happen; the founder of KAC, Nia Dutta.

A lot of people laughed when she had first put forth her idea, and her goal of making conventions happen in the country. And today conventions have happened in the country. Even though one is yet to happen in our city, it is because KAC existed that people from Kolkata got to participate in such events.

Anything written about Nia by yours truly runs the risk of becoming an article extremely biased towards her. Her conviction in the possibilities that KAC had, her dedication, hard work and sheer stubbornness is one of the reasons that I have been a part of KAC for so long.

Nia is a jack of many trades. She is fluent in written and spoken Japanese, she is an animator and an artist par excellence (the lucky ones who have gotten hand drawn posters from her would vouch for that), and she is also an extremely hard working and approachable person. She has been the brains and very frequently the brawn behind everything KAC has achieved so far. And she recently upped her awesomeness level after her trip to Japan a few months back. To put it very bluntly, without Nia there would have been, and for that matter will be, no KAC.

The KAC members wish Nia the very best for the future, and sincerely hope that KAC manages to maintain her expectations and achieve her dreams.

KAC member feature SPECIAL EDITION

KAC's AWESOME MEMBERS
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About two years ago now, back in 2010, The Kolkata Anime Club was created on Facebook. The idea was to make a place for anime/manga lovers to collect together, meet each other and find a safe sanctuary for the fans and give them a platform where they can talk about their interests without being scorned by those who have no idea about what anime is. Truth be told, when I was first approached by someone to do so, I had my doubts about the whole plan. I didn't think people would come out from being 'closet otakus' and come to offline meets. Today we have over 400 members and counting, out of which the number of people who attend the offline meets are almost always in double digits (Just goes to show how very wrong presumptions can be).
This post is a tribute to all you members who have kept KAC alive and thriving over the past two years. For you members are KAC. ^____^

This post shall be highlighting some of the beautiful memories of the past. Enjoy!

 

KAC offline meet kicks off  [12th December, 2010]

KAC July meet 2011

KAC Spetember meet 2011

Anime screenings

KAC with mangaka Yukichi Yamamatsu

[Feb 2012]

KAC outings

Contests and prizes

KAC's teaming with super talented people, lets see some of their awesomeness 

[Credit - Akiyuki]

[Credit - Suvosree]

[Credit - Abhyam]

[Cosplay queens]

The most unique thing about KAC is that we are a close knit family...we don't just hang out to share anime, we share laughs like friends and we squabble like siblings, we care like family...

It has been an amazing two years, filled with fun and laughter. You guys rock!!!! No, seriously, you rock! ^_~. Thankyou for making KAC so awesome!!! Continue making it awesome. At all those who're not a part of KAC yet, the Kolkata Anime Club is a group by the fans and for the fans of anime/manga and all things related. KAC aims to be the gathering place of anime/manga lovers from Kolkata and all around it. Anime lovers from everywhere else are welcome too! So hurry and join us! We're waiting! ^^

KAC Showcase: July - Let The voice Echo~

For the month of July 2012, we have chosen to showcase Ahelee Bhadra.

She's being featured here for her awesome talent at perfectly covering & singing various Anime/Manga OST & songs.
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A small interview with Ahelee:-

Did you learn to sing or are you self taught?
-Haha, no I didn't learn and I don't believe I'm much of a singer anyway.

What kind of songs do you sing/cover?
-Almost always Japanese, since my voice is a little too weird for English songs.
Anything from screamo to cute songs. A lot of Vocaloid. No 'kawaii" J-pop.. *shudders*

What are your future plans?
-Mmm... Attend one of the KAC meets. University starts this October. Learn how to shuffle (dance). Try not to go poor. Travel around Europe.

Which anime songs/OSTs will you be covering in near future? 
-Ah, I don't really get the chance to be alone at home to be able to record really :p
Maybe:
"Bouken desho desho!?" - Hirano Aya
"Whats up people" - Maximum The Hormone :P

What do you think of KAC?
-Super friendly community with members who are pretty much close to each other. Very welcoming.
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Her covers:
Maximum the Hormone - Zetsubou Billy cover:


【Blood +】Aozora No Namida FAN cover【リー】:
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A Note: We are glad to have you on KAC, hope to see you on one of the meets soon! Keep rocking!

KAC Showcase: June- Our Little Nightingale~

For the month of June 2012, we have chosen to showcase Oishi Bhattacharya.

She is being featured here for her awesome vocal talent.

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A small interview with Oishi:-

Since when have you been learning music? Which genre of music do you expertise in?

- "I have been receiving training for 'Rabindra Sangeet' since I was 3 or 4 I think. I used to learn Kathak in the same institution, but later called it quits because it was apparently damaging my voice. 

I started Classical when I was 6 or 7 I think. I am currently under the tutelage of  Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty. 

That makes it obvious that I specialize in classical forms of music. But I can mold my voice to sing other forms too; except Hard rock or Metal, or whatever you call it. I sound like a kid, so its funny if I try to sing those. I have a babyish sort of voice, you see.".

What are your future plans?
- "I am still quite confused. I want to take up Animation, but don't quite know what to do for that [except study hard, obviously]. I can go for a musical career, but I don't think I'll be able to do much, what with my shyness and stage-fright ==''

I have always wanted to be an astronaut, but I have motion-sickness, so that's a definite NO. 

Animation it is, then."

What do you think of KAC?

-"What I think of KAC, hmm. Interesting question. KAC members have been very friendly to me. All of them are like family. I am very happy to be a part of KAC. The members are really talented too, be it in academics or in other areas. It's a perfect stage to bring out your talent like mine was introduced XD .... all the seniors in KAC have been very helpful too. They have never refused to help me out.. 

Let's just say, I like being a younger sister to all of them."

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One of her covers, Hotaru no Hikari (Naruto OP)

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A Note: We love our little nightingale. Glad to have you on KAC. All the best with your future. Stay awesome. :) 

KAC Showcase : May - Creating a World With Shades & Colours.

For the month of May 2012, we have chosen to showcase - Abhyam Shukla.

Abhyam's introduction in his own words- "Abhyam is a little monster, who doesn't give a damn about studies & dreams about standing out in the crowd, someday." (OK, he's a student who just gave his 12th Boards)

He's being featured here, for his awesome drawing/sketching talent.

 A small interview with Abhyam:-

How did you learn to draw?

- "Well, I never learnt drawing. From a very young age,I had this craving for drawing everywhere possible and I guess through practice and the constant support and encouragement that I got from my friends and family helped me realize my true potential. Ever since that day,there's been no looking back."

What kind of drawings do you usually do? What tools do you use?

- "I'm mostly into sketching. Pencils,pens and charcoal are some of the things I am comfortable with. I hope to learn oil painting If I can. I like to indulge in conceptual art. Something that never fails to send a message."

What are your plans regarding drawing, in future?

-  "No matter,what I choose as a career or where I end up,I will never give up drawing. So it's a forever sort of relationship."

What do you think about KAC?

- "KAC is an amazing place with amazing people. Never thought an online club would be sooo much fun. They're warm people who are always ready to support and entertain when required.
I've always wanted to make it to my first proper meet,but exams have been a bitch for a very long time. Now that I am finally free, I'm looking forward to some really amazing time at the meets. :) "


 Some of his drawings/sketches:

A note - We love your drawings and we love having you here at KAC. We hope to see you at future meets. Let your talent be an inspiration for other KAC members in the future. We look forward for your future works! :)

KAC Showcase : April - It's COSPLAY time!

KAC shall be showcasing its members on this blog every month from now on. This is part of our attempt to familiarise ourselves with some of the outstanding talent that KAC has, and give our awesome members some well deserved attention for making this place so fun and colourful. ^_^

For the month of April, we have chosen to showcase one of our newer members, Rhea Chowdhury.

Rhea currently works as an editor in Kolkata.

She is being featured here for the stunning cosplay that she did at the Cool Japan Festival 2012 held in Mumbai, where she dressed up as an ANBU (from the anime/manga Naruto).

A small interview of Rhea-san :

How did you make this costume?

- "Once I heard about the Cool Japan Fair, I absolutely HAD to go attend it. Everyone was really pumped up to cosplay. Hence, I had to cosplay too. But I wanted it to be an accurate one, even if it were to be simple. Shaival gave me the idea about being an ANBU and I loved the idea. Since, ANBU's are very powerful, yet they are pretty useless and hence underrated! X_X I thought it would be simple but I was wrong since making any costume perfect is a hard job, no matter how simple it is. ANBU had a lot of small props to take care of but since I would be a random ANBU, I could modify and customize some of the accessories. For the ninja shoes I preferred using boots. Got that from Esplanade. Black jeans from there too. And thankfully had a black tee to go under the white ANBU vest (which was full sleeve and I just cut off the sleeves and used it as the extension for the long fingerless gloves) . The weapons were from the NINJA kit that we already had. Except the FUMA SHURIKEN and the arm guards. Fuma shuriken was prepared using the cardboard. It was made by Shaival kun. He used black/silver fabric/poster colors. He worked VERY hard behind it and it turned out to be a kickass weapon! The arm guards were made from cardboard as well. White fabric paint on it. The masks were made by me with my mother's help We got two animal party masks (tiger) used spray white spray paint (two thick coats) Let them dry for about one whole day and then use a red marker to make the design on the mask. I changed the design a bit since the mask was not EXACTLY like the ANBU mask but it worked fine Got the fingerless gloves from a random store and used the torn sleeve for myself and for Shaival used black socks with the tip cut off. Now comes the VEST. I looked for a thick material at Gariahat and finally found it. Got hold of my talior and made him see anime ANBU images explaining how it is to be done. And he did a GREAT job didn't he? :P  So that's how we became ANBUs for one marvellous and memorable day." 

Is there any upcoming event, where you'll be cosplaying again? 

- “Currently, I am not working on any other cosplay. But I will cosplay again if there is another event like Cool Japan. If i have the time I would also cosplay for KAC with the other amazing members! ^_^”  

How has your experience with KAC been so far? 

- “Experience with KAC is AWESOME. Every member is warm and welcoming. They are also very encouraging. My cosplay was just for fun, but KAC took it to another level. I'll always be indebted to them for that. Arigatou KAC *bows*.

Thank you.
I love u guys.”

Some Pictures:

A note - We loved your cosplay at the Cool Japan Festival and we love having you here at KAC. We hope to see you at future meets. Let your cosplay be an inspiration for other KAC members in the future. We look forward to your future cosplays. :)