Kolkata/IBNS: Durga Puja is a celebration of hope for people who depend on it for livelihood, said Bengali film actress Mimi Chakraborty amid the raging debate over whether it is an appropriate time to return to festivities in view of the RG Kar rape-murder case.

The Tollywood A-lister said, "Pujo is a celebration of hope for a huge section of people who depend on this festival for livelihood. We don't come across any other festival as big as Durga Puja that offers livelihood at this scale to people. Tanishq's collection Aalo symbolises the light of hope for these people."

Named to evoke the essence of divine light, Aalo symbolizes the radiance that graces an unwavering strength of Aishanis of Bengal, paying tribute to the spirit of Shakti embodied in every Bengali woman.

This collection celebrates the divine aura of Maa Durga while paying homage to the intricate craftsmanship of Bengal's artisans.

Speaking of the collection, Mimi said, "Like every year, the theme focuses on how to showcase Bengal, its craftsmanship and celebrate artisans. This collection celebrates women's power."

On the work front, Mimi was last seen in Bangladeshi film Toofan, where she starred alongside Shakib Khan.

Earlier this year, she made her web debut with Hoichoi series Jaha Bolibo Shotto Bolibo, a courtroom drama where she plays an advocate alongside Tota Roychowdhury.

(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)