After music, now ‘story therapy’ for Soumitra Chatterjee

Kolkata: Stories will be read out to actor Soumitra Chatterjee — now under treatment at Belle Vue Clinic — to provide “psychological stimulation” and hasten his recovery. The 85-year-old, who had tested positive to Covid but has since recovered, continues to remain drowsy. He is already being given music therapy to improve his response that remains weak and slow.Listening to stories will aid his cerebral functioning, said doctors.
“We are planning to read out stories to him from Monday. His daughter will be asked to do it and also to share good memories. These will help his brain functioning,” said Arindam Kar, critical care head at Belle Vue. He added that the veteran actor’s condition has improved considerably and he is being able to breathe without oxygen support. Chatterjee was made to sit on his bed on Sunday and could start walking with assistance in a couple of days.
“We have just completed a high dose course of steroids that has yielded good results. His response has improved and he has no fever. We have also finished a course of intravenous immunoglobulin. His vital parameters are slowly changing for the better,” said Kar.
He added his physiotherapy has been escalated to ‘rigorous levels’ and the actor is being given frequent chest and limb massages. “He is trying to speak and has been opening his eyes more frequently. We plan to make him walk in a few days,” added Kar. Chatterjee remains on a liquid diet which is being infused through a riles tube.
Menawhile, Tagore songs are being played as part of his music therapy. “We have received a number of his favourite Tagore song albums from a film-maker which are being played,” said Kar.
Music has a soothing effect on the nerves and acts as a relaxant. “Chatterjee loves Rabindrasangeet, so we have started playing a few of them since last Wednesday,” said a member of Soumitra’s medical board.