Theoretically, football is a simple game of 22 players chasing a ball. But fan support has a palpable relevance as the ‘12th Man’ brings in a collective energy of chanting, cheering, and creating an electrifying atmosphere that can undeniably act as a powerful psychological boost, and this isn't just anecdotal; it's a measurable advantage.

Nandinee Roy Chowdhury, a die-hard East Bengal FC fan, has been supporting the club for the last 10 to 12 years. From starting as a new face in the stands to becoming a key part of East Bengal Ultras, one of the most vocal fan bases in the country, her journey over the years has been remarkable and inspirational for many.

Nandinee’s love for East Bengal FC began with a different perspective. In a recent interview withindiansuperleague.com, she spoke about her passion, the club’s fan culture, women’s engagement at the stadium, and more.

The Starting Point

East Bengal FC, a century-old historic club, boasts thousands of supporters, and its legacy passes through the generations. With their rich history and legacy, the Red and Gold Brigade has been a pioneer in Indian football with their captivating performances and illustrious success.

Roy Chowdhury’s passion for the game grew from her family, where they were football fanatics, whether it was European competitions or the World Cup.

“It’s a very ordinary story. Usually, what happens in the Kolkata Maidan is that it’s (the tradition) been passed through the generations, because we’re 100-year-old clubs. But, in my case, it was not like that. My uncle used to play football, and he taught me what the rules are, and especially during the World Cup, everybody would go fanatical and would support any country of their choice,” she said.

However, Roy Chowdhury believed there was no such reason for her to follow East Bengal FC. She revealed that it was the bright ‘Red and Gold’ colours that caught her eye at first glance and made her fall in love with the club.

“When I watched some matches where East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan (Super Giant), both teams were playing, I saw that one team was wearing a green and maroon jersey, which is not so bright. It’s not that lucrative to my eyes, and what struck me was the name. I like the name East Bengal FC and the colours, especially the bright red and gold colours that caught my eye, so I just casually picked a team as a kid that I like this team, and probably between these two teams, I would support this team (East Bengal FC). This is how I picked East Bengal FC, and there's no logic, actually, when you support a club,” she shared.

East Bengal FC tradition through and through

She has been brought up in a Bengali family where passion for East Bengal FC is inevitable. Over the years, she has been supporting the club from the bottom of her heart, passionately following every match and cheering the team from the stands.

Roy Chowdhury also highlighted East Bengal FC’s historic triumphs, and its old glory mesmerised her as she became deeply immersed in the Red and Gold culture.

“When I started following it, I grew to love the club and the team, and then I got to know that I am also a Bangal and come from a Bangal family, and then I learned the history behind these two clubs, and then I realized that unknowingly I have picked my club only, which was supposed to be supported by me, that is, me being a Bengali, I should support East Bengal FC.

It's not just about football. The whole Bengali community is divided into two, actually, and it's more than football; it's more than just football and games and everything. It's rooted in our culture, rooted in our blood. You talk about food, culture, attitude, behaviour, and everything it's associated with,” Nandinee said.

Finding fan passion through East Bengal Ultras

East Bengal Ultras are one of the club’s most vocal fan groups, passionately following every movement of the team and creating an electric atmosphere in the stadium.

As pioneers of Ultras culture in the country, they have been trying to bring change to the Indian football fan scene since 2013. Nandinee has been part of this movement since its early days, specifically from 2014, witnessing the group grow and inspire the next generation through their engaging activities.

Despite the team not enjoying much success on the pitch in recent years, the Ultras have remained vocal and consistent through their unwavering support and creative initiatives.

“Initially, before Ultras, there were no constructive activities (in the galleries). I used to follow Real Madrid. Obviously, they had Ultras, and I always wished that I could also be a part of it by being here, staying here in Kolkata. When I saw Dortmund fans and Liverpool fans singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" together, that atmosphere was attractive to me, and I always wished that we could chant together rather than just abusing each other,” Nandinee acknowledged.

“Here, Ultras made that thing possible. It brought us like-minded people under one roof, and the ideas from our minds we worked on, and we started putting all those together, and we made it possible. We, the East Bengal Ultras, were the first ones to bring tifos to India. That was one of my dreams fulfilled. For my mother club, now we can also do something: we can chant. So, I joined Ultras initially because of this only: I always wanted to be part of something like this,” she further added.

However, the Ultras’ journey had its share of ups and downs in the early years, as they faced criticism even from fellow supporters, since this was something completely new compared to the traditional norms of Kolkata football. But with time and effort, they made it possible. Eventually, their passion and dedication drew admiration and gradually won people over to their movement.

“Initially, we did face criticism, and through the years, people saw our activities. People saw what we are capable of when people started seeing our content. We made one 3D tifo during a 2017 I-League match. Having a fan base like Ultras can do a lot in a match. They can create hell for the opponent's players,” she said.

She also expressed her enthusiasm about getting the unique opportunity to support her club on foreign soil fulfilled.

The Red and Gold Brigade played their AFC Challenge League group stage matches in Bhutan, and Roy Chowdhury, along with fellow members of the Ultras group, made the journey to Bhutan to cheer passionately for their beloved club.

"In our East Bengal Ultras journey, one of our most awaited wishes was fulfilled when around 50 of us travelled abroad (to Bhutan) for the AFC Challenge League.

"Ever since we became part of this movement, we had dreamt of an Ultras away tour on foreign soil. That dream became a reality in October 2024," she shared.

Breaking barriers as a woman

Roy Chowdhury believes that women are now more open to visiting stadiums and actively participating in the club’s support system. While female presence in the stands was rare a decade or two ago, the situation has changed significantly, with women becoming more comfortable and integrated into fan culture, breaking barriers across all age groups.

“I don't see anything differently as a woman. Yeah, for sure, things were different. 20 years back, there were a lot of men but no women, and the atmosphere was also considered unsafe. When I grew up and started going to the stadiums to watch matches, things changed.

“Right now, girls, they go to the stadium very much. Now the situation has changed a lot. The girls who go to the school come to the stadium. I mean, the number has increased. Yeah, there are some people who are hesitant because in a football stadium, there will be abuses, there will be bad words, but I can tell you that even parents with small kids also come to the stadium, and they sit together. So things have changed a lot right now,” she said.

She also highlighted the growing inclusivity in the stands in recent years, where people of all ages—from young children to the elderly—come together, regardless of gender, reflecting the harmony within fan culture.

“I feel that we have reached a place where everybody feels inclusive, not just girls and boys; even parents with kids are also feeling inclusive right now. The number has increased so much that the kids, irrespective of gender, both girls and boys, come with their parents,” she remarked.

Nandinee Roy Chowdhury’s story drives football's emotional core: passion, loyalty, and unwavering dedication that have been fueling the team’s performance and intimidating opponents.