Actor Rituparna Sengupta is all set to explore Bollywood on his list of upcoming projects. Recently, she took time out from the Hindustan Times’ busy schedule to talk about how she felt when some of the Bollywood movies failed to attract audiences. He also talked about his recent visit to Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’ home in the US.
Also read: Rituparna Sengupta: Shah Rukh Khan is another name for success
So what do you think of commercial films and art films?
I did both, so I shouldn’t accept the split between these two films. Commercial movies gave me entry into the industry and my stardom. I appreciate that, but at the same time, I want all kinds of movies that explore me..not just commercials and art films. I’m a person who fits in any box. Very approachable for any movie.
The recent Mahishasour Mardini is a fusion of theater and big screen. So many movies and even their songs like Chokh Tule Dekho Na (Sasurbari Zindabad), Tapa Tini (Belashuru) became such super his hits. For me, those commercial elements are also important. Because we want more producers to invest and grow the industry. I believe that even in the sense of full Bengali films can produce the same impact that is currently being produced by the film industry in the South.
You are still remembered for your National Award winning Shwet Patharer Thala in 1992 and have over 100 film credits in 7 languages. It has a strong following not only in India, but also in Bangladesh. What’s the secret to staying relevant?
I have played many roles in my life (laughs). This is a big point. I feel like a marathon runner who keeps running. It is busy.
Will it be more challenging for women?
Staying relevant is important. Shouldn’t women continue to keep their qualities beyond age and time? It becomes even more difficult when they enter new areas of life and start families.People expect a little more from women. I think you are. If you are at home, you are expected to take care of your children and take care of your parents.
My family is here in Singapore. My job is in Mumbai, Kolkata or elsewhere in India. So I have to break my back to go travelling. I came here after completing one mission. Obviously, it costs me, but I chose it. So I have to, I can’t complain. You can’t calculate life, and I’m happy.
You are ready for your OTT debut in your Hindi project of choice. Do you think your Bollywood stint is a jinx as mentioned in the report?
I had some very beautiful movies of mine that never got released. I once did a Manish Gupta movie with Sonu Sood and Om Puri. It had some production level issues and was later scrapped. I was also part of Anjan Dutta’s film featuring Me, Kay Kay Menon, Sonali Kulkarni, Jimmy Shergill, Naseruddin Shah and Sandhya Muridur, which also failed to be released. Ajay Varma has contacted me about Warner’s Brothers movie with Vinay Pathak. Even that film could not be released due to production issues. We actors just feel bad after making a movie that doesn’t reach the audience. With these films, I might have had a better chance.
Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji I wish Madhur ji had developed my track with Ajay Devgn though. Obviously, I’m happy with my Hindi main, Meri Patni Aur Woh, but I could have gotten more.
It’s not wrong to expect something more. Even Priyanka Chopra once said, “It’s okay to be greedy for work. Like her, I’m not from any heritage. I never had a mentor or a godfather. Born into an aristocratic family, cinema was a distant dream, maybe it was too raw for Bollywood, maybe it wasn’t the right time.
To quote Priyanka, you recently met her in Los Angeles. Please tell us about your visit. How was your experience?
It was a great experience. Nick and Priyanka are very warm. It was Aunt Madhu who invited me. She was traveling to LA so she stopped by. I was very happy to meet the whole family. I met the Jonas brothers. I couldn’t stay long. Auntie told me to eat, but I had to go. Their bungalows are so beautiful.
She is an inspiration and has accomplished a lot. Worldwide she has earned her name. She’s moving to places like Hollywood and fighting to establish herself is no joke.
Have you met Priyanka Chopra’s daughter Marti Marie?
Yes, I met Marti for a while. she is very cute It was a private visit for her, so she doesn’t want to share much. She’s Mishti, that’s all I can say.
Prosenjit Weds Rituparna is the new movie that caught everyone’s attention. Do you still meet people who confuse you and a proscendent as a real-life couple?
It’s funny. This has stuck in the audience’s mind and it’s a myth.
