I’m obsessively drawn to new challenges, so there have been a few memorable films. I give myself fully to every role, hence there’s more to look forward to than one film’s achievement.
Tell us briefly about your role.
Sugandha is the eternal child-woman, angelic and innocent yet unconsciously sensuous. Her journey mirrored the trials of all the classical heroines she posed as for Ravi Varma.
We’ve heard about the intimate scenes.
There’s a mistaken notion of steamy sex scenes. On the contrary, it’s completely about an artist and his muse creating a masterpiece.
You grew up with Ravi Varma paintings around your house.
True, I’ve been spellbound by Ravi Varma from childhood, and I’ve been looking at the woman I was to play for as long as I’ve been in Bombay.
Your parents (Amartya and Nabanita Dev Sen) must have been a strong influence.
Yes, both are greatly inspiring souls who’ve supported me in my crazy decisions. They expected me to go into academia and were surprised when their shy, geeky daughter chose acting.
Your mother is a writer and poet, so was acting a natural progression?
I think I inherited my mother’s genes more than my dad’s. As long as I’ve been able to spell, I’ve been writing. I’ve sold three scripts, published stories, translated my mother’s poems....
Do you feel judged by parentage?
I’ve never given much thought to how I’m perceived. I try to set such absurdly high standards for my work that nobody could possibly judge me more than myself.
What are your criteria for choosing films?
I always go by my instinct and avoid playing the same type of role in film after film.
You’ve made your debut in Bengali films.
Yes, just completed Kaler Rakhal.
Your upcoming projects.
Prince, Zindabad, Season’s Greetings etc.
