'Things are different as Prosenjit's wife'

Her role in Ekti Tarar Khonje

I play Rani, a small-town girl from Kurseong who shifts to Kolkata to build her career. It's a very realistic character – one that everyone can relate to. Once in Kolkata, Rani moves into her uncle's home. This is where she meets the hero (played by Shayan Munshi) and their relationship blossoms. But he soon gets involved in a major crime. While other women may have ended the relationship at this point, Rani begins her own investigation to find out how far he is implicated. The circumstances bring out the detective in her and she is able to discover the truth.

On Ekti Tarar Khonje being her comeback

It's not that at all. At the time, I was preparing to return to acting. I felt it important to ready myself before taking the step. During that period I met Tony (Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury) and he brought up the film. There was no pre-planning at all – it just happened.

Returning to acting as Prosenjit's wife

Things are certainly different. Prosenjit has strong relationships with people in the industry; he is greatly respected. Being his wife, there are expectations from me. Although I'm returning to acting after a seven-year gap, I never really left the industry. It wasn't possible to. So though I wasn't facing the camera, I was in touch with many from the industry.

The first shot after seven years

I was extremely nervous. But the shot was okay-ed in the very first take. (Laughs)

Changes in Tollywood

The industry has become very advanced technically. While dubbing especially, the technical improvements were very evident. Plus, this was my first time working with RED cameras. These things weren't there seven years ago. Altogether it's been a new and positive experience.

On Ekti Tarar Khonje not being typical Tollywood fare

I wouldn't say that. I believe all films are mainstream ones. When you look at Bollywood – My Name Is Khan and Karthik Calling Karthik are distinct in terms of style and context, but both are mainstream movies. From time to time, a path-breaking film comes along in every industry. And Tollywood is currently going through a crucial time, a changeover period. At one time, a film like Shashurbari Jindabad was seen as path-breaking. Now though, it's time again for something new. As mentalities change, cinema must also change, else it will stagnate. The style used in Ekti Tarar Khonje is already well-accepted in Bollywood. To some extent, it is necessary that people like this film. If the film runs well, it would give producers the confidence to make more films like this.

What next?

Raja Sen's Laboratory with Raveena Tandon.


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