'Feminism is part of humanism': Aparna Sen

Eminent Indian filmmaker, screenwriter and actor Aparna Sen has recently traveled to Dhaka for the first time in 17 years to participate in the 16^th Dhaka International Film Festival with her film “Sonata.” In a brief session at the seminar room of Central Public Library on Monday, Sen discussed an array of matters regarding  life, career and the contemporary film scene with local journalists. Starting at the ripe age of fourteen with her debut film “Teen Kanya” (1961), Sen took a four-year hiatus to concentrate on her academic studies and returned with “Aparichito” (1969). The acclaimed actor turned director, was lauded and widely recognized for her film “Aranyer Din Ratri” (1970) which was followed by a number of other critical darlings including the likes of “Indira” (1984), “Kari Diye Kinlam” (1989), “Ek Din Achanak” (1999), “Mahaprithibi” (1991), “Unishe April” (1995), “Paromitar Ek Din” (2000), “Titli” (2001), “Antaheen” (2009), “Chatushkon” (2014). As an actor, Sen always wanted to portray atypical characters, she said in the seminar. But at a certain point in her career, she became unable to find characters worth exploring, hence, decided to take yet another break. “This is when I started writing,” Sen said reminiscing. A few days into her break the director swapped the lens for a pen and inked “36 Chourangi Lane.” “I never thought that I would make my first film with this story,” she admitted. Sen continued: “Legendary filmmaker Satyajit Roy had a look at it, he asked me why I hadn’t made a film out of it, describing the story as “full of heart,” that’s how I first entertained the idea of adapting it into film.” When asked about the obstacles she had faced as a female director, Sen said that her gender did not make her face any obstacles, rather “it is the inability of people to fathom the stories of films that creates roadblocks.” When asked about her stance on feminism, Sen replied: “I believe that women are a part of human society. So, I perceive feminism as a part of humanism.”