You are playing the central character in the web series Kaali. What drew you to this project?
I was working in an Indo-Bangla joint venture film along with Parambrata who narrated Kaali’s script to me. I could immediately relate to it. It is the story of an etxraordinary journey of an otherwise ordinary woman. It would have a universal appeal to all women; I remember thinking at the time.
Women who come from very ordinary, middle class background, go through a lot of hardship, prioritize their children over any regard for their own personal desires – Kaali is a dramatic portrayal of them. Some of us have had women like that in our lives, some of us even have been that woman.
Besides, Kaali is a symbol of strength. And I think there is a bit of Kaali in every girl. I thought, it would be a powerful story and I had to be a part of it.
The show humanizes a character that made wrong choices in life, and is now a potential danger to the society. What kind of message should we take from that?
I don’t think she would be a danger. She is anything but selfish. We will see her character’s further development in the third season. If anything, it’s the society that has been blatantly judgmental of the choices. Now finally, she is thinking of herself as an individual and paying heed to her own desires and whims. Before, she was Kaali by name, now she would be Kaali by action.
You look too young to be the mother of an 18-year old. Did you have concerns about ageism?
I had similar reservations. I warned my producer of the complaints they would receive. But Kaali got married at a very young age. So the story in a way allowed me to look the way I do. I used to joke around with the actor who played the son’s role about how unfit I was to play his mother. Both of us had a fun time.
How was your experience working with Abhishek Banerjee?
I have known him as a celebrated casting director. This is my first time working with him. It was wonderful. We used to have lots of chat about Kolkata’s street food. But it was all very brief since I shared screen time with him only during the climax.
What is your favorite memory from the set?
It is my first web series. That makes it special. I really miss the team behind the series. It was full of energetic youngsters running around, accomplishing things with a sense of effortlessness. They used to get candies for me. I have a weakness for Hajmolas. They would get those for me as well. I was treated with respect and care; and I have always appreciated that.
You are a graduate of chemistry. Does that ever come handy in this line of work?
Chemistry is full of mystery like some stories we tell in films. Chemistry students are also mischievous. I have a reputation for it on set, but I won’t reveal it here. I’ll keep that a mystery. (laughs)
Did you ever get to visit your ancestral home in Faridpur, Bangladesh?
No. I tried. I wanted to. Once I brought my mother with me to Bangladesh to visit Faridpur; but we got in a terrible accident while travelling. The second time I came here to shoot Swatta, starring Shakib Khan. I told my director Hasibur Reza Kollol about my desire to visit my home. But that also did not work out since we had a very tight schedule.
Your film Chatrak was featured in Directors Fortnight at Cannes. What is next for you?
For the time being, I just want to go out and see my friends again. I want things to get better for us. Amphan caused massive destruction all across Bengal. I want us to revive and recover. I want good days to come back. I am focusing on life, health and the basic fundamentals for now.