Two-times National Film Award winner Jaya Ahsan is going to play in a historical drama film based on the 1947 partition of India and East Bengal. The film, titled “Rajkahini,” will be directed by Indian director Srijit Mukherji.
The 42-year-old svelte beauty, while confirming the news to Dhaka Tribune, refused to elaborate on the plot or her role in the movie. She, however, said she is currently busy with another of her mainstream ventures, “Purno Doirgho Prem Kahini 2,” with Shakib Khan and Emon.
In a previous interview, you said you are eager to know how the audience of mainstream films accept you. What did you find?
All I can say, in a nutshell, is the audience of mainstream films want to see new actors on the silver screen, as they are quite bored with the existing ones. New faces appeal more to them.
You seem very choosy when it comes working for mainstream films.
Currently, I am working with director Shafi Uddin Shafi for the second part of his PDPK series, but yes, I gave my consent to work in that only after I was convinced of the plot and production quality. After “Guerilla,” which was based on the liberation war, many directors approached me with similar-themed projects but I had to decline those offers. I look forward to doing films with new ideas.
How would you evaluate yourself as an actor?
I don’t want to be bracketed as a typical heroine. In fact, I don’t even want to be bracketed as an “actor” because I don’t believe I have done enough to hold that title yet. But I hope I am on the way to be one. I am keen to work in quality productions, either alternative or mainstream.
Do you have a plan to return to the small screen?
I wonder if the audience still watch television these days. I have no plan to return to television yet.
But speaking of works, the possibility of producing quality works is higher in television than in films. You can produce quality works with small budget in television, but the same is not possible in films. But I must say, the experience of portraying a good character in a film is amazing.
You have experience of working in both Kolkata and Dhaka films. What differences did you notice in the two industries?
We, Bangladeshi actors and artistes, lack professionalism and, importantly, the audience here is not ready yet to accept all kind of works. But the Kolkata audience is more open to experimental works. I think more independent films should be made in Bangladesh to create our own audience and to open new avenues for the actors who have little scopes to explore their potential. In this respect, Kolkata’s actors are very lucky.
How did you come to know Srijit Mukherji?
It was a few years earlier, during a film festival in Singapore where we were promoting “Aborto.” Srijit discussed with me the idea of a film based on the 1947 partition and I accepted his offer.
What’s your evaluation of Shakib Khan?
While working, Shakib is absolutely professional. He has all the qualities necessary to be a good artiste.
