'Bagha Jatin': Balancing academics and films challenging but not impossible, says debutant Sreeja Dutta

Q. How did you develop interest in films?

A. I had an interest in learning something new. My interest in films grew first in class 10 when I featured in a short film. Slowly, my interest in films increased.

Q. What was your initial reaction when you were roped in for Bagha Jatin?

A. I kept on praying when the selection process was on. I was aware that others, who had applied, were equally talented. I was fortunate enough to get selected. Through my work, I wanted to ensure that I didn't break the trust which was shown on me. I was feeling a certain responsibility towards the role and the project.

Q. How supportive was your family and college?

A. I was very fortunate. My family was extremely supportive of my work. My family members trust me that I will balance both work and college. My college principal was equally supportive, he encouraged and inspired me especially when dates of shooting and examinations had clashed. It means a lot when it comes from the principal of a college.

Q. How are they reacting to your work now?

A. The principal sir is very happy with what has been happening. My friends as well as college mates are equally happy and excited.

Q. Can you articulate your current state of mind in the run up to the release?

A. It's a very different feeling to give interviews and take part in the promotions. It's a very overwhelming feeling. I had never anticipated all these to materialise in my life in this manner and so early. But I am aware that everything comes with a responsibility so I am trying to ensure that my work is perfect and I present myself in the appropriate manner.

Q. How tough was the act of balancing academics and films?

A. I feel it is challenging but not impossible. No matter how tough it is, the balancing act is quite possible if we make up our mind. So I try to do that. I am trying to handle my studies alongside the promotional tour.

Q. How was working with Dev?

A. Dev-da is a good hearted human being who is rare in this era. The way he and his team helped me to learn from scratch is a big thing for me. My respect towards him increased after Bagha Jatin.

Q. How was the process to get into the psyche of Indubala coming from the present generation?

A. Sreeja and Indubala, who come from diverse generations, are completely different. My biggest task was to transform myself into Indubala. Arun-sir had said he wanted me to wear the simplicity and homely nature of Indubala. He wanted me to speak like a housewife, completely different from the way I speak in real life. Moreover, I used to practice wearing sarees at home to get comfortable in it and also worked in the kitchen to some extent as a part of my preparations.

Q. So you had gone through a parallel research work.

A. Yes, yes. I had to come out of Sreeja to portray Indubala, for which my research work continued for long.

Q. What impact did Indubala have left on you?

A. The way Indubala supported Jatindranath Mukherjee sacrificing her own interests for the nation is very inspiring for me.

Q. Do you have any plans after Bagha Jatin?

A. Not as such. I will jump to my semesters after this film's release. After that, I will see how things pan out for me. But I will continue to work for sure.

(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)