In a career marked by artistic evolution and industry recognition, Anasuya Sengupta has made headlines once again with her recent triumph at the Cannes Film Festival. Winning Best Actress at the festival’s prestigious Un Certain Regard section for her role in “The Shameless,” Sengupta’s journey from a production designer to an acclaimed actress is nothing short of inspiring.
As her latest film continues to garner international praise, we had the opportunity to sit down with Sengupta on The Achiever’s Playbook event at Techno India University to discuss her extraordinary career path, her life in Calcutta, her experience working in the film “The Shameless” and so much more. Sengupta’s story is a testament to perseverance and passion.
Q: “Your journey from ‘Madly Bangalee’ to the Cannes Film Festival is awe inspiring to all of us. For all the people that look up to you, would you share a few words about your journey?”
A: “I would say that being true to one’s self, at least for me personally, has helped me a lot. As I’ve gone along in life, I’ve tried to prioritize being more and more ‘me’, and I think that’s where true satisfaction and happiness lies. That for me is a successful life.”
Q: “What was it like growing up and studying in Calcutta?”
A: “Amazing. I did my schooling here; my university years were here. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Q: “What advice do you have for young aspiring actors with regards to selecting roles and projects?”
A: “Regular practice as any other art form. There are really no shortcuts. It’s unending practice, one’s own discipline, and once again – staying true to one’s craft and to yourself, which enriches one’s craft as well.”
Q: “What was your experience like working in the film “The Shameless”? What drew you to this particular project?”
A: “Fabulous. It’s been a dream come true moment for me – the opportunity of working with an absolutely fabulous cast and crew. I might have got the award myself but it’s really not mine alone. I have to credit my entire team, my co-actors, my wonderful director Konstantin, so yes, it’s been a great, great experience. When I read the script, I instantly fell in love with the character. It was nothing short of an honour to get the opportunity to embody a character like Renuka. In my eyes, she is sort of a feminist icon, and I was really excited to play her.”
Q: “As a film professional yourself, how do you see the role of women in the film industry evolving? What more do you think can be done to support female talent?”
A: “I think there’s a lot of growth and progress that’s been happening in the last few years and it’s going very strong, but there’s always more that we can do. There’s always more women that I’d like to see in the forefront and once that’s in place, I believe that other marginalized communities and groups would also be represented further. There’s still a long way to go, but we also certainly have come a long way as well.”
Q: “What do you miss the most about Calcutta when you’re not in the city?”
A: “I’ve been away from the city for over 15 years now, so I do miss home. I miss the simplicity and authenticity of Calcutta. But I’m very deeply connected so although I miss it, I don’t really feel like I’ve entirely left it behind.”
Q: “What are your thoughts on the ‘Make Calcutta Relevant Again’ movement?”
A: “I think it’s a great movement because it puts the city on the map as it should. I myself left Calcutta many years ago as I said, but there’s something that always pulls me back. It’s a great initiative to have more people come in here and represent the city.”
Q: “How do you think your film helps in making Calcutta relevant again?”
A: “I don’t know, I think that’s something for the rest of you to judge. I feel proud to have made my city so proud so, we’ll see.”
Q: “Lastly, just to end this – if you have one message for your city, what would that be?”
A: “Continue being as welcoming and as warm as Calcutta is known to be. Calcutta has its signature style and I really hope that doesn’t change.”
Sengupta’s journey from Calcutta to the global stage is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists everywhere, illustrating that success is a blend of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to one’s values. Her story remains a testament to the power of dreams and the enduring spirit of Calcutta.
