Smita Poojary (DNA; September 4, 2019)

Twenty years ago, when a 17-year-old Raima Sen made a foray into films with Godmother, it was tough for her to find her bearings because she hadn’t had formal training in acting. However, projects with some of the most powerful directors in the Indian film industry, such as Aparna Sen, Rituparno Ghosh and Pradeep Sarkar, helped her hone her skills. The actress shares, “It’s been a great experience from my first film with Shabana Azmi to now.

Today, I’m a director’s actor because whatever I have learnt has been on the job, while filming.” The Bengali beauty speaks to us about why her Bollywood movies are few and far between as well as her upcoming Hindi flick, Aliya Basu Gayab Hai.

Tell us something about your movie Aliya Basu Gayab Hai...
The film explores the relationship between three people played by Vinay Pathak, Salim Diwan and me. It’s not just a regular love triangle but also involves bisexuality. Director Preeti Singh is so sorted and knows exactly what she wants. She is a to-the-point and no-nonsense kind of a lady. She was great for a debutante feature film director.

What made you say yes to the film?
It has just three characters and I’m one of the main leads, so it is a solo-heroine outing for me. I liked the story. Also, Vinay, with whom I have worked before in Kagaz Ke Fools (2015), is a great actor, which helped me bring a lot more to the table.

Even though you’ve been appreciated for your work in Bollywood, we see you in a few Hindi movies?
I was doing a lot of things in Bollywood till five years ago. Since then, I have done some brilliant Bengali films, with National-Award-winning directors and my films are winning National Awards, too. I’d rather do good projects like these in Bengal than just about any film in Bollywood. Also, because I have the backup of another industry, I don’t have to free fall and do whatever comes my way in Hindi cinema. I’ve had the privilege of choosing the best from what I get. Since the Bengali industry was giving me more lucrative offers, as well as substantial roles, I chose that for four years. But this year, you will see me in a lot of web series — three with ZEE5 and one on another platform. You will see me back in Bollywood in full swing.

Will Bollywood be your priority?
I would love to be in both industries. I can’t and won’t ignore Bengali cinema because it has made me who I’m. Of course, I’ve been caught up with Hindi projects this whole year and nothing there. However, if there is something great that comes from there, I will do it.

Is there a difference in the filmmaking process in both the industries?
Bollywood has more money and a bigger platform where there is more recovery. Comparatively, in Bengal, the returns are not that great, so the movies are made on a tighter budget. In terms of the working style, a film is a film and only the language is different.

You recently began shooting for ZEE5’s series Love. Sleep. Repeat...
I had a great time because it was a new experience for me. My co-actor Anshuman (Malhotra) is excellent, even though he is so young. It was a refreshing change for me.

What are your upcoming projects?
Apart from two Hindi web series, I have the third season of my Bengali show, Hello.