Anasuya Sengupta scripted history at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, as she became the first Indian actor to win the Best Actress Award in the Un Certain Regard segment for her role in the film The Shameless, directed by Bulgarian filmmaker Konstantin Bojanov.

“I couldn’t believe it was happening! But as I shakily walked to the stage and stood with the artistes I have admired, my heroes, it felt oddly natural to be welcomed with so much authenticity and love. I am so grateful to the jury for seeing my hard work,” Sengupta tells us, as she boards her flight back home to India.

The actor has been flooded with congratulatory messages from across the world, including those from Indian actors such as Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor. “I am amazed at the love pouring in from so many back home. It makes me proud to make everyone proud. I am so excited about celebrating with my family,” she gushes.

The Shameless follows a sex worker, who flees a Delhi brothel after stabbing a policeman. Sengupta dedicated her award “to the queer community”.

The actor admits that her journey in showbiz hasn’t been easy. Her career began with a supporting role in the 2009 film Madly Bangalee, followed by production designing for a decade. She was also a part of Masaba Masaba in 2020, and The Shameless happened the same year. “I auditioned for it. The director, Konstantin, had reached out. It was a lead role,” she reveals, adding, “I have worked so hard for so long, and I’m here to keep doing it more and more. It all feels worth it when I look back.”

I am so happy to share this moment with Payal Kapadia, Kani (Kusruti), Chhaya (Kadam) and Divya (Prabha), the team of All We Imagine As Light, who have won the Grand Prix. I adore them.