Showing posts with label Raima Sen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raima Sen. Show all posts
Anil Kapoor, Vijay Varma to star in Hansal Mehta's business drama, shoot to begin in Sri Lanka
9:44 AM
Sources say Hansal Mehta to roll his next, a business drama, in Sri Lanka this month; Anil Kapoor and Vijay Varma play rivals in the series about power and betrayal
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 4, 2025)
What’s Hansal Mehta’s next after Gandhi, said to be his most ambitious work to date? Murmurs over the past few months suggested that in a departure from his penchant for real-life stories, the filmmaker was set to explore a business drama (New show on the cards, Feb 21). Now, mid-day has learnt that Mehta is ready to take the web series on floors in Sri Lanka this month. The Netflix offering, starring Anil Kapoor and Vijay Varma, tells the story of power, money, and morals through two business rivals whose ugly clash sends shockwaves in the financial world.
Last month, Mehta apparently headed to Sri Lanka for a recce for the big-budget drama that is produced by Vikram Malhotra.
A source reveals, “Hansal and Vikram are keeping everything under wraps. With Anil and Vijay playing high-flying business magnates, the series will be shot across Mumbai, Sri Lanka, Serbia, and Georgia. The series — written by Niren Bhatt, Ankur Pathak, and Nikhil Nair — is an incisive look at the cut-throat nature of today’s financial world, where money, manipulation, and greed are part of the game. Anil and Vijay’s characters, though ruthless in their individual pursuit of power and wealth, are shown to have contrasting ideologies and work ethics. That sets the stage for a showdown, and the story follows how they take on each other. If things go as planned, it will be shot in a straight schedule from June to September.”
Joining the male leads in the drama are Neha Dhupia and Raima Sen. “Hansal is bringing together an eclectic ensemble cast. Neha and Raima portray strong women who wield power in their own way and exert influence in the big boys’ club,” adds the source.
From Shahid (2012) to Aligarh (2015), from Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (2020) to Scoop (2023), Mehta has created an enviable filmography based on true stories. However, the source says that this time, the creator-director has built a fictional world, one set in a field rarely seen on Indian screens.
“While the West has had sterling business dramas, Indian OTT entertainment hasn’t quite explored the genre. Hansal and Vikram wanted to tap into the genre by weaving a tale of ambition and betrayal.”
mid-day reached out to Malhotra and Mehta. Both remained unavailable for comment.
My father has written a small diary, a manual for us to follow when he is gone-Raima Sen
6:35 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; November 26, 204)
Actresses Raima and Riya Sen’s father, Bharat Dev Verma, 82, passed away in his sleep on November 19 at his Kolkata residence. Raima and her mother, actress Moon Moon Sen, who were in Delhi to attend a polo match, rushed back to Kolkata. Raima, who is heartbroken and shocked by his sudden demise, said, “Post the pandemic, my father had minor health issues, but there was nothing to worry about. My mother would always be around him, but for this one trip, she made an exception.”
‘My dad motivated us to become actors’
Recalling how her father was her hero, Raima said, “In my recent interview with Bombay Times, I had shared how I always wanted to marry a guy like my dad. He was my role model. My father always used to keep cuttings of my articles whenever they appeared in newspapers, but this one in particular, he folded and kept it in his wallet because he was very touched by my words. He used to manage everything at home, including our finances and careers. He was the one who motivated my mom and us to become actors and believed that we should follow our dreams. He has written a small diary, a manual for us to follow when he is gone. I plan to read it now.”
So, while we were out of town shooting, he used to manage everything at home. It was he who asked my mom to work after we were born. He was a man who believed that we should follow our dreams." She added, "My father has never shouted at us and he used to instruct my mom to never shout at anyone, even the domestic help at home. Now, that he is gone my mother recalls it and tells us how she will never force us to do things and let us lead our lives like we want."
She added, “My father lived his life well. He belonged to a royal family (he was a descendant of the erstwhile royal family of Tripura). This a difficult time for us… one can never heal from a parent’s loss. I will miss him.” Bharat Dev Varma was the descendant of the erstwhile royal family of Tripura and his mother Ila Devi was the princess of Cooch Behar and the elder sister of Maharani of Jaipur, Gayatri Devi. Varma's grandmother Indira was the only daughter of Sayaji Rao Gaikwad III, Maharaja of Vadodara.
I would love to be part of Suchitra Sen’s biopic-Raima Sen
10:05 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; November 16, 2024)
Despite being legendary actress Suchitra Sen's granddaughter, and Moon Moon Sen’s daughter, Raima Sen, admits that paving her way into Bollywood wasn’t easy. In a chat with BT, the actress opens up about constant comparisons with her grandmother, her struggles, recognition, and what she is looking for in love.
You have featured in several content-driven films. With OTT opening up a plethora of choices for actors, do you feel your career has changed gears after long?
OTT is a new medium but good content was always there, earlier too. During my grandmother's time, the Hindi film industry made very interesting and progressive films. My grandmother has essayed strong roles in Devdas, Aandhi and films like Bambai Ka Babu. Bengali cinema always offered me strong roles, so there was no paucity of good content. In Bollywood, I never got quality roles. However, I am glad that the Hindi film industry is changing and apart from women, every character is playing an important role now. Even supporting actors are playing meaty roles, and the digital medium is not just a hero-based platform. Having said that, I don't think that people will stop going to the theatres. People enjoy watching films and even Hindi films have interesting content. My film Aliya Basu Gayab Hai with Vinay Pathak is a thriller and just has three characters in it. It was a challenge shooting for the film.
Would you agree that though you have done quality work in Bengal, you are underrated in the Hindi film industry?
I started very young, when I was only 17. At that time, I just went with the flow. I did not organize or strategise my career well. I had no PR manager to guide me, like these young actors have now. I did make a few mistakes. I always wanted to work with filmmakers like Karan Johar or Sanjay Leela Bhansali. In those days, I did hang out at parties and network, too, but it was not done the right way. Maybe that’s why I did not bag the right films in Bollywood.
Did the constant comparison with Suchitra Sen affect you?
Initially, it was tough. There were huge expectations, and especially in Bengali cinema. As a star kid, I got work for the first few years, but then I struggled to get work. I was thrown out of auditions and for almost a year I did not have work. It was my own struggle then. After Choker Bali, things changed for me. I also decided that I would never work in any of my grandmother's remakes because that would mean people would have tremendous expectations.
There are talks of a biopic on Suchitra Sen...
Yes, if a biopic is planned my family will be totally involved. We don't want anyone to sensationalize her life. And I would love to act in it. My grandmother lived a very private life and even her neighbours did not know her. She wanted it that way after she quit films. So, the script would have to be a tribute to her professional career and not something that would upset her.
On the personal front, you are single. What are your thoughts on marriage?
I did have my share of relationships, but they didn't work out. I need something solid now, a relationship that will sustain everything. In recent times, I have seen that people don't have time or patience to work on a relationship. It is not easy to find someone understanding and loving. I would be happy working, if I don't find someone like my dad or the kind of companionship that my parents have.
Only women can make laws in India that can protect women-Raima Sen
8:29 AM
In light of the growing crimes against women in the country, actor Raima Sen emphasizes on the need for more female lawmakers to shape women’s safety laws and calls for stricter punishment for all sexual offences
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 31, 2024)
Recently, actor Ritabhari Chakraborty ignited a fresh debate on the ongoing row of women’s safety, claiming that sexual abuse and harassment are just as prevalent in Bengali cinema as they are across industries.
Responding to Chakraborty’s statement, actor Raima Sen, who has worked in both Bengali and Hindi cinema, tells us, “I am sure it’s happening in all industries. I haven’t faced it [issues concerning women’s safety], so I can’t comment on it. But, the conclusion to all this remains the same.”
The 44-year-old goes on to share that she would like people’s focus to shift to the bigger picture, one that goes beyond Bengali cinema or another #MeToo movement. “Strict laws for the protection of women is a priority right now. The #MeToo movement happened in India and nothing came about from it. The only way to stop rapes is to give harsher punishments even for ‘lesser offences’,” she asserts.
While Sen, recently seen in Bastar: The Naxal Story, hasn’t fallen victim to harassment in the industry, she reveals that she often feels unsafe as a woman. “Sexual harassment happens everywhere. There’s no point in pulling off another #MeToo,” says Sen, expressing her frustration with the continued cycle of systemic abuse. ”Women need to feel safe,” she adds.
The actor also emphasizes that women should be included in the process of formulating policies and laws regarding women’s safety. “Only women can make laws in India that can protect women. As long as men make the laws for women, women aren’t safe. It can be any state and any politician, it doesn’t matter. Rapes are happening all over the country and they are all handled badly in every state. We need intelligent women lawmakers and intellectuals to shape the law which will then be implemented by the government and judicial systems,” she wraps up.
I refuse to work with morally murky people-Rahul Bose
8:29 AM
Ruman Ganguly (BOMBAY TIMES; April 20, 2024)
Rahul Bose is in Kolkata to shoot for Sayantan Ghosal’s next, Madam Sengupta, his 10th Bengali film. In an exclusive chat with CT in between the shots, the actor and sports administrator reflects on his 31-year acting career, his love for the city, teaming up with Rituparna Sengupta once again, and more.
Tell us about your 31-year long acting career.
It’s been amazing. I only regret doing one Hindi film; otherwise, I’m content with my choices. Happiness has been constant, the only change is refusing to work with morally murky people, no matter how talented they are. An actor’s life is a slow, continuous ecstasy, and that’s what my goal. It’s better to work with good people, even if the project isn’t as big or successful.
What do you love the most about Kolkata?
My love for Kolkata has deepened and grown. The thing I love the most about this city is the love for sport, art, dance, theatre, movies, culture, debate, and food. What else do you need in a civilisation? Great music, great arts, great conversation, great warmth, great passion, it’s a city of the culture that works. And the more I see the world, I have realized how precious and beautiful the city is. I’m not romanticizing Kolkata. I have also seen the poverty, division in the social fabric, but despite all of that, there is a force of humanity in the city that you find in the great cities of the world.
What was your Poila Boishakh like?
I didn’t indulge much as I’m trying to lose weight, but for dinner, I enjoyed kosha mangsho with roti and anda ki bhurji as my Punjabi side.
You went to watch the match at Eden Gardens with Raima Sen. How did it feel catching up with her after all these years?
Raima and I can laugh about anything. You know, when you’re really good friends, you can laugh about anything without any punchline. Yesterday, I was giving her a tutorial on cricket.
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'My first Bengali film was Anuranan and it was with Rituparna. She is one of the greatest names in modern Bengali cinema, and to begin with, she’s a wonderful human being'
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'I often say a career isn’t defined by what you say yes to, but by what you say no to. Learning to say no is crucial for anybody'
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'My first Bengali film was Anuranan and it was with Rituparna. She is one of the greatest names in modern Bengali cinema, and to begin with, she’s a wonderful human being'
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'I was born in Kolkata ittefaq se. My father was transferred here during my birth for three years, and then he moved to Mumbai. I discovered and fell in love with Kolkata through cinema'
This year, I’ll be literally living out of the suitcase, but no complaints-Raima Sen
8:01 AM
Ruman Ganguly (BOMBAY TIMES; August 13, 2023)
Raima Sen is looking forward to working in a Bengali film after a hiatus of almost three years. “My last Bengali film, Dwitiyo Purush, released in 2020, so I’m eagerly looking forward to the shoot of Hawa Bodol 2, which also stars Parambrata Chattopadhyay. In between, I acted in a Bengali web series, but films are always special. Moreover, we’ll be flying to London in mid-August for the shoot — the bonus of working in this film (laughs),” the actress told us during an exclusive photoshoot and chat. Raima also spoke about her camaraderie with Parambrata, upcoming projects, Pujo plans and her personal life. Excerpts:
I have great camaraderie with Parambrata Chattopadhyay, both on and off screen. Even the audience wants to see us more on screen. We’ve done innumerable ad commercials together. Now we’ll be working together in the sequel of Hawa Bodol, which was appreciated by the audience.
I owe a lot to the Bangla film industry because both my grandmother (Suchitra Sen) and mother (Moon Moon Sen) built their careers here and I have quite a few good Bengali films on my resume too.
I’m travelling to Georgia in September to shoot for a Hindi film that also stars Ronit Roy. I’m also doing a Hindi OTT project. So, this year, I’ll be literally living out of the suitcase, but no complaints (smiles)!
I’m happy that none of my past relationships worked. I deserve much better
I don’t want to get married right now. I’m not in that headspace. But if I get a good companion, I might think it over. Right now, it’s only about doing good work. I don’t regret my past relationships and trust me, I’m happy that none of them worked. (Laughs) I deserve much better!
Raima’s plans for Durga Puja
I’m not sure if my work will permit me to be in Kolkata during Durga Puja. But I’ll try to be around, as I had missed Pujo last year too because we were in Goa celebrating my father’s birthday. The city is so vibrant during Durga Puja! I don’t want to miss that this time. Moreover, I wear only saris during Pujo and ma does all our shopping. Dida used to do that in our childhood. My mother is the best when it comes to buying saris and jewellery and I completely trust her. Food is also an integral part of Pujo, so diet takes a back seat. For me, the festival is incomplete without enjoying some street food.
Pics: Prathamesh Bandekar
Makeup: Babusona Saha
Hair: Ginni Halder
Stylist: Sumit Sinha
After Prosenjit Chatterjee’s remark, regional actors call out Bollywood
8:28 AM
Bengali actor Prosenjit Chatterjee’s ‘Bollywood does not offer a lot of work to regional actors’ remark has found the support of a number of such artistes. Some of them share their tales of struggle and survival
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 10, 2023)
Seerat Kapoor, Telugu actor
Yes, I have faced rejections [in the Hindi film industry]. But, I am not one to take rejections in a negative way. I believe that if you understand who you are as an actor and what you can bring to the table, sooner or later, you will attract people (makers) who will capitalise on that. If a movie has not worked out, it does not mean you don’t fit it. So, I am okay to let those [projects] go.
Pratik Gandhi, Gujarati actor
Forget getting rejected; regional actors from Gujarat are not even given opportunities to audition. Even if they do, it’s very hard to bag the project. Also, Gujarati actors trying to enter Bollywood are typecast. The characters offered are caricature-ish — someone who is loud, funny and has a very heavy accent. I did a few projects like those initially, like Mitron (2018)... It’s difficult to break that image.
Raima Sen, Bengali actor
They (Hindi filmmakers) use us mostly when the film is loosely based on Bengal. Also, in Bollywood, it’s about survival of the fittest. There are new faces trying to step into the industry every day. There is enough talent there; they (makers) want to protect their people and give them a chance. I understand all of this because we also make a couple of films with people from Mumbai. But, we also need to protect our industry and work with our own people.
Navin Prabhakar, Marathi actor and comedian
In the last 12 years, every time I tried to step into the Hindi film industry, I felt there is a lot of partiality. The first thing we get to hear is, ‘We need an upmarket look’. Also, there is a lot of negotiation that happens when it comes to our salary. Itna zyada ho jaata hai ki kabhi kabhi main kaam hi chhodh deta hoon.
Siddharth Jadhav, Marathi actor
I’m happy working in regional films. I take opportunities from Hindi filmmakers as and when they’re offered to me; I’m not desperately looking for it. Whatever work I am doing in Bollywood is because of my Marathi filmography. When they see me doing good work, I get good offers from Hindi filmmakers, like Rohit Shetty.
"I lost a family member": Bollywood celebs mourn the demise of Pradeep Sarkar
8:35 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (March 25, 2023)
VIDYA AND I WOULD PLAY PRANKS ON DADA, BUT HE WOULD NEVER GET ANGRY: RAIMA SEN
I still can’t believe the news that Dada is no more! Boudi, his wife, gave me the news. I have worked on numerous ad films with him and in Parineeta. In fact, he was the person who convinced Vidhu Vinod Chopra to cast me in Eklavya. I went to his home to meet him after the lockdown. I shared a beautiful rapport with him where I could walk into his office or home without a prior appointment. Dada used to be super cool on the sets. I remember Vidya and I would play pranks on Dada, but he would never get angry. Food used to play an important role on his sets since he enjoyed eating. Dada will remain with us forever.
IT FEELS LIKE I HAVE LOST A FAMILY MEMBER: RANI MUKERJI
I am shocked by the news of Dada’s passing away. I, in fact, spoke to him just the other day when I had gone to Amritsar, to the Golden Temple, where he had called me telling me about my film so we had a long chat. He was insisting on a video call, but the network was not good, so I was unable to do that. We were planning to meet this week… but this is just so unexpected. I had a great connection with him, we’ve done a lot of work together over the years, so it’s literally like losing a family member. I will hold on to my last memory of him being so happy and excited for me when he had called me to share the feedback he was getting for my film and me from all over.
HUGE LOSS TO THE FILM & AD WORLD: RIDDHI SEN
This a huge loss to the film and advertising world, but I will miss Pradeep Sarkar the human being the most. He was one of the most passionate, honest and empathetic people I’ve known, a person with an incredible sense of humour and a heart of gold.
DADA, YOU WILL BE MISSED: KAJOL
Dada, you will be missed. Your sense of humour, humility and all the work you put into your films will always be remembered. RIP
‘A BRILLIANT FILMMAKER FULL OF LIFE, ENERGY, AND POSITIVITY’
AJAY DEVGN: The news of Pradeep Sarkar’s demise, ‘Dada’ to some of us is still hard to digest. My deepest condolences. My prayers are with the departed and his family. RIP Dada (sic).
SWANAND KIRKIRE: Filmmaker and dearest friend Pradeep Sarkar the mad man left us this morning. Dada your passion for the art of cinema will stay in your works! Duniya bhar ki mitti ikatthi karte the ab jannat ki mitti dibiya mein bharna. Thank you for loving me and my words (sic).
ABHISHEK BACHCHAN: Terrible news to wake up to. Rest in peace, Dada. Thank you for the love and for making me a small part of your life. Will miss you. #PradeepSarkar (sic).
RITUPARNA SENGUPTA: I am one of the privileged ones who had an opportunity to work with you in two ad films. You have always made us proud, you have left us too early. My condolences to the entire family (sic).
NEIL NITIN MUKESH: In my heart and in my fond memories of him, Dada will always be remembered as that grownup child with the vision of a genius. He was full of life, energy, and positivity. A brilliant husband and brother. He loved eating chalk, and I would always tease him for that.
RAJEEV KHANDELWAL: That I spent some time with him... that I got the opportunity to know him... that I knew I was close to him... that I knew he loved me too is enough for me to cherish his life. When I crossed that line of professionalism and developed that emotional bond with him the only worry was his health. Those innumerable lectures of trying to shake him from his complacency on the health front and those innumerable ‘I know you love me’ smiles on his face as the response. My short-lived journey with him will be large enough for me to miss him for life. If I could reach him, I would say... thank you, Dada, for giving me those moments. You will remain special forever (sic).
TAHIR RAJ BHASIN: I will always remember Pradeep Dada with eternal gratitude as the man who trusted me with Mardaani. I remember being extremely nervous on day one of the shoot. It was a production-heavy day, we were holding up traffic, and there were 100 junior artists on set — an intimidating environment for a first-timer. After my first take, I waited with bated breath as he watched the monitor. After what seemed like an eternity, he yelled out for the entire set to hear, “that was great!”. That validation still rings in my ears when I walk onto a set to this day. He was a visionary par excellence and ahead of his time. He lives on in the films he created.
— With inputs from Renuka Vyavahare & Ruman Ganguly
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HINDUSTAN TIMES (March 25, 2023)
Hansal Mehta: Pradeep Sarkar. Dada. RIP.” Sharing Mehta’s tweet, actor Manoj Bajpayee also condoled his death and wrote, “Ohh! That’s so shocking! Rest in peace Dada!! (sic).”
Ajay Devgn: “The news of Pradeep Sarkar’s demise, ‘Dada’ to some of us is still hard to digest. My deepest condolences (flower bouquet). My prayers are with the departed and his family. RIP Dada (sic).”
Kajol: “Dada, you will be missed. Your sense of humor, humility and all the work you put into your films will always be remembered :pray: RIP (sic).”
Abhishek Bachchan: “Terrible news to wake up to. Rest in peace Dada. Thank you for the love and for making me a small part of your life. Will miss you (sic).”
Nimrat Kaur: “Had the great pleasure of being on his set a few times in my modeling days. His hearty laughter and relentless perfectionism will forever be etched in my heart. Deepest condolences to his loved ones. Rest on Dada…the heavens above are a happier place. #RIPPradeepSarkar (sic).”
Durga Puja brings out the best of all my avatars-Raima Sen
8:22 AM
Ruman Ganguly (BOMBAY TIMES; October 4, 2022)
Raima Sen is upbeat about spending quality time with her whole family in Kolkata this Durga Puja. And her plans definitely include her pet Dasho, says the actress who performed the dhunuchi naach – a traditional dance performed to dhaak (drum) beats – for us. She talks about her Durga Puja plans, shopping diaries and more. Excerpts:
What does Durga Puja mean to you and how do you usually celebrate the festival?
My excitement starts way before Pujo. The Pujo asche feeling (the anticipation) is like a mood booster. The festivities have something truly special about them – you can feel it in the air and smell it too (smiles). You look around and see smiling faces and celebrations galore everywhere – positivity is abundant. In the run-up to the festival, looking at pandals being made and people shopping with enthusiasm makes you feel like you are already on a holiday. I love dressing up, wearing my sarees and jewellery – I’m in a great mood during this time of the year. And at times when I can’t be in Kolkata, my hometown, during Pujo, I get really sad. I must admit that Durga Puja brings out the best of all my avatars.
Have you ever participated in dhunuchi naach before this photoshoot?
Oh yes. I have done it for a web series. Also, we sometimes do dhunuchi dance at Pujo functions too. So, I am learning the tricks. I had a lot of fun shooting for the dhunuchi naach sequence for this shoot!
Have you seen your mother (Moon Moon Sen) doing the dhunuchi naach?
Yes. In fact, we once danced together at a Pujo pandal. It was before the pandemic, we had so much fun!
How did you spend Durga Puja this year?
I am spending Pujo in Kolkata. We were supposed to go to Goa, but the plan got canned. My sister Riya and her husband are here as well. So, I am looking forward to some quality family time as we don’t get to spend much time together. When we are in my hometown for Pujo, we go pandal hopping and meet our friends. Usually wherever I go, my pet Dasho will accompany me (smiles).
Food is an integral part of Durga Puja celebrations, isn’t it?
Oh, yes. I love to have bhog during Pujo. So many families send over bhog to our place during this time. My father is a foodie. Whenever he reads about a new restaurant, he notes it down, so we can try something new during Pujo. I love gorging on street food – jhalmuri to phuchka – during the festival.
Tell us about your puja shopping.
Ma does all our Pujo shopping. Since she has a huge collection of sarees, she does not buy us new ones. But she gets us western and Indo-western outfits. She likes us to wear her sarees and jewellery. But wearing new clothes for Pujo is a ritual.
A little birdie tells us that you bought a lot of makeup products...
I did! I am extremely lazy and never learnt the tricks of applying makeup. But now, I think it is high time I picked up the nuances of doing it my own. It comes in handy.
Do you have memories of going to puja shopping with your grandmother Suchitra Sen?
During our childhood, dida used to buy us new clothes for Pujo. Later, as we grew up, she would give us money so we could buy according to our choice.
Do you wear your grandmother’s saree during Pujo?
Not much. I only wear it for shoots at times. We treasure everything that belonged to her. The sarees are quite old now, so we handle them with care. We don’t want them to get torn.
Marriage isn’t a need for me-Raima Sen
8:00 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 20, 2021)
When Raima Sen was asked about her marriage plans at a recent press conference in Kolkata, she stated that she has decided to not get married. While she’s happy that her personal life doesn’t make headlines, she tells us that she doesn’t like answering questions about her love life.
Marriage, for the actor, isn’t a “goal or a final destination”. She also doesn’t look at it as a chapter that can complete her. “I don’t know why people think that marriage is a means to an end. They think that I’m probably not happy because I’m not married but I’m very happy. This life gives me freedom and lets me travel and I’m not answerable to anyone except for my parents,” she says.
Sen is currently busy concentrating on her film career and she would rather wait for the right person to come into her life.
She shares, “I’ll get married when I find the right person at the right time and the right place. I probably haven’t found someone. Marriage isn’t a need for me. If I find someone and fall crazily in love with him, I’ll decide to get married then.”
For the The Last Hour actor, following her heart takes precedence over adhering to societal norms.
“Marriage is considered to be a compulsion because we’re worried about what the society will think. Oftentimes, we think that people won’t respect us because we aren’t married. As I’m living and learning, I realise that it doesn’t matter what they think or say about you. We should we able to decide for ourselves if marriage is meant for us or not,” Sen signs off.
I have a phobia about giving screen tests-Raima Sen
8:05 AM
Raima Sen, who features in The Last Hour, on finding a foothold in the web world while missing from Bollywood
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; May 16, 2021)
Last seen in Vodka Diaries (2018) alongside Kay Kay Menon, Raima Sen may be missing from Bollywood, but has been finding a fresh lease of life in the digital world. After Forbidden Love, Black Widows and Hello 2, Sen featured in The Last Hour. The supernatural thriller, which dropped on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, sees the actor play Sanjay Kapoor’s wife in the series. “There’s a mystery element to my character,” she says, refusing to divulging any details. “It’s an intriguing crime drama; there are a lot of questions that need answers.”
Like most actors, Sen, too, finds the OTT world throwing up “new challenges” to actors by providing an opportunity to portray “diverse roles”. The Last Hour came her way out of the blue. She was in Kolkata when she got a call from the show’s creator-director Amit Kumar, who earlier helmed the Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer Monsoon Shootout (2013). “He told me that he needed to do [my] screen test. I have a phobia about it. I avoided it by telling him that I will do it in Mumbai,” adds Sen. Later, they caught up in the city and she agreed to go through the process. “I had this inkling that I will never get it, but to my surprise, he later called to say that I was on board.”
The series is backed by British filmmaker Asif Kapadia, who is known for his docu-dramas on Diego Maradona and Amy Winehouse. “But I did not get a chance to meet him,” says Sen. “We shot in the North-East, which has been woven into the storyline,” adds the actor, who also features in Anushka Sharma’s upcoming Netflix series, Mai, starring Sakshi Tanwar.
Sen has shot for two Bollywood films, 3 Dev and Aliya Basu Gayab Hai, which are yet to see the light of day.
I am excited to make my debut in Tamil-Raima Sen
8:01 AM
Lakshmi V (BOMBAY TIMES; November 21, 2020)
A few days ago, South filmmaker Naveen shared a picture of him and actor Vijay Antony with Raima Sen on his social media and announced that the actress, known for her work in the Bengali and Hindi film industries, will be making her debut in Tamil films with Agni Siragugal. Confirming it, Raima says, “I was approached for the film last year. We finished shooting a lot of the movie last year, in Chennai and Kolkata. After the lockdown, we completed the rest of the portions.”
Ask her what made her say ‘yes’ to the film and she says, “I have always wanted to do a film in Tamil. My sister (Riya Sen) has done Tamil films and I’ve heard a lot of nice things about the industry from her. So, when I got this offer from Naveen, I thought, why not?” The actress started shooting for the film first in Chennai. “I met Naveen and others for the first time in Chennai last year. He is a young filmmaker with amazing energy and had some new, different ideas. I met Akshara Haasan, too, and she is very sweet. I had a pleasant experience and I’m excited to make my debut in Tamil,” she says.
So, was it easy to get a grasp of the language? “Naveen was very helpful. There were lines that I really couldn’t say in Tamil, he helped me say them in such a way that it matched the lip-sync of the dialogues,” she says.
I would’ve been at the top had things been easy for star kids-Raima Sen
8:12 AM
Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 25, 2020)
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, everyone has their share of struggle,” says actor Raima Sen. The daughter of yesteryear actor Moon Moon Sen, and granddaughter of veteran actor late Suchitra Sen, Raima says if star kids had it easy in the film industry, each one of them would’ve been successful.
“Had things been that easier, I would’ve been at the top, too,” she asserts, admitting that she got her first break in Bollywood with Godmother (1999) because she was Moon Moon Sen’s daughter. “But, that was it. I did not get 100 film offers immediately after that. I had to struggle, and I’m still trying hard. In between, I worked in Bengali films. Bollywood does appreciate regional films and actors, they do recognize me for Chokher Bali (2002) and The Japanese Wife (2010), but that isn’t the criteria to get Hindi films,” she explains.
According to Raima, it’s the survival of the fittest and ultimately, everything boils down to talent. “If you’ve got talent, you’ll find a way. There are many star kids who couldn’t make it. You are no one if your film doesn’t work. Star kids who’ve survived are much better performers than many others, they deserve credit,” she says.
The actor goes on to say that it’s not always about playing lead roles or screen time. “You get recognized in smaller roles, too. You can cry nepotism and all, but only if you have it in you, you get it. There’s no two ways about it. Yes, it’s difficult to make it in Bollywood, but it isn’t easy in any profession. You can’t think I’ll become number one without doing anything,” she adds.
There have also been talks about groupism and favouritism in Bollywood, with many claiming that only insiders or those connected with certain groups get noticed. Raima somewhat agrees, but is quick to add, “I’ve never been a part of any (group), nor do I go to such parties. Films don’t come to you because you attend such parties, your capability gets you work.”
I'd rather do good Bengali film than any movie in Bollywood-Raima Sen
7:54 AM
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.
Check out Vinay Pathak, Raima Sen and Salim Diwan in Aliya Basu Gayab Hai
8:08 AM
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 25, 2019)
After Badla, Anurag Kashyap’s next with Taapsee Pannu and Rahul Dholakia’s untitled film with Kriti Sanon, another thriller is set to hit the marquee. Filmmaker Preeti Singh’s Aliya Basu Gayab Hai is a romantic thriller that features Vinay Pathak, Raima Sen and Salim Diwan.
It tackles different sexual orientations and complexities of human emotions. Preeti, who shot the film in two schedules in February and April, says, “We talk about how difficult society can be for people who identify as gay and lesbian, whose love has only been perceived in the context of sex. There is no difference between members of this community and heterosexuals. They feel emotions arising from vulnerabilities as well.”
She met Salim during a shoot. “He plays a drug peddler struggling with life choices. Vinay sir plays Vivek, an ex-cop. It’s a dark character. Initially I’d thought he wouldn’t want to do it, but he just went for it. When I met Raima, I instantly knew she was my Aliya,” Preeti informs.
She reveals that Vinay suffered an injury while shooting for an action scene. “He hurt his back with an iron rod. This film needs a lot of physical acting so I thought he wouldn’t be able to shoot but he has delivered a delightful performance,” she signs off.
Meena Kumari's biopic can’t be just a sensational account of her life-Vidya Balan
8:00 AM
Vidya Balan on why she opted out of the Meena Kumari biopic and the other interesting ones that she let go of
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; November 8, 2017)
The biopic on Meena Kumari had gone from Kangana Ranaut’s kitty to Vidya Balan’s. Initially, when Tigmanshu Dhulia had announced that he was casting Kangana to play the late actress in his film, the Pakeezah heroine’s family members issued a press statement explaining why she was not the right choice.
Though Vidya was keen to do it, she recently opted out of the same. Vidya says, “No, I’m not doing the Meena Kumari-biopic anymore. It didn’t quite work out. I love Meena Kumari. If I had a girl crush on somebody, it would be her. If she was alive, I’d probably land up to see her all the time. I am that fascinated by her. I always wanted to play her.”
What went wrong, we ask. She reasons, “The script has to do justice. It can’t just be a sensational account of her life, even if she is not around. It has to present different episodes of her life and not just the ones that will grab eyeballs. So, I decided not to do it.”
She further explains, “I did The Dirty Picture, there was sensationalism in that but that was Silk. But for everything, you can’t just focus on the sensational bits of a person’s life. I am happy to do the controversial bits as long as it’s a well rounded perspective.
Also, biopics are very sensitive and they need to be done for the right reasons. You can’t make a biopic on Meena Kumari just because you feel sab dekhenge. Even if the person is not around, I have too much respect for her as an artiste, to just present a one-sided story of hers.” Vidya has a parametre for picking biopics. She smiles, “I only want to play real characters and do biopics of people who I love or connect with.” But there’s ‘nothing on the anvil’ now, she claims. “Right now, I haven’t been offered any more biopics.”
NOT THE ONLY ONE!
INDIRA GANDHI
Director Manish Gupta had offered Vidya the Indira Gandhi-biopic and she absolutely loved the script. But then, destiny had other plans. She reveals, “I am dying to do the Indira Gandhi-biopic. But there have been issues with the rights and the permission to making the film. Otherwise, there’s no point making it.”
M S SUBBULAKSHMI
Vidya was in talks for a movie on the life of late Bharat Ratna singer MS Subbulakshmi, which couldn’t take off because of legal trouble. She says, “I was doing a film on her life with Rajeev Menon, but that also fell through for some legal issues. That’s the problem. If I am going to put efforts into a biopic, unless the makers have the necessary clearances, I just don’t want to touch it. It’s a waste of effort and hard work.”
KAMALA DAS
This was another film that was announced and then, there were reports of a fallout between her and the makers. She asserts, “Kamala Das was one film I personally opted out of. There were things that happened. But let bygones be bygones.”
SUCHITRA SEN
While most of the biopics offered to her were either in Hindi or a bilingual (the Kamala Das biopic), Vidya was also approached for Suchitra Sen’s biopic to be made in Bengali. Vidya is comfortable with the language but had her reservations about the role. “I was offered the Suchitra Sen biopic but I didn’t take it up. I thought with Raima (Sen) around, it would be blasphemous for me to do it because no one looks more like Suchitra Sen or knows her better than Raima. Also, Raima is a friend — even though we have lost touch, she’s someone I’m extremely fond of. That’s why I said no to that,” Vidya reasons.
Images: Riya Sen has a traditional Bengali wedding
7:46 AM
Ruman Ganguly (BOMBAY TIMES; August 19, 2017)
The beautiful Riya Sen tied
the knot on Wednesday evening with boyfriend Shivam Tewari, looking
every bit the blushing, Bengali bride as she went through all the
traditional rituals - including kanya daan, subho drishti and sindur
daan. For elder sister Raima, she was “the prettiest bride I have seen
so far“.The wedding took place in a Pune farmhouse, with only close friends and family in attendance. “Riya always wanted her marriage to be a private affair. Both Riya and Shivam looked awesome as a couple and I am so happy for them. Maa (Moon Moon Sen) did all the shopping. She bought loads of saris and jewellery for her. Riya wore a red Banarasi for the wedding and after wearing sindoor on her forehead, she looked divine,“ said Raima.
What was her gift to Riya? “I was busy shooting, so I didn't have any time to buy her gifts. I plan to buy her a jewellery set soon,“ she said.
Raima added that the food was to die for and there were many cuisines on the menu. “There will be a party in Kolkata when both of them have time. Riya has known Shivam for over a year and they make a brilliant couple.“
Bollywood Diaries pays an ode to fans of Hindi cinema
7:40 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (January 18, 2016)
Within a few days of its
launch, the trailer of Bollywood Diaries has garnered a good response,
thanks to its interesting concept. Helmed by K D Satyam (who also wrote
the highly-acclaimed children's film Gattu), it is dedicated to the
audience who is passionate about Hindi cinema.
When asked how he came up with this novel idea, Satyam says, “We keep reading about fans doing various things for their favourite actors - while someone in Kolkata has made a temple in Amitabh Bachchan's name, a guy in Lucknow has changed his name from Vishal Singh to Visharukh Khan as everything in his life revolves around the superstar. It is fascinating to see how far people go to express their love for their favourite stars and cinema.“
The director adds that there are several aspiring actors across the country who, in spite of living in smaller towns, are connected to movies by just watching them. “Bollywood is a magical place for these artistes. They get influenced by their onscreen idols.Many of them do routine jobs, but they don't let their dreams and passion die. These were the stories that inspired me to make a film on them,“ he explains.
Featuring Raima Sen, Ashish Vidyarthi, Karuna Pandey and Vineet Singh besides debutant Salim Diwan, the film is produced by Dr Sattar Diwan and released by Zee Studios.
Bollywood Diaries opens in cinemas on February 26.
When asked how he came up with this novel idea, Satyam says, “We keep reading about fans doing various things for their favourite actors - while someone in Kolkata has made a temple in Amitabh Bachchan's name, a guy in Lucknow has changed his name from Vishal Singh to Visharukh Khan as everything in his life revolves around the superstar. It is fascinating to see how far people go to express their love for their favourite stars and cinema.“
The director adds that there are several aspiring actors across the country who, in spite of living in smaller towns, are connected to movies by just watching them. “Bollywood is a magical place for these artistes. They get influenced by their onscreen idols.Many of them do routine jobs, but they don't let their dreams and passion die. These were the stories that inspired me to make a film on them,“ he explains.
Featuring Raima Sen, Ashish Vidyarthi, Karuna Pandey and Vineet Singh besides debutant Salim Diwan, the film is produced by Dr Sattar Diwan and released by Zee Studios.
Bollywood Diaries opens in cinemas on February 26.
Raima Sen to play Suchitra Sen, Jisshu Sengupta to play Uttam Kumar in Nayika
8:54 AM
And why Vidya briefly was associated with the biopic on the Sen matriarch
Subhash K Jha (DNA; June 14, 2015)
Raima Sen is all set to play her grandmother Suchitra Sen in Bengali director Abhijit Choudhury’s Nayika. Jisshu
Sengupta, who played Deepika Padukone’s best friend in Piku will play
Bengali matinee idol Uttam Kumar and the film will attempt to explore
the relationship between the charismatic pair that worked together in
30-odd films.Vidya Balan recently went on record that she was approached for the project and declined it saying Raima would be the right choice to play Suchitra, physically and emotionally.
Says Raima, “The project has been in the pipeline for two years. I was the original choice because of my obvious connect to the character. But the dates kept getting postponed. Then I was asked in January to shoot for it. I couldn’t shoot for it at that time as my dates were blocked for Ishq Kabhi Kariyo Na with Prateik. Meanwhile, I heard Vidya was doing it and then I heard she wasn’t.”
Raima has returned to the project and shooting is expected to commence soon.
Playing Uttam
Jisshu is excited about playing Bengal’s biggest star. He adds, “No one knows the true nature of Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen’s friendship. They were not just terrific co-stars they were also very close friends. Uttam Kumar was the only person from the film industry who could call her by her real name, Roma. Theirs was a very complex, very deep bonding. To play Uttam Kumar is a big honour for me.”
Jisshu’s mother-in-law actress Anjana Bhowmick has worked with Uttam Kumar. Jisshu intends to take tips from her on how to play the matinee idol. He says, “I will consult my mother-in-law on the kind of clothes he wore, the way he spoke, etc. But I won’t imitate him. No way! He has a very strong screen image. I’d look caricatural trying to behave like him. My director and have decided that I won’t imitate him and will try to reach his soul, and not his physicality.”
Indira Gandhi would be a great biopic to star in-Vidya Balan
7:50 AM
The actress also explains why she refused to be part of Suchitra Sen biopic
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; June 11, 2015)
Vidya Balan received tremendous respect as an actor
after she played the character based on Silk Smitha in The Dirty
Picture. Ever since then she has been approached for many biopics. She’s
been offered and has refused several such films likethe ones based on
the lives of late singer Subbulakshmi, late politician Benazir Bhutto
and late yesteryear actress Suchitra Sen.
She avers, “I don’t know where this Benazir Bhutto biopic story has come from. I was not even offered the film. How would I even refuse something I have not been offered?” What about Suchitra Sen? She confirms, “I was approached for the biopic, but I chose not to do it.” She feels that if the film was being made in Bengali, it should have cast one of her grand daughters and she might have said yes to the project had it been made as a Hindi film. “It was a Bengali film. At least, if it was a Hindi film, it was still okay that I looked completely different from her. But for a Bengali film, I just thought when there is a Raima Sen, it didn’t make any sense for me to do it. Though I would have loved to play her and the script was very good, Raima looks so much like her grandmom Suchitra Sen and I thought it will look more credible,” she explained.
She does really want to play someone on screen, though. “Indira Gandhi. I just find her to be so charismatic, powerful and yet so mysterious. You don’t know about the person Indira Gandhi. So it would be a great biopic to star in.”
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