Actress Madhurima Basak vividly remembers the first time she had watched Srijit Mukherji’s 22shey Srabon. “There was complete silence in the theatre, and I, like all the others in the theatre sat awestruck. Later on Srijitda’s films like Jaatishwar, Chotushkone, Rajkahini, Uma and Dwitiyo Purush made me an ardent follower of his kind of film-making with such brilliant storytelling and remarkable characters,” says Madhurima, who now stars in Srijit’s new film X= Prem. A candid chat with Madhurima on shooting for the new film, and her journey from television to films....

How was your Day One experience of shooting for X= Prem on July 2?

Srijitda was clear on what he wanted and aligned everyone on the same lines. We all seemed to be on the same page regarding how the scene had to be done and it was a relief that the first day of shoot went well. There was the initial briefing session by Srijitda and then a play act of the actual scene to get our coordination right. Back to back scenes were shot and I was done with the first day of shoot by 8pm.

Srijit had conducted workshops for this film. How was the experience?

It was enriching and insightful. It helped me get a grip on my character. It also helped me get comfortable with my co-actors which I hope translates well on-screen.

Srijit Mukherji Sourced by the correspondent

How are you preparing to play the character?

I am completely submitting myself to the director’s vision. The workshops helped me understand my character arc and my equation with the other characters of the story.

How were you feeling a day before the beginning of the shoot?

Just like when you are about to get into a relationship (smiles). Excited and nervous at the same time. I had butterflies in my stomach!

You are also shooting for serials. How will you manage to give time to both?

It will be hectic and a lot of hard work. But time management is the key to success in any profession. And since I do not play the lead in the serials and not under any contract with the channels, it is always flexible and with little adjustments it can be worked out.

What did you get to learn as an actress from writer-director Leena Gangopadhyay? How was the experience enriching?

She has been a mentor, guide and a mother figure. Whatever I know of acting today, I owe a lot of it to her. She is an amazing storyteller. So my biggest learning from her was to visualise and live the story and react to the plot points.

You are a popular actress on Bengali TV. Why was it important for you to move to films?

The scale, the canvas, the medium, the process, the technique associated with films. Everything about films fascinated me since I saw my first film in theatre. The feeling of holding an audience’s attention in a dark theatre for more than two hours and transporting them to a world of make-believe is always fascinating. The shift was inevitable.

How is film acting different from TV?

It is more organic it seems. A tad toned down, subtle and relatable.

Now that you are slowly shifting to films, will you miss the world of TV?

I do not have any plans to quit TV anytime soon. I earned my identity here. People know me and love me for television. So there is no question of missing TV. Rather films will add value to my craft in television.

What are your colleagues from serials telling you? Do they have words of encouragement for you?

They have always inspired me to go for greater accomplishments. They have congratulated me and wished success for this venture.

Madhurima in Mohor Sourced by the correspondent

You recently moved to Golf Green. Why the move? How is the new para?

As the name has in it, it is more green; has a calming effect after a hard day’s work. The move isn’t strategic. Now that I have three new members in my family I needed a bigger space. And having stayed very close by for the last few years, I am already well acquainted with the area. I have friends from the industry who stay in the para, so it feels lot like home and reassuring.

How do you spend time with your pets when you are at home?

I let them act and I become their audience. They are such darlings that I can’t get enough of them. They are my stressbusters once I am back home.

What does the title X= Prem remind you of?

It reminded me of my mathematics classes back in school.... Though I had no prem (love) for X back then, and finding X’s value was a love affair that better remain untold!

Talking about challenges, you recorded visuals and shot for special lockdown episodes last year....

The entire thing was shot on my iPhone X plus. A standard setting was given and it was same for all the artistes who were shooting from their respective homes. For close-ups and steady shots I used a mobile holder and did some scene tests for getting the right frame and lighting.

On other occasions my father turned saviour. He did exactly as I told him to and, barring the initial glitches, he did an impressive job behind the camera! The scenes involving dialogues were mostly indoors. Owing to lockdown there was hardly any noise outside. So it was not much of a problem recording on mobile. From donning the director’s hat to handling the camera, arranging for the costume and props, selecting the background and lighting, this is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

How important do you feel is networking to stay relevant?

Extremely important. There is so much talent that keeps pouring in every day with dreamy eyes of making a space in tinsel town. There isn’t enough work to accommodate everyone. Networking becomes important to remind that you exist and keeps you relevant in this forever-changing dynamics of the industry. Having said that, unadulterated love for the art, sincere efforts in whatever opportunity one gets, humility and finding strength in rejection have no substitute.

Cover and inside pictures: Tathagata Ghosh

Wardrobe: Dev R Nil (cover) and Abhishek Dutta (inside)

Stylist: Sandip Jaiswal