Raja Chanda’s film Amrapali, starring Bonny, Ayoshi Talukdar and Somraj, is streaming on Zee5 now. A triangular love story with a political background, the film sees Ayoshi running a flower shop called Amrapali. “Like most girls I love flowers. I love roses, orchids and lilies. All my close friends know that they don’t need a reason or occasion to send me flowers,” smiles Ayoshi, whose Bollywood debut film Uma is set to release soon. A t2 chat with Ayoshi.

With your film going direct to OTT, do you miss the charm of a film running in theatres? Or do you feel this is safe and better since you don’t have to go through box-office anxiety?

I think the OTT release has its pros and cons. The trend, which is flowing nowadays, is that some people prefer to watch films on OTT. Not just here, in Bollywood also these days big films are coming directly to OTT and still considered the biggest hit of the year. But I think it is somewhat still in the developing process in Tollywood. I’m sure it’ll catch up too. As an actor I still enjoy going to the theatres. However, this is a safer way since at least a large number of audience can view it too. We want our films to be liked by the audience, be it in theatres or an OTT platform.

What is the best part about watching films in the theatres?

The reason I became an actor is because I feel films are something which is larger than life. It makes you dream, laugh, cry, bring out so many emotions in those three hours... for that I feel the big screen is the best medium. You experience the visuals in a better way as well as the sound. Nothing can ever replace watching films in theatres.

Any fond theatre memories?

My father loves to watch films and so do I. He is my best companion when going for films. Going to watch a film with the entire family is one of the best outing experiences. It is so much fun. There are so many memories but yes, I remember one where my father actually managed to book the hall for my film Satyaneshi Byomkesh and took my entire family which included distant cousins, friends and everyone possible. That’s something really special.

What is the best part and drawback of watching films on the web?

The best part is that you can watch your favourite films any time.

The drawback is that it is making the audience a bit lazy to actually go to the theatre to watch films, which is why the film industry everywhere is facing major loses and the theatre experience is getting lost.

Tell us about Amrapali....

Amrapali is a triangular love story which has a political background. I think the film has everything in it. Good story, drama, romance, action, good music. People will get to see a fresh love story after a long time. Everyone somewhere or the other enjoys watching a feel-good film and Amrapali is definitely a film like that.

Tell us about your character....

Payel is quite like me. She is independent, determined and loves her family and friends. Grounded and rooted, she knows her limitations and wants to do everything thinking about others. I think Payel is lovable, simple and a girl-next-door. One can definitely relate to her in many ways.

Bonny, Ayoshi and Somraj in Amrapali, streaming on Zee5

How was your experience working with Bonny and Somraj?

We all had a blast. Mostly we shot the entire film in Bolpur. When you are working with friends, the work becomes easy and a lot of fun. I share a good bond with both of them. Both Bonny and Somraj have helped me too. They are more experienced and hardworking as actors so it pushed me to work harder.

Any fun anecdote from the shoot?

When I was about to do the film I thought that I will be pampered because I’m the only girl in the film. But I was so wrong. Everyone just kept pulling my leg. All of them. They loved to irritate me and play pranks. Somraj and Bonny sidelined me, there was a full-on bromance scene going on. I sometimes felt like an outsider there. Nevertheless, I had so much fun.

How’s it like working with Raja Chanda?

Rajada is so co-operative and giving as a director. He takes out the best from his actors and helps in everything. He makes the scenes look really easy and while shooting, he creates a very comfortable environment. I’ve learnt quite a lot from him. I’m soon working with him in another film, so looking forward to it.

Since you are dating Somraj now, what’s the vibe like with him on set? Are you exchanging notes and being together always?

Somraj is really supportive in every way. He tries to guide me throughout. Whenever I’m confused he gives me the best suggestions when it comes to work. But on set I feel I don’t know him only. He is fully into his character. I forget only that we have a personal relationship. This was my first experience with him. Nevertheless, it is comforting to have him as my co-actor.

Do you like to keep work and your personal life separate?

Totally. I think you need to. At this point in life, I want to focus on my work. And sometimes mixing the two makes it difficult. I am a private person, quite an introvert to be honest, so I think sometimes a bit of privacy is important. Work is work so your personal life should also be respected and kept separate to some extent.

How would you like to describe Somraj as your work colleague?

Somraj is extremely hardworking. He loves his job to the core, so it really inspires me and makes me more hardworking and focused too.

He is so involved in everything. He wants to be there on set even when he is not shooting and tries to keep learning. So it really motives me seeing him.

Any work goals for 2023? Anything that you would like to do differently or want to achieve next year?

I have a long list to be honest. I am still waiting for the script that’s kind of life-changing for me. I hope that comes to me this year. Along with Bengali films, I would really like to focus on other languages, be it Bollywood or South too. I have been asked to give many auditions... currently I’m in talks... so let’s see... hoping something really good matures in 2023.