Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s ZEE5 film Kadak Singh opened up a new window for Jaya Ahsan, an established name in the Bengali film industries of both West Bengal and Bangladesh. Jaya chatted with us about her Hindi film debut where she co-starred with veteran actor Pankaj Tripathi and her other projects.
Four of your films made it to IFFI Goa this year. How did that feel?
Jaya Ahsan: Yes, Kadak Singh had its world premiere, then the Iranian-Bangladesh film Fereshteh, where I play an underprivileged garment was screened there. Kaushik Ganguly’s Ardhangini was selected for the Indian Panorama, and Putul Nacher Itikotha by Suman Mukhopadhyay , where I play Kusum, was also screened. It is a prestigious thing and this is the first time that four of an artist’s films were selected. It is a huge honour. On top of that, everyone was full of praise for Kadak Singh.
You made your Bollywood debut with Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s Kadak Singh. How did it happen?
Jaya Ahsan: Both Tonyda (Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury) and I have wanted to work together for a long time. When he chose me for Kadak Singh, I didn’t think twice. It was very challenging as it was a different language and I was working in a different state. The best thing about the film was sharing screen space with Pankaj Tripathi. All the actors in the series have performed extremely well. Everyone on the set was very cooperative.
It must have been challenging to work in a language out of your comfort zone. How did you prepare for it?
Jaya Ahsan: The way Tonyda does workshops is very different. He doesn’t just give you a script or ask you to read the lines and practise. He creates different situations that give a shape to the character. We did quite a few Zoom sessions but we hardly spoke about the script. He loves to spend time with his actors. He talks about different things and observes a lot. Tonyda instils confidence in actors, so I feel one doesn’t need to prepare anything in particular.
How was the experience of working with the cast of Kadak Singh?
Jaya Ahsan: This film was extra special. I have taken many memories from the set with me. For me, Kadak Singh was new and challenging, and the shoot was memorable. The whole team had very good energy. Cinematographer Avik Mukhopadhyay has done magical work with the camera, and Shantanu Moitra’s music makes the film come very alive. It was a beautiful journey. Even though we all were from different states, we had similar thoughts when we were together. We were too emotional on the last day of the shooting.
Pankajji (Tripathi) is responsible towards his co-actors. It is important to be a good human being. When I gave my first shot with him, I felt at ease. He is respectful towards everybody and considers everyone equally important. He would make momos on his induction stove. We would eat together and that was a lot of fun.
Sanjana (Sanghi) is a very sharp woman. She has done a commendable job in the film. A person’s acting can make you understand how mature their understanding of life is.
Parvathy (Thiruvothu) is such a strong actor; she has the capability to transform herself completely and make it so believable. Parvathy is one of my favourite actors.
Tell us about the Iranian film Fereshteh, which was screened at IFFI Goa.
Jaya Ahsan: Fereshteh is releasing in the cinema halls in Bangladesh and Iran very soon. Majid Majidi will be present in the Dhaka International Festival to watch the film. It is going to be the opening film.
Iranian films are slice-of-life films. A lot of people are inspired by Iranian films and it has been a great opportunity to be able to be a part of this production. My character is a garment factory worker who lives in a slum. Her husband is a rickshaw-puller.
What is next for you?
Jaya Ahsan: Bhootpori, OCD, Putul Nacher Itikotha are yet to be released in India. There are films in Bangladesh — Pyarar Subhash, which is a film on marital rape; and Jaya Ar Sharmin, where I have played Jaya Ahsan in a film. Jaya Ar Sharmin is also produced by me.
