Madhumita Sarcar likes to take on challenges, and she doesn’t believe in playing it safe. “I try to pick a script where I feel that I’d be able to learn a lot of things from the film. I try to pick subjects that I have never done before. I should be happy watching the film as an audience member,” smiles Madhumita. Keen to explore new avenues, Madhumita took on a new role that made her step out of her comfort zone — she started shooting for a Telugu film (still untitled)! The Telegraph chat with Madhumita.

How did your journey into the South Indian film industry begin?

I got a phone call from a production house in February. They had seen my work in Cheeni and they loved my performance and wanted to cast me in a new Telugu film. It was a high-profile, prestigious project... a romantic psychological thriller. They really liked my energy in Cheeni, and felt that it would go well with my character in the Telugu film. I got to know that the film stars Rakesh Varre, who was also in Bahubali. He is also the producer of the Telugu film, which is directed by renowned scriptwriter Sankar. In the past Sankar had written the scripts of many successful Telugu films. Vishal Chandrashekhar, who scored the music for Sita Ramam, is composing the music of this film.

I flew to Hyderabad, and was blown away by the storyline. They felt that I would be able to play the character really well. It was a character for which I had to understand human behaviour and psychology at a deeper level. My character has a lot of substance. Then I got to know that the film would be shot in sync sound.

Madhumita in the yet-to-be-titled Telugu film

So you had to learn Telugu?

Yes, and I was really eager to learn a new language. I want to do more projects in Telugu. I returned to Kolkata and started shooting for Kuler Achaar. During that time I started taking lessons in Telugu. I also started training in Wing Chun (a concept-based fighting art form). Every day during the Kuler Achaar shoot I would keep one hour for my Telugu classes.

What were your initial challenges in learning Telugu?

I had to get rid of my Bengali accent. That was the first challenge that I had to overcome. Now I can speak Telugu fluently. I can read and write Telugu as well. I can watch Telugu films without subtitles. The whole process was really interesting and the production house took care of me really well.

After completing the Kuler Achaar shoot, you again went back to Hyderabad...

Yes. I started shooting for my debut Telugu film from March 11.

How was Day One for you?

For the first two-three days I shot for montage sequences. They really liked my expressions, the way I was emoting for the character. The moment I started saying my lines I knew it would not be easy. Both the director and producer had immense confidence in me and everyone there really supported me. They were really happy to know that I was willing to learn the language and speak Telugu. They would really encourage me, and gradually my language skills improved.

We shot in Mangalore for the first 10 days. Again I returned to Kolkata to complete the dubbing of Kuler Achaar. Then I returned in April and was there for a month. In the morning I would set aside a few hours to train in Wing Chun and then take my Telugu lessons. I would speak to everyone in Telugu, watch movies. The seniors also guided me. We have already shot for more than 100 days.

Madhumita and Rakesh Varre

You also shot for another Bengali film, Dilkhush recently. How did you balance it out?

It was super exciting for me. Even I didn’t know that I could pull off both successfully. I didn’t overthink it.... I just worked my way through the shoots of the films. It was a mammoth task and thankfully I could finish both. The people here have so much respect for Bengalis.

What’s the way forward for you? Would you like to work in both the industries simultaneously?

I just want to work more. It can be in any language. I am an actor and language is not a barrier for me at all. Once I have a script, and some time, I’ll prepare and make sure that I am perfect there.

Telugu films shoot their action scenes in a very stylish way. How was your experience?

It was amazing! From doing somersaults to vaults, I have done it all. I have the bruises to prove it! Wing Chun involves a lot of technique and I have been accurate in the fight scenes.

You have been working in the industry for 12 years now....

The level of excitement is still the same. I feel there is a lot to learn... maybe the only change is that I’m making more smart decisions now regarding my career.