They only gave me my portion of the script (of Dwitiyo Purush). They kept the climax secret from me!” Raima Sen had told The Telegraph on January 11. She watched Dwitiyo Purush on January 23 and is really happy and excited about the film. The Telegraph chats...

What’s your reaction after watching the film?

I was bowled by the climax… didn’t expect it in the least. Each performance was superb. Srijit (Mukherji) has outdone himself yet again… it is a thriller in every sense.

Did you know the whole story of 22shey Srabon (2011) during the shoot?

No, I did not know.

Picture: Rashbehari Das; Wardrobe: Masaba; Stylist: Ankita Banerjee; Location courtesy: The Park

Does it make things easier?

I knew the story (of Dwitiyo Purush) in a nutshell and I knew my role in detail. I was only bothered about how I do my role because I knew that Srijit (Mukherji) will take care of the rest.

Are you good at keeping secrets?

Till the film releases, yeah! And if someone tells me not to tell, and I feel that secret is going to be harmful, then I won’t say. I don’t like to be burdened by people’s secrets. But if it is like a fun thing, then why not?! If it is inconsequential then I will say it. It doesn’t matter. Everyone also takes it lightly. But if something is deeply disturbing then I keep it to myself.

Do you give out spoilers?

I don’t give out spoilers! My friends and everyone around me will tell me what’s happening! And then I hate it. But I don’t give out spoilers. I am not that curious.

What’s your resolution for 2020?

To calm down in life… be calm, and keep cool! I want to surround myself with the right people, try and do the right thing and not fall into the trap of negativity. I want to find peace... find some balance.

Where is this coming from?

Last six months were not so hunky-dory. I am like the phoenix, I rise from the ashes. You should learn to pick yourself up and move on.

What was your reaction when you got the offer for Dwitiyo Purush?

I was very excited when I got the offer. I did not know that there was going to be a sequel. When they did call me I was quite excited. 22shey Srabon was a huge hit. I was quite happy to work with Srijit after so long… and happy to work with Param (Parambrata) and Abir. I met Abir on a work thing after a long time. It was good fun… it was a very comfortable, homely atmosphere… it was relaxed this time. I was tense during the shoot of 22shey Srabon. I was working for the first time with Srijit.

Why tense?

I get tense before every movie. I get like a panic attack on the first day of shoot.

It happens still?

Yes, till date. Even after so many years. Once the first scene gets over, I am fine.

Would you prefer to do a light scene on Day One of a shoot?

It can be any scene. But till that first shot gets over, I am palpitating. I asked somebody about this and that person said that it’s quite normal… till you don’t crack the character and don’t shoot the first shot, you don’t know actually how it is going to come out. It is quite normal.

How have you changed in the last few years since the release of 22shey Srabon?

People like Param, who have known me forever, feel there has been no change in me! They feel I am like one of those who remain the same. And I probably have. Yeah, maybe I have not changed that much. I have become a little more wiser (smiles)… apart from that there has been really no change. I am still a prankster. One thing that hasn’t changed about me is that I am still single (smiles).

Where do you get your amazing, wacky sense of humour from?

Maybe from my father… my father has a great sense of humour. I have the ability to laugh at myself! Which I think is a great quality. Lot of people take themselves too seriously. Of course I take a few things seriously…

Has anyone ever taken any offense?

They do! People sometimes don’t understand you! That’s why you have to hang out with people who understand you… know from where you are coming. I am not making fun of anyone. I am not meaning to harm anyone. It is harmless nonsense. People have to understand that and my nature.

What were your aspirations in 2011?

I wanted to do a lot of work then. I kept on working. Now I feel I can work and also take off for holidays. I must give myself some me-time. I did not think like that at point of time. Now I feel that I have done a lot of work.. so I need to relax. I need to give myself some time. Now I am more confident. I am able to choose and decide. I can say no… I don’t have to do everything that comes my way. I like to be selective now. There is a lot left for me to learn. I am still learning every single day. I am seeing this other side of me which I did not get to see earlier. I have to cultivate other interests also. It just can’t be movies and movies. I am getting there…

You travelled a bit last year…

I went to Korea for a film festival. I also went to Budapest for a film fest, my film Thinking of Him was the opening film there. I stayed on for four-five days. I had a great time there… went to a lot of local places, ate lovely food. It was beautiful. Then I went to Seattle to shoot a Hindi web series. Then I took off for a holiday… went to LA, New York, New Orleans with my friend. We had a blast. Now I feel if I go so far away for work, I will stay on for a holiday. I was in the US after three years. This time, I went to some restaurants, I went to the beaches… I loved the jazz music in New Orleans. The streets were packed. I walked around Times Square for old time’s sake… I have a lot of memories there. It was nostalgic.

I want to travel to places I have never been. I want to learn the culture there. Travel broadens your horizon. It is all about finding happiness and peace within… and then the world is at your feet.

Do you have friends in the industry?

I hang out with a lot of boys and girls from the industry… even now… when we meet at a party. I have my own group of friends who I have grown up with… and I have met over the years. I get along with everyone in the industry.

Do your friends watch your films?

My friends from Calcutta? No, I don’t think they watch my films. I don’t think they watch Bengali films. Sometimes they watch my films online and then they message me. They send me screenshots.

Are you satisfied with the work you are doing now?

Work has given me everything. Who I am is because of my work also. Of course I want to do more. I want to do different kinds of stuff. I am very hardworking, if I get a good project. Now I have created a niche for myself, I have an audience who want to see me in a certain way. They look forward to my films. I don’t think they will be too happy to see me jumping up and down!