It has been over 25 years for actress Swastika Mukherjee in the film and television industry, but she was elated like a first-time performer with her debut at the 29th Kolkata International Film Festival last month, with not just one film but two! One was Abhijit SriDas’s debut film Bijoyar Pore, a family drama that seamlessly blends in aspects of a thriller, a father-daughter relationship, gender and religious-based social stigmas. Featuring veteran actors Dipankar De and Mamata Shankar, the film also stars Mir Afsar Ali, Rwitobroto Mukherjee, Kheya Chattopadhyay and Bidipta Chakraborty among others in prominent roles. After screening two houseful shows at KIFF, the film is now running at the theatres. t2 caught up with Swastika for a chat on her KIFF debut, working in Bijoyar Pore and more:

How excited were you about your KIFF debut last month?

It was quite overwhelming because I have not gone to the film festival as an audience or as a part of the fraternity for quite some time. The energy was electrifying. I have not been to Nandan and Rabindra Sadan for all these years and in 2023 two of my films went!

You badly wanted at least one to win. Were you heartbroken that neither won?

Both had houseful shows at Nandan and Nazrul Tirtha. I thought people go to the film festival to see all the international films but I was surprised to see the audience at both halls. I was just sad on the announcement day. If there’s more than one film, there’s a chance of winning. I was constantly messaging both my directors ‘kichhu holo? kichhu holo?’ (Laughs.)

What made you want to be a part of Bijoyar Pore?

The script was special. It is different from the crime thrillers and detective stories that we are seeing happening around us. Secondly, I wanted to grab the opportunity to work with Dipankar De and Mamata Shankar. The last time I worked with Dipankar De was in 2014. He constantly reminds me of my father. So, I wanted to spend more time with him. Actors of that generation are leaving us. I wanted to be around them, learn as much as I could and be a part of this journey.

You had gladly mentioned in the film festival that your co-actors Dipankar De and Mamata Shankar are stealing the spotlight in this film. Does the screen time or playing the protagonist matter to you?

It does. But it is not always about screen time. It is important that I have enough to contribute in the narrative and have places to perform. It is important for me to see whether the audience will remember my character and my participation in the film or the show. So in this film, the protagonists are the senior actors and all of us are really supporting. Even then, I had a lot to perform. They may have the sixers in the film, but I have quite a few boundaries, too (laughs)!

Your friend Mir is also a part of the cast. What kind of fun do you have on the set when you get to do a film together?

I think this film is very emotional and intense. It is not light-hearted entertainment. We were really invested in doing our parts well. If we are working with actors with whom we have worked before, the comfort level is there. Since I have been in the industry for almost 25-26 years now, I have a personal relationship with all actors I have known. It is comfortable that I am working with a bunch of actors whose work I really like. But because the scenes were difficult and the character was so intense, I am not a person who can have a fun time in between shots and switch off and become the character. I remain quiet and stay in the character. When we are working with stalwarts like Dipankar De and Mommo pishi, it is important to grab every opportunity otherwise I won’t stand a chance. So, I really had to focus on my work.

Is there anything you specifically admired about both the veteran actors while shooting?

Mommo pishi, even after working 40-50 years in the industry, still feels nervous and asks all the camera person and the director if her shot was right. One has to be humble to do that. Dipankar De doesn’t rush on the set or give age-related excuses. He is very patient. He doesn’t ask the unit to do his scenes first. There’s a lot to learn from them. They come prepared with their lines and are concerned that no time is wasted because of them. It is a very smooth ride with them.

You have always set an example by working with new talent in the industry. Is it because you are still very keen as an actor to explore possibilities or because you believe in the diversification of the industry through new talents?

Both. Both my answers are in the question! I am extremely greedy and hungry as an actor. I do not want to leave any stone unturned as far as me wanting to be in a film is concerned. I feel everybody has a first day and we need to give that opportunity to newcomers. In some way, I also understand the side effects of constant rejection. Even now, I give so many auditions at the national level. Like even last year, I gave three-four auditions and did not do even one of those. I understand the fight, and I feel, as a filmmaker one has to go through various levels of that fight. If I see that the first-time filmmaker is as excited and wants to work the entire length to make the film happen, I am always extremely supportive. I share my contacts and help in every way I can. I want to make sure that the maximum audience gets to see my work. I don’t feel I am doing a favour to anybody because I am as needy and greedy as a first-time filmmaker.

After 25 years of work experience, is auditioning still important?

I used to audition for everything even five years ago. Now from 40 in a year, it has come down to four. But in Bombay, that is how it works. There are more senior actors than me who are also auditioning for roles. It keeps one grounded. So, either I choose A and audition to get the film and do great in the audition, or choose B, which is I flutter my wings and say I am very big in my own industry and I will not give the audition and the chances become zero. I only audition for projects that I really want to do.

Did you ever think about venturing into direction and producing?

No. And I know for a fact that I will not. There is so much knowledge required. The film is actually made on the table, on the computer. The shooting part is the easiest. A director has to have knowledge in every department otherwise how will he know what to approve and disapprove? And my knowledge in every other department is zero. (Laughs) My understanding of the costume, styling and make-up hair department is as good as my knowledge of acting. But the rest, I feel I am very lazy to learn. If you ask me to learn in my area of work, it is okay. I watch something every day, I watch and re-watch a lot of work of other actors from all over the world. But I am lazy to learn about other departments. I am more comfortable exploring things in front of the camera than behind it.

You are exploring the OTT space diversely at both national and regional levels. Has your perspective towards work changed because of that?

Yeah. I think I need to work harder. With more avenues, it gets more competitive and more hard work is required. I feel I need to do things that I have never done before. Like in Shibpur, I have played a gangster; women in gangster films are rare. It was a character that people have not seen before and definitely did not see me doing it. Then I played a DCP in Nikhoj. It was a fully women-driven show and the content was different for the audience. I don’t want to be a part of repetitive content at all.

Have you been able to do your dream role as an actor yet?

I actually don’t think that way because I have played so many characters in my entire career. There have been quite a few exemplary ones. They don’t come too often. Like Kadalibala in Bhooter Bhobishyot, Kamalini in Shah Jahan Regency, Dolly in Guldasta… nobody would have imagined there could be a character like this. A dream role happens when you have done your part and watch it. I have a notebook where I write down what I have never played. I have never played a smuggler, a blind person or a mentally challenged person, a character on a wheelchair, a psycho killer or a serial killer. I have a list. If a script comes to me I look for these.

You are gearing up for a Puja release this year….

Yes, I don’t remember when was the last time I had a Puja release. Like we have Id release with Salman Khan, Puja release is Srijit Mukherji’s space. We started shooting Tekka and before anything the Pujo release was announced! (Laughs) Srijit has already blocked it. It is my first work with Dev in so many years, so I am very happy. I have a lot of my favourite people in the crew team as well. I will be very busy this Puja.

How does 2024 look for you professionally and personally?

Professionally, I think I will have the busiest year ever. My calendar is full till June. I don’t even have half a day off. My daughter is here till the coming week before she leaves for the UK. I will drop her to the airport and go directly to the set. Till June, I will work my ass off, then I will go and spend time with her because her graduation is there. Then I will spend some time with my friends in the USA and come back and work again.