A chat with Mimi Chakraborty can start with fashion talk and end with a life lesson. As does our annual Puja adda on the sidelines of a shoot at the duplex suite at Hyatt Regency Kolkata, over pizza, soup, sandwiches and coffee. The actress-MP speaks about her Puja plans and why her Sanjukta Mitra, SP, Burdwan, in her Puja release Raktabeej, is perhaps closest to her personality.
We tried different Puja looks on you today...
The looks were fabulous. We have experimented and improvised upon the looks. My favourite is the Mahima Mahajan look. During Pujas, I mostly wear saris. I plan to wrap up everything by October 20. Post Sashthi, I don't work for anyone, not even for myself! Puja means fun, family, feasting, waking up to the beats of the dhaak. I will be going to my old house in Kasba for the Pujas. It feels like my home puja because I have lived there for so long. My father takes a lot of interest in the kind of idol that comes to the complex every Puja. I really look forward to those four days of fun and frolic.
Oh so hot! Mimi looks alluring in a red Echostudio by Tanya Arora dress (available at Aza, Calcutta), with jewellery by Tribe By Amrapali. Sayanta has kept the lips muted and Sima gives her a bun
What are you praying for this Puja?
Seeing so much happening around me since 2020, since Covid and of late too, so much has been happening, that every day, when I wake up, I just pray for good health, a home to live in, food on my table and health and happiness for my loved ones. My loved ones are not just my family. They are the people I work with. I am grateful for everything I have. I am not insecure when it comes to work, but I am when it comes to family and relationships. I hate to lose a close one. I am very scared in fact....
Do you see a change in yourself?
When I started, I used to take it a little easy. Over the years and I don't know when it happened, I started taking everything seriously, especially my work, what I do, how I look, how I deliver my dialogues and how I speak to someone. I don't take things for granted any more. If among billions God has given me this, it is for a reason. I try to be honest and devoted to what I do and I believe in doing the right thing and spreading joy.
This Mahima Mahajan (available at Aza, Calcutta) look is glam chic. Sayanta defines the eyes and Sima gives her hair the soft kiss of beach curls. The Tribe By Amrapali jewellery is just right for the minimal yet striking look
How do you declutter your mind?
When I was young, I have always heard that it is very alone there (when you are a big star). Now when I see it and literally feel it... I don't know where I am, but it is a place where you can only trust yourself. A lot of people betray you and it has happened to me too. I have told people for who they are and then the friendship crumbled. I have seen fake is so real and that people are so used to loving the fake that when you are real, they hate it.
The handful of people in my life know me, love me and care for me, the way I am and I am never going to change for anyone until and unless it's hurting someone. I feel a 'sorry' doesn't make you a smaller person and I believe in the values of relationships. I am a giver but when I shut myself, I don't look back. If people don't leave me, I don't leave anyone. My team is important to me. We chill on Navami.
Can you really make friends after a point in your life?
You really can't I believe. We are public figures and we get to meet a lot of people and then you do get to know them a little more, but I believe friends who have known you for a long time are your real friends. You can be what you are with them.
How are you approaching relationships?
I am open to relationships, but I also see that many men are insecure about independent women and in a certain position in life. I can't have insecure men in my life. The man has to respect me for who I am. I am homely by nature and an introvert. I don't want anything from anyone other than love, companionship and respect. Respect is very important. Smiling is tax-free.
The easy-breezy Payal Singhal (available at Aza, Calcutta) set is accessorised with chunky and statement accessories from Tribe By Amrapali. "I have kept the makeup neutral, the skin hydrated, the eyes matte and coated it with thick mascara and given her a smudged brown liner," says Sayanta. Sima side-parts Mimi's hair and styles it into pixie curls for the shot by the pool
And your film Raktabeej has just released. A Puja release must always feel special, right? Is this role closest to your character, tough and strong?
(Laughs) Most of them are saying that. I am tough and strong! I knew how to ride a bike, but hadn't been on one for years. For Raktabeej, I learnt how to ride the Royal Enfield and this one was different. We rode on roads and it was a huge adrenaline rush.
The team on Mimi and style tips…
Sayanta Dhali, makeup pro
Sima Ghosh, hair pro: If the humidity levels are higher, keep your hair tied
Sumit Sinha, stylist: Mimidi is very positive and I am inspired by her. I love her energy. It is always fun to work with her. Sometimes she listens to me and sometimes to herself (Mimi laughs out loud), which I totally respect. The looks we did today are bold, beautiful and festive.