Summer has been a good time for Monami Ghosh and her films. Belaseshe, released on May 1, 2015, had created history. Now May 20 is special since Belashuru (directed by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukhopadhyay) releases on that day. Monami plays Piu, the youngest and the most loved member of the family in the film. The Telegraph chats with the pretty actress...
What are your memories of shooting for Belaseshe?
I have such lovely memories, shooting in Kolkata and Bolpur. We bonded like a family. On-screen and off-screen moments blended together beautifully. I remember vividly the moments revolving around the Durga Puja sequences. One day during a break in Bolpur some of the actors got together and went off for lunch at a restaurant. But suddenly the shoot schedule changed and as we were about to order, we started getting phone calls to resume shooting immediately. You can understand the situation once we returned.
Why was that film important for you?
People will forever remember my character Piu. It was a turning point and it is a really special film for me. Initially I was a bit confused when I first heard the script of Belaseshe. I did not know whether I should do it or not. There was such a huge ensemble cast. I did not know what to do with it. It took me a while to take a decision. Of course, I am extremely comfortable working with Shibuda and Nanditadi. I love working with them. I listened to them. Once I started shooting for Belaseshe I realised it is going to be a really important film for me. After release it created history.
Did you have a fave compliment?
I got many. And beyond all this, I saw how the film formed bonds of love and friendship between the elderly and the young. The film redefined the meaning of love in a new way. I saw it happen within close quarters, within my relatives. My chhoto mashi used to sing really well. But she wouldn’t get the time to nurture that because of the responsibilities of family life. After watching Belaseshe, my mesho got her a harmonium on their anniversary so that she could continue with her singing. He had this realisation after watching Belaseshe.
What was your first reaction when you heard about Belashuru?
I was overjoyed, I was super excited... because it was like a reunion of family members. It was like a family get-together. I knew something iconic like Belaseshe is going to happen once again.
How was your shooting experience?
It was really hectic for me since I was also busy with another shoot in Calcutta during that time. So I was shooting in Bolpur for Belashuru and the next day I would be back in Calcutta. I was constantly going to and fro between Bolpur and Calcutta. One day my call time in Bolpur was at 6am. And after completing the shoot in Calcutta, I reached Bolpur at 5.30am! Also, we had a blast shooting for the Tapa tini song.
How is it like being directed by Shiboprosad and Nandita?
It is awesome. I have been working with them for many years. I have done non-fiction shows with them as well. Their scripts are amazing, people can really connect with their stories. Their style of direction is also very unique. I love working with them, everything is so organised. It is just like the way a family functions. Our thoughts match and that gives way to great cinema.
What are your favourite moments from Belashuru?
There are many. But my introduction scene deserves special mention. The way it has been shot, the way the scene has been lit... the background light... is beautiful.
What is your takeaway from the film?
That I could be a part of Soumitra jethu (Chatterjee) and Swati aunty’s (Swatilekha Sengupta) last work together. All those moments spent with them. There was a special screening of Belashuru and at that time Swati aunty was there. After watching the film, Swati aunty hugged me and told me that I have performed really well.
Picture: Pabitra Das