Sanjeeta Bhattacharya is very close to her Bengali roots even though she was born and brought up in Delhi. Earlier this month, the Jawan actress wrapped up shooting in Calcutta for Srimanta Senguptta’s new Bengali film. From food to films and music, the actress spoke to t2 about her Bengali influences and more in a straight-from-the-heart chat while decking up for an AM to PM summer lookbook shoot at ITC Sonar.
How often do you get to be in the city?
Since January, I have been here three times. Earlier, I used to do a gig, stay for a day and leave. But finally, since I am getting to do a film now, I am spending more time here. This is happening after seven years. Previously, it used to be just me meeting my cousins and extended family here.
What are your fondest memories of the city?
My dadu-dida’s house is in Garia, and my mama, painter Badhan Das, used to live in Deshapriya Park. Spending time with him is one of my favourite childhood memories. There was red marble floor in his house, and he used to brew his own wine. He used to be my dad’s professor as he was studying at the Government College of Art. Another childhood memory is that whenever we used to enter dadu-dida’s house, they knew we would ask for rosogolla. A pot would always be kept on the dining table. Though I am probashi, I am a bheto Bangali. I am a bhaat-dal person, and my mother also cooks Bengali food at home.
You have pursued acting and music but why not painting?
I think I just never had a thing for painting. My eldest brother is a born painter. I have always been a singer and dancer. If you ask me to draw, I will still draw a sun and smiley! That’s all that I can do!
You were trained at Berklee College of Music. Did you ever visualise a Grammy nomination?
Far from it! When we were recording the album, for me it was a college project. It was like we were part of an ensemble. The day I got the letter from the director of the ensemble, I was floored. I had no idea. It was very surreal. To be so close to the win… I have heard of the Grammy since childhood. I hope next time it is a win!
The sundowner look was all about power dressing with a touch of femininity. The blue colour-block co-ord set was paired with a contrast and vibrant pink bustier for this look. It was accessorised smart and elegant with a statement pearl neckpiece. The bun and a hint of gloss in the make-up completed the look
How fond are you of Bengali music?
I know in Calcutta there is something about (Bengali) bands but I have not heard it. I am not very aware of contemporary music here. The only Bengali music I am aware of is what my dad introduced me to. Saurav Das, with whom I am doing this Bengali film, has given me a list, which I will listen to. But so far it has been baul and Rabindrasangeet in Bengali music because that is what I have grown up listening to. But I also hope to write music in Bengali someday that could be a part of my Bengali films and I could sing it, too. Just like in Jawan, I acted in it and recorded a song for it. Similarly, for my Bengali films…. Bengali is not a language that I write in. I can speak and read. But if I try, I will be able to write.
If you have to choose between music and acting…
Music has always been a part of my life. Since the time I was in nursery, on my report card… I didn’t speak English at home so I couldn’t speak English in school. So, in English, it was grade D. But in Music A+. My teacher would say: ‘She will be a great singer.’ Since then I have been into music. To choose would mean that I am a linear artiste but I am not a linear artiste. I would love to explore my dancing next. Music has always been a part of my life but acting is a new-found love. I call myself an artiste.
How did your debut Bengali film with Srimanta Senguptta happen?
It happened because of my manager, Lopa. She knew Srimanta. In the meeting, when Srimantada was narrating the story to me, it was very hard-hitting. The story is very close to me. So, I cried. I didn’t have any friends in Calcutta since childhood, it was just my cousins. Finally, I have friends now.
Have you always wanted to act in Bengali films?
I never wanted to act in the first place. Once I did Jawan, which is a perfect example of an Indian cinema, I don’t call it Bollywood… my next aim was to explore regional cinema. Some of the best works come out of these places. And, of course, Bengal since I am from here. The response to Jawan from here has been really cute because they were really cheering for me saying: ‘Oi meyeta, Jawan-ey, Bangali!’ (Laughs) The response from Bengal was very heartwarming. So, doing a film here was the obvious next choice.
I have never seen someone describe their fashion statement so cutely! Your Insta post describes it as ‘A mini animal. Minimal’! Are you a minimalist?
(Laughs) You’ve seen that post! Yeah, I am a very minimalistic person. Comfort comes to me first no matter what. When it comes to minimalist clothing, I love dresses. One thing I would love to explore is lungi. At home, I wear my dad’s lungi!
What is your summer style like?
Anything easy-breezy. I like dresses because Indian summers are very hectic. Lately, I like to dress myself mostly in beige and whites. I love to accessorise with hats and sandals.
Is there anything you are obsessed with in fashion and style?
I am obsessed with mascara and lash curlers. I am in love with my lashes and love to show them off.
Are you a sari person?
I enjoy wearing a sari but I don’t know how to wear one. If someone drapes it on me, I love it. Sari hugs you the right way and accentuates the body in the right way. I always like to complete it with a bindi.
Do you have a style icon?
Zendaya. I love how Zendaya is breaking boundaries.
Are you open to experiments in fashion?
This red silk organza tiered, ruffled dress with floral appliques spells out party-perfect. Red lips and a classic bun complete the summer party look, with minimal accessories
I would love to but I never had an opportunity to until now because in music we don’t need to. But now that I am in showbiz, I am hoping to get a chance to experiment.
Any favourite directors from Bengal that you would like to work with?
Srijit Mukherji, Kaushik Ganguly. My father showed the film Chotoder Chobi to me. A lot of my Bengali influences are from baba. He has exposed me to Bengali music and films. I wish iconic people like Satyajit Ray were still alive but these people in the industry are doing great. But I can’t wait to explore myself as an actor. I would love to do different kinds of roles, the quirky ones too. This is just the beginning.
What’s waiting in the pipeline?
I am going to be releasing five or six songs this year. Manchala dil was released on Women’s Day. In May, there’s one more coming up. I will be a part of a Sony Liv show called Freedom at Midnight and The Broken News Season 2 is coming up on Zee5 and the Bengali film of Srimanta Senguptta.
What is the secret to your energy of juggling so many things?
Honestly, I am exhausted! (Laughs) But the secret is that I enjoy what I do. So, it doesn’t feel like work for me. Moving around is exhausting. But I really love the work. It is a blessing to be doing something I love. I hope such opportunities keep coming to me. If any project gives me a good feeling in the pit of my stomach, I do it. If it doesn’t, I don’t do it.
Hair, make-up and styling: Kaushik and Rajat
Outfits: The Atrium — Westerns Multi-designer
Location: ITC Sonar, Calcutta