Gorgeous, witty and charming. And, our V-Day date! Raima Sen is always a riot to catch up with. Her candour is refreshing as is her self-deprecating humour. In The Telegraph exclusive, Raima shares her date stories, what she is looking for in a relationship and why fidelity is the most important factor. Excerpts from the chat:
What are your memories of your V-Day dates?
I have had a lot of dates, but never on Valentine’s Day, which is very surprising. This is actually my first date on Valentine’s Day! In school things were different. And even in college. Now the priorities are different, but all my dates have been different. Once I went out on this date and ordered grilled fish. The dish came along with lemon and was tied up in cloth and you are supposed to squeeze it with the cloth. I was so young at that time and I kept trying to open the piece of cloth for a long time. My date finally said one is not supposed to open that! That was one of my most embarrassing dates. I couldn’t eat after that. I felt he must be thinking that I know nothing!
Do you remember when you dated first?
I must have been 16-17 and we went to Nicco Park. We just held hands and roamed around Nicco Park. It was just exciting to hold hands.
Do people feel a bit intimidated to ask you out because of who you are?
At 16-17, I wasn’t considered Raima Sen...
But you still had a legacy... so, were they scared?
No, not at all. I think I was the one who was more scared then! Now, they probably are scared of me (smiles), but when I was in school and college, I was shy. I couldn’t even open my mouth and raise my hand if I wanted to say something. I was one of those girls who never spoke. I never participated in plays in school and here I was wanting to be an actress! Even on the sets of my first film Godmother (directed by Vinay Shukla and starring Shabana Azmi), I was so shy and conscious that I asked myself after that film whether I wanted to become an actress at all because I had to be there in front of everyone and my first film was difficult for me. Of course, it changes with time. Now, I am not shy from any angle, but (now) there must be an inhibition (on the part of others who want to ask her out) because I am single! (Laughs)
When did you become the prankster that you are?
Much later! Now because I know that I can get away with murder, especially in Calcutta where they pamper me so much, I do it even more! The secret is, don’t pamper me! (Laughs)
Have you played pranks on your boyfriends?!
Not with them! I am very particular (laughs), but with others, including my parents, always!
When did you last date?
I think the last was 2019. So, I have been single for quite a while. Also, because I am lazy and I don’t like going out. I am always sitting in the house and don’t travel that much too. I am someone who expects everything to fall into my lap (laughs out loud)
Have your friends set you up on a blind date?
I have been on many blind dates but that was in school. Most I didn’t like (laughs) and if I didn’t, I just scared them with weird stories about myself. Recently I haven’t been on one and I probably wouldn’t go either because I’d be thinking that they are probably meeting me because I am Raima Sen, but I have met people through friends but I don’t think they treat me like Raima Sen.
What kind of love have you seen growing up?
My parents are great even today. There is so much companionship. They can’t do without each other. My mother won’t go if my father’s not going. And, they are such greatfriends. They rely and depend on each other and it’s great to see them.
Is that also something you are looking for?
One of my dates had actually told me that he would marry someone when he sees that kind of look that my parents have for each other in their eyes. That really stuck with me. He probably thought I wasn’t looking at him like that! I think he was giving me a hint! (Laughs)
What would your grandmother Suchitra Sen tell you?
Towards the end, she was like: ‘Onek hoyechhe’. Settle down with someone simple and a nice job. She was protective and loved us a lot.
And, your mother Moon Moon Sen?
She used to tell me but now I think she has given up! (Laugh) Whenever they say, I tell them, ‘You find me (someone)!’ They say they can’t take responsibility because if something happens tomorrow I would say it’s their fault. Someone had come with a rishta and my mom said this is my daughter’s lifestyle and I am warning you from now on, she is this, this, this.... (laughs out loud)! I think they never came back after that! But my family would love for me to settle down. I’d like a companion now. And, if love comes with it, then why not? I have reached that stage where I don’t believe in that crazy, obsessive love...
Did you believe in that earlier?
In my teens. Mills & Boon... I believed in that for a very long time. I am now more realistic and practical. It’s a lot of hard work, which I have never put in.
Have you figured out what love is?
Not at all. The only love that is sustainable is for your family. But boyfriends? I don’t know, ya. People keep changing their partners. So, I don’t know what love is.
Are you romantic? Would you go all out?
I wouldn’t but I would expect the man to! (Laughs) I want to be treated like a princess (laughs). I want him to surprise me on special occasions and I like surprises.
Have you ever fallen for a co-star?
I have and it’s natural especially when you are younger and you first come into the movies. Few of them knew! (Laughs)
Have you been lucky in love?
Yeah, yeah. I have always got what I wanted. Maybe not lucky in marriage (laughs). I am not ready yet, but if it comes, why not? Just go with the flow!
Picture: Pabitra Das
Hair and make-up: Prasenjit Biswas
Styling: Sumit Sinha
Location courtesy: Badmaash, 1 Camac Street