Aparna Sen Gets Candid At DIFF

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Veteran Indian actor and director Aparna Sen touched down in Bangladesh a few days ago to attend the 16th Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) where her film “Sonata” was also screened. Before the film screening, the artiste spoke to journalists about her work at the press meet, and her visit to Bangladesh after a few years. Excerpts from the conversation:

“My last visit to Bangladesh was in the year 2000, but I have wanted to come here again sooner. I am having a great trip so far, and I am impressed by the festival arrangements.”

“Today I stand here as a director, but in the years past I have been associated with other professions, including being an editor of a newspaper. However my sole focus is on films now, and I care for each project as though it is my own child.”

“While Bangladesh is a country and Kolkata is part of a state, it is my desire to see more exchange in films between the two cultures, so that Bangalees from both sides of the borders can watch the same films.”

“I began my career in acting since the age of 14, which continued for many years until my interests turned to directing. As a woman making films, I am grateful to say my gender has not been an obstacle in getting things done - the only problem so far has been budget, which needs to be increased a lot more if we want quality films. As women, we have made immense progress over the years. Today we can work freely, and make our thoughts known.”

“Many may not know this, but the poet Jibananda Das was my paternal uncle. Throughout my life I was so much in awe of him, that I couldn't see him as anything other than being the great poet.”

“Many people ask me whether I identify myself as Mrinalini, or any of the other characters I have portrayed on screen. Narratives are drawn from real life, we are at once the characters we represent, but at the same time we are not.”

“It is imperative to recognise the millions of Bangalees living away from their homes, in other parts of the world, and to carry our films to them.”