Popular film and television actor, Aruna Biswas started her journey in show business in 1986, with the film, 'Chapa Dangar Bou', directed by Nayak Raj Razzak. She has been a part of numerous hit films during her career spanning over three decades. This week, the actor talks about her journey in the showbiz industry and her personal life.

DUTY OF AN ACTOR

I was born in a household seeped in arts and culture. As a result, I have had a deep relationship with and natural gravitation towards them. I was emotionally vulnerable at the very beginning of my career, after my father passed away. However, I never compromised my work; I never mixed my personal struggles with my professional commitments. Acting was not my first career choice, it was more like a responsibility. I was more passionate about singing and dancing, but I had to let them go. After my father's death, it was on me to manage his Jatra troupe, and I was responsible to provide for them. So, I had to focus on acting to fulfil my responsibilities. However, acting is now embedded in my soul, and I wouldn't otherwise have gained so much love from the audience. I do not regret any of it, and I truly embrace the way it all started. 

MEMOIRS OF LOVE

Back then, I was shooting for a wonderful movie, Abdar, directed by Subhash Datta. While I was on the set, the director told me to do the shots without any makeup. He told me that I was beautiful and I needed no makeup. As I had a darker skin complexion, I was always very insecure about it. So, I didn't listen to him, and asked the makeup artist to apply makeup on my arms. While I was secretly applying makeup, I was stunned when I saw Subhash Datta next to me. He earnestly implored me to not do this, and told me that he chose me for my natural beauty. The love and support I have received from him made me really happy that day. Besides, I have also worked with many renowned and talented directors over the years, and similarly, I have received so much affection and praises from them. I always recount those memories, and feel extremely fortunate to have worked with so many gifted artists.

IDENTITY AS A PERSON

I have a bad temper, and I cannot stand people who lie. I am also a very straight forward person; I usually confront people if they are wrong. I dislike melodramatic and greedy people.

FAMILY TIME

Family is my first priority, and most of my free time is devoted to them. Every morning, the first thing I do is call my family in Canada and talk to them. Apart from that, I also like the watching news and reading books. My hobbies include home decor, gardening and so on. I am also a coffee lover, and my day would be incomplete without a nicely brewed cup of coffee.

PERSONAL PREFERENCES

Acting is my passion, and I cannot personally choose one favourite actor. But, if I have to mention a name, I would say Julia Roberts. She is a very good actor, and I love her style of work. Even though I love acting, my dream was to become a doctor. If I wasn't an actor, I would have established myself as a doctor.

Transcribed by Joana Nomrata Mazumder