I want to be patient and goal-oriented: Ushasi Ray reflecting on herself ahead of 'Chotolok' premiere

Q. How is your role navigating through this thriller?

A. My character is very gray-shaded. I haven't played such a role earlier. Rupsha, my character, is a very different, independent woman, who lives on her own terms. She is bold, fearless and spontaneous. She gets killed and the story progresses.

Q. How different was Rupsha from Ushasi? Could you connect to her?

A. Not at all. Not even remotely (could connect). In fact, Kabi-da (Indranil Roychowdhury) at the start made me aware of the hard work I had to put in because Rupsha is totally different from me. She is diagonally opposite from me in terms of nature.

Q. How was the process of slipping into the role?

A. There was a process actually. We had undergone workshops, script reading sessions and discussions with Kabi-da. Beni-di (actress Damini Basu), who is my teacher, has helped me a lot. Otherwise it would have been tough for me to play such a role.

Q. How was working with Indranil Roychowdhury?

A. We didn't have much to do work on set because Kabi-da is very particular and clear in what he wants. We were aware of what our work was on the shooting floor as we had rehearsed a lot and did workshops for almost two months. We knew all the technical aspects of every shot by the time we reached the set.

We were aware of the composition and choreography on the set. We just went to the shooting floor and performed. It gave us the feeling of being in theatres. The process was very clean and easy. We never had any kind of confusion because Kabi-da was particular in his work. We were crystal clear about our job. His mode of work is very distinct.

Q. How do you assess your own progression in film career?

A. I think every actor has his/her own time. The biggest example in contemporary time is Tota Roy Choudhury. This is not the first time he is acting but look how he stole the limelight with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. People are talking about him because of his Bollywood venture. There is nothing more to say if such a great actor needs to venture into Bollywood to prove himself.

I think actors need to wait for the right time. What we can learn from him is how to be patient and be focussed towards the goal. His success story is the biggest example of the fact that one will be rewarded for being honest to work. I have learnt it from him. We should have a 'never say die' attitude. One will rise and shine only if he/she is goal-oriented.

Q. Do you plan your work? How are things panning out across the media?

A. I never plan (smiles). I believe in destiny. Whatever is meant to be will happen. I want to do good work and experiment with myself.

(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)