Ishaa Saha on 'Ektu Sore Boshun': It was seamless to work with Kamaleswar Mukherjee

Q. Comedy was one genre which was untouched by you so far. Was it a well thought out plan to venture into it now?

A. It was never a plan. I just go with the flow. After all, this is my profession so I would face trouble if I overthink. I always wanted to explore any interesting work that came my way. So I never think much before doing a film. The same happened with Ektu Sore Boshun. I couldn't have said 'no' to this work for a number of reasons and one of them was Kamal-da (Kamaleswar Mukherjee), who is almost like a friend to all of us.

Even before he asked me, I was sure about doing this film. Later, of course I liked the script. Kamal-da made it clear that it would be a situational comedy and not a hardcore comedy. My role is funny, a bit tomboyish, straightforward yet sweet. So I jumped into the project just like that, without giving it a much thought into it like any other time.

Q. A lot of actors call comedy a tough genre. How was your assessment?

A. Actually, it (Ektu Sore Boshun) was more of a situational comedy. So we (actors) never got such a brief that we would have to deliver comic dialogues and all. I just reacted to the acting of Ritwick-da (Ritwick Chakraborty), with whom I had maximum scenes.

Q. So working with Ritwick Chakraborty, who is celebrated for his acting skills, helped you in your first comic adventure?

A. Yes, like it is said good actors lift each other up. It happened to me with Ritwick-da. I didn't have to do much but react to his lines, acting and behaviour. The shoot was very easy and seamless for me. I just went with the flow under Kamal-da's direction.

Q. How key was the comfort level in this shooting?

A. Kamal-da teaches when his actors commit mistakes and applaud when they perform well. Such an appreciation motivates a lot. I have had a very easy relationship with Kamal-da. He too has a comfort level with each and every actor, I believe.

Q. Since you have worked with the likes of Ritwick Chakraborty, Parambrata Chattopadhyay, Anirban Bhattacharya and others, do you feel their influence into your own process?

A. It never happened consciously. I always believe co-actors are important in one's performance. Acting is always a reciprocation so it gets uplifted by a good co-actor. Honestly, I struggle to understand the techniques of the mentioned actors because I do not have a theatre background. However, I have my own process. I am a bit of an instinctive actor. I react on the set as per my instincts. But yes it's true that I learn a lot from actors like Ritwick-da, Param-da as they are technically so sound besides being powerhouses of acting.

Q. You worked with a lot of comparatively newer filmmakers at the start of your career. How did that pan out for you?

A. I felt like veteran filmmakers wouldn't have cast me at that point of time (laughs). I was also new to the industry. The younger directors perhaps felt they could cast me instead of big female stars (laughs). But I am sure veteran filmmakers will also root for me like I have worked with Arindam-da (Arindam Sil) and now Kamal-da. But honestly, I felt happy about getting those offers, that's it. I never thought about how directors were younger. Moreover, I am a director's actor completely so it didn't matter whether I was working with newer or senior filmmakers.

Q. Going by the title and poster of Ektu Sore Boshun, it indicates making a place for one's own. Did that remind you of your initial days?

A. A lot depends on luck in our industry. There might be a plenty of people who act like me or even better but are not getting the love which I received. I would call it sheer luck. I never felt like elbowing out in making my own space in the industry ever. I believe in controlling my own actions. I don't think of uncontrollables. My career was not dependent on myself but others. After I finished my shoot of Projapoti Biskut, I had to wait for seven months. I was thinking of returning to High Caurt (Ishaa has a degree in LLB) if the film had failed.

Moreover, I didn't love the profession back then. I started liking acting after Guptodhoner Sondhane, Sweater. I never had to fight for my own place, maybe due to my luck. I got offers one after the other based on my provious performances. My acting career just happened automatically. Both in life and acting, I feel trying too hard doesn't help. It should not be a burden. I just act natural and work with dedication.

Q. You have worked on a number of projects on OTT. How do you want to shape your web career from here?

A. I want to explore OTT more. OTT had started with a zeal to make contents which are not seen in films. But after Indu, I have realised a lot of repetitive shows are being made. Some people also refer to OTT as an extension of television which I do not like because the web should be a space for exploration and experimentation instead of limiting it.

Indu is a special series for me but I don't want to be a part of repetitive works. Along with Indu, I want to work in series like Mandaar, Parnashavarir Shaap. I am keen to explore diverse roles including the negative ones. Experimentation is done on OTT but limited. Having said that, if I don't come across experimental projects too often, I perhaps have to fall back on repetitive works.

(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)