'Nandini': I feel other women through my roles, says Ritabhari Chakraborty post OTT debut

Q. How was your initial reaction to your fans' speculation about your husband when you dropped the Nandini promo?

A. Honestly, I was a bit anxious while posting it because it was a big claim. But the hint was that I had mentioned the word 'husband'. It wouldn't have been possible for me to have a husband keeping my audience in darkness. I was in splits reading the comments. But also it's true a lot of people had figured out that it was a promotional activity. One-minute silence for all people who had debated over the topic of having a baby prior to marriage in reference to the promo (laughs).

It was extremely hilarious to see how people were searching for my husband. When people call me bold, mostly they refer to my clothes. I am bold beyond my clothes, with my content, words, publicity stunts. I won't do any publicity stunt which would be harmful for anyone but calling myself pregnant is not harmful, rather it's a matter of pride.

Q. How was living through the life of a pregnant woman?

A. I have been shown pregnant through nine episodes in the series. The progression of a pregnant mother and how one's physique changes over nine months have been shown in the episodes. I gave my full commitment to the project. I have not been pregnant but living through this journey, I couldn't think of a better way to announce the project.

Q. Did you fear any backlash?

A. My PR teams, both in Kolkata and Mumbai, were completely against this kind of a promo. My Mumbai PR team had also predicted a backlash. I have been into acting for 16 years, which is more than the span of time I have not been doing it. I had an idea about my own industry and my image. I am aware of how I am perceived by my audience. Until and unless I am completely wrong, my fans and followers will be curious but won't defame me. This is because they love me. People were curious but they were never crude or cruel in their reactions to the promo.

Q. Your transformations, be it gaining weights for Fatafati or playing a pregnant woman's role, are undoubtedly bold steps. Do you think these roles are an extended version of Ritabhari Chakraborty, who is known for her boldness?

A. Yeah, I think so. Absolutely. I am neither Phullora (Ritabhari's character in Fatafati) nor Snigdha (Ritabhari's character in Nandini) but these are my extended versions. I want to feel other people but practically it's not possible in one life. So I live them through my roles. I could speak a lot on behalf of many women when Fatafati was released. My audience could connect to me back then. Now I am mighty proud of my project, Nandini. It's a good one. I hope my extended version speaks on behalf of many women, who seem to be happy with material values but hollow from inside.

Q. Your films always carry a social message. Was it a plan to send a similar message through your OTT debut?

A. No, it just happened. I was waiting for a character which will be worth it for a series. I do get such roles. Within a week after the release of Nandini's teaser, I received another offer on OTT. I give a lot to a project. I immerse myself into a project completely. I get into a process to play my roles effectively and flawlessly because I believe in quality. I work hard for every project to ensure these roles remain relevant to my next generation. Of course I want to act like a glamorous heroine but when it comes to commitment and creating a role, my acting self is too overpowering to be ignored.

Q. How much time do you take to liberate yourself from such roles, which are emotionally taxing?

A. I am still working on it (laughs). I have a lot of tough times to get out of my character, honestly. I cried for a few days. I take time to return to my normal life. After a release, I feel very mundane for the first few days. Working for Nandini and Grihastha (Ritabhari's next project) back to back was stressful because both the roles are very emotionally taxing. I am not blaming anyone. I am sensitive, no one has anything to do with it. After Mainak Bhaumik's Grihastha, I have signed two films where I am starring opposite a male hero. It would be a much needed break from female centric roles for me (laughs).

Q. You had a contribution in making the promo of Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan. How was that experience?

A. My writing partner in Mumbai, Sumit Aroraa, has written the dialogue of Jawan. He was asked by Shah Rukh sir to make a poem for the promo but he was unable to understand the brief given to him. Sumit called Shah Rukh sir when I was around. I listened to it and helped Sumit by writing the poem. Later when Sumit told Shah Rukh sir, the latter immediately talked to me and asked for my name. Upon learning my name, he told me, "Yes, Ritabhari is the name which seems to be of a writer. Is Sumit a kind of a name for a writer?" (laughs). Shah Rukh sir ensured I get the credit for the promo. Any kind of association with that man (Shah Rukh Khan) is great because I absolutely love him. When I talked to him over the phone, it seemed he knew me for ages.

Shah Rukh Khan is the hero we need but don't deserve. I wonder whether we deserve a man like him. He wowed me for my effort to make the promo. We get no one like him in Tollywood. I literally crib and cry in search of someone like Shah Rukh Khan in the Bengali film industry. It's just the recognition of good talent. There is no harm in amplifying oneself but how can an industry progress if we are not backing each other up. It would have been nice if people in our industry had supported each other.

(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)