1. 112 ◆ WEDDING AFFAIR
T
annishtha Chatterjee confabs with us, about her
serendipitous way to success, paved with her laudable
roles and zealous spirits!
On defining herself
“I think we keep finding this definition of how we are as a
person, until the end of our lives. I think it is a journey. Every
individual has to probably find who they are. So, I can’t
define myself, I’m still searching for this definition.”
Reminiscing the success of Brick Lane
“Bricklane was definitely one of the films, I felt lucky about,
as it happened very early in my career and I got to play such
a complex protagonist. It was based on a celebrated novel and
a celebrated writer. It was incredible to work with Director
Sarah Gavron, Producer Alison Owen, the makeup artists
costume designer and almost everyone in the team. Further,
Sony Classic Pictures distributed it in United States and we
got excellent reviews and got nominated for The British
Independent Film Awards. After that I moved to London for
five years, and I was travelling back and forth doing some
films in India and some films in the West.”
About her overseas experiences
“Working in the West and working in India is different as
there is a structure in the West, and India is free-flowing.
However, both are unique and incredible in their own ways.
I wish the Indian industry had a little bit of structure in it and
on the other hand, the West is so much structured that I wish
it had little a bit of chaos.”
Conquering the Challenging Stride as Masha in
‘Shadows of Time’
“Masha was a very strong character, she was a courtesan and
with this character, I was supposed to sing and dance not in
Bollywood style, but like a courtesan. It was a delight to
work with some incredible crew technicians from Germany
and Academy Award Winning Director, Florian
Gallenberger. It was my big film and working with Prashant
Narayanan, Irrfan Khan, Tillotama Shome and others was
impeccable. It was an enriching experience, and took me to
many film festivals in Berlin and Toronto. I met big names
like Daniel Day-Lewis and other artists from different
countries for the first time.”
On her Initial Stride
“I never had a Godfather, I was a chemistry student, and my
dad was an engineer, my mother was a teacher. Acting
happened as an accident and turned out to be the most
beautiful accident of my life. Acting is a beautiful art form
where you discover yourself through various roles that you
play. It is complicated but liberating.”
Stint with Madhuri in Gulab Gang
“Madhuri is a thorough professional, she is dedicated, and
hardworking. She has pushed the boundaries, she looks
mesmerising always. I have always been a huge fan of her
dance. So, it was a dream come true, to work with her.”
On climbing the ladder of success
“Last year was incredible, I had ‘Angry Indian Goddesses’,
and ‘Parched’ released in Toronto. They both did so well
with great reviews, and ‘Parched’ travelled through many
Film Festivals and bagged awards. Each of us, actors from
‘Parched’, won awards and ‘Parched’ has been the opening
film of many film festivals all over the world. Last year was
hectic, but it was an interesting one.”
Quickies:
Desirable Man: Wit and good sense of humour.
Perfect Date: A date in the mountains.
Dream Wedding: A simple wedding. ■
Enchanted
Eminence
Tannishtha Chatterjee
Capturing hearts in the international lanes, her
unbounded verve knows how to rise to fame!
Meha Khera
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