Raima Sen: Why should I compromise with little and feel frustrated?

Raima Sen

Raima Sen speaks about work difference in Bengali films and Hindi cinema. Picture Courtesy: Instagram/raimasen.

The gorgeous and extremely beautiful Raima Sen, who is predominantly seen in Bengali films, is awaiting the release of her Hindi film, 'Kuldip Patwal: I didn't do it'. The 38-year-old actress is a talented actress and considers film sets her home. With films such as 'Parineeta' and 'Chokher Bali', she has carved a niche for herself. With her exotic looks and beauty, she is here to conquer the hearts of many! With a soft voice on the other side of the cellular phone, Raima shared some unknown facets of her professional and personal life with mid-day online.

Excerpts from the interview:

How was your experience shooting for the film 'Kuldip Patwal: I didn't do it'. Aren't such roles taxing enough?
It was a thrilling experience. Since the entire film has been shot in the courtroom, the film's director (Remy Kohli) had strictly asked us to stay at the location from morning 7 am till 7 pm. It did not matter if you are shooting or not, one has to be present on the set and watch out for the entire shoot.

Any particular reason behind it?

That's because everyone right from Deepak Dobriyal, Gulshan Devaiah, and others they are all from the theatre background. So, maybe that's their method of getting into the character. It was a wonderful experience working with them.

What attracted you towards the script?
The fact that I would get to play a lawyer was in itself appealing. I have never played a lawyer and I always wanted to do such a role.

What is the difference shooting for Bengali films and Hindi films?
There's no difference when it comes to the shooting process. I have always been on the sets and would always go on the sets with my mother (Moon Moon Sen) for shooting. I have grown on the sets there (Kolkata). It feels home, where we all gather in one vanity van and have tea, snacks together. There's a homely feeling, whereas, in Mumbai, it's very professional. You just sit alone in your own vanity van. I've done Parineeta but I had Shoojit Sircar (film's director, who is Bengali), then 'Honeymoon Travels' we shot in Goa, 'Manorama Six Feet Under' we shot in Mount Abu. So, when we are shooting outstation, the entire crew gets together.

What have been your best works till date?
It has to be 'Chokher Bali' (Bengali film). The film has been my life's turning point and has changed my life completely. So, this is one film that will always have a special space in my heart.

Is it a deliberate choice of doing more of regional films than Hindi cinema?
In Kolkata here, the roles that I'm approached with are based on real-life stories and as a protagonist. I have worked and is working with some of the best directors here. When I'm getting good offers here and the best of everything why should I compromise with little and feel frustrated? In Hindi cinema, if I get offers of doing five films, out of those five, I might say yes to two because it is meant for me and will go ahead. But the other three are just not appealing.

If not an actor, what would you be?
I'm still figuring that!

Well, in one of its first, you and Riya have been right there in the industry with your maternal surname. Hats off for that but was it a conscious decision?
So, it was during my first film 'Godmother', my director (Vinay Shukla) said that your passport, pan card, and all other official documents have your dad's name 'Bharat Dev Barma'. Do you want to continue with it? Since my mother and grandmother were already established and renowned with the surname 'Sen', he suggested that we go ahead with Sen and it really worked for us.

How does it feel when one says that you resemble your grandmother Suchitra Sen?
It feels great because even now when I go out, people want to come and just touch my hand because I look like my grandmom, Suchitra Sen. She is still such a living legend.

What kind of a relationship do you share with sister Riya Sen?
We are best friends but she has mostly lived in Mumbai and I have been here in Kolkata. And now that she is married, she is settled in Delhi. However, we take each other's advice before doing anything.

What do you have to say about the online trolls? Do you think the trolls are crossing the line in every manner?
This is a part and parcel of life. One has to live with it because if you are a public figure then you will constantly be in the public glare.

Has Raima found the love of her life?
Not yet, even I am waiting. And ever since, Riya has got married, everyone keeps asking me when I am getting married. It's not about only getting married; it's about finding a perfect person. So, I'm waiting for my Prince charming to just come and take me away.

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