"If I had thought about the outcome at the very beginning, then when would I show my passion and dedication for the film!".

"If I had thought about the outcome at the very beginning, then when would I show my passion and dedication for the film!". 

"At times, I even studied in the sets as well doing maths, or studying from PDF, etc as my semester exams were nearby and I took up the challenge that I can and I have to manage both" 

Sreeja Dutta, the girl who is known for her eye-catching performance in the film "Baghajatin" where she played the role of Baghajatin's wife Indubala. In a formal interview with us, she has shared some of her experience and opinions about the film and also her personal life.

    Sreeja Dutta- Baghajatin's Leading Actress

Interview taken by: Shaswatik Kundu 

1) From being an Engineering Student and then getting selected for the role of Indubala in Baghajatin- how special was this entire period?

A: It was a big project first of all and after giving the audition, I too was in the zone whether I will be selected. Even I convinced my own to cheer up in case I do not get selected( with a smile.), as I was not aware about my selection. However after getting the confirmation about my selection, I was like lost, in fact I did not have any words, but overall it was very special.

2) Working in a patriotic film, where most the actress would hesitate or back out thinking of the outcome or result- how did you take up the challenge?

A: The most important thing is I always prefer patriotic scripts or concepts and being a newcomer it was a great opportunity for me to work in a patriotic film like Baghajatin. Additionally if I had thought about the outcome at the very beginning, then when would I show my passion and dedication for the film! There was nothing more important than working with the entire team with eminent personalities like Dev, Arun Da, Sudipta Di as my prime intention was to give my 100% and enjoy working in the movie.

3) Talking about the film Baghajatin, the first thing to come to our mind is Dev. Till now many successful actresses are yet to work with a megastar like him. How special and cherishing it was for you to work opposite of Dev in your debut film?

A: At the beginning I could not believe my own ears or eye that I will be working opposite of Dev. He has always been a nostalgia or a megastar since my childhood days and I grew up seeing him on-screen, thus working with such a superstar as his wife and sharing the screen together was honestly beyond my imagination. Moreover as many actresses are yet to work with him, I consider myself to be very lucky and blessed as my first break is with Dev and I really cherish every moment.

4) After the release, there are various opinions or reviews by the mass viewers, some are positive, some may be negative and some may be super positive or vice versa. How did you manage to face them or prepare to face them?

A: The most surprising fact while working in this project was, I made up my mind that I had to give my best as I knew the other actors of the film are very well groomed and experienced, some of them even belong from theatre backgrounds. Thus to cope up with them and the other big casts I had to put my 100%. And talking about the reviews or public opinions, I am really shocked, rather blessed to get some positive reviews about my performance in particular from the various types of audiences. I do take this as an encouragement and do believe I can carry on like this and expect that I won't disappoint any viewers( with a smile.)

5) Being a student and that too of engineering, there must be pressure of studies, college lectures, self preparation, etc. Additionally there was the high schedule of the film Baghajatin. So how challenging it was to balance both together and be on track.

A: It was definitely a hectic task to balance both things as I was in between 2 things. On one side it was my dream, working on this significant project and on the other hand it was my college education, studies, etc. Being honest I got a lot of support from my college management, my principal and teachers who have realised my eagerness of working in this film and they backed me a lot in this. Apart from that I used to study and shoot simultaneously. At times, I even studied in the sets as well doing maths, or studying from PDF, etc as my semester exams were nearby and I took up the challenge that I can and I have to manage both and I have to figure out that both of them have a favourable result.

6) There are already many social media profiles created by fans on Instagram and Facebook which are appreciating your work and some of them have claimed you are their so-called *Crush, Angel* etc. Any feedback for them??

A: (With a smile.) First I am really thankful to them and I have been so honoured for their selfless love and support. Being a newcomer when you get so many positive vibes, comments, messages from people on social medias, Facebook, Instagram it is always very very special for me and once again I wish I keep on getting such appreciations, love and support from them and I look forward that I hope I won't disappoint them in my later days.

7) Apart from these festivals, movies, one major running topic is the Cricket World Cup where India has already reached the semi finals. Hope you are aware of that?

A: Yes, ofcourse and I wish India lifts the World Cup this year. To be honest this year has been really special for me throughout as my debut film is getting a good response and the last thing only I want is Team India lifting the trophy after 12 years so it will be a double happiness for me as well as our boys are playing really well and they do deserve to win, so fingers crossed( with a smile.)

8) Any particular opinions regarding the current genre of films getting released in Tollywood?

A: Yes, I truly believe that there has been a drastic change in the genre of the current Bengali films. As of now the prime tendency is story-telling to the viewers and this is forcing the viewers to watch the movies in theatres more often and if you take the example of Baghajatin, it is also the same. There have been 4 releases in this Puja and all of them have a decent box office collection which clearly depicts that people are gaining that enthusiasm or will to watch the films in theatres once again. So I wish and expect the same thing continues in the later days. 

9) Any feedback for your co-mates, friends who have backed you and motivated starting from day1 till present in regards to the succeess of the film?

A: To be honest, I did not get that support at the very beginning except from my close school friends and my own family. Yes I admit my school friends and family were the ones who backed me always from Day 1 till the completion of the project. To some extent I got some support from my college mates too. Additionally as I said, I have been motivated a lot by my team, my director and producers. So all over I am really thankful to them.

Baghajatin- running at your nearest theatres.