Though vivacious model/actor Darshana Banik, is a new kid on the block, she has already been seen in three films last year. She debuted with Arindam Sil’s detective thriller Aschhe Abar Shabor in January 2018, followed by Argha Deep Chattrejee’s horror flick, Jojo and Anjan Dutt’s Ami Ashbo Firey. Darshana has also worked in a Telugu suspense thriller Atagallu (2018) as the female lead. Whats more, the PYT has a busy year ahead with nearly four interesting projects where Mukhomukhi, that releases today, happens to be one of them. The actor, who wants to work with Kaushik Ganguly, Srijit Mukherji, Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Aparna Sen among others, chatted with Indulge about her struggles as a newcomer and upcoming projects. Excerpts:
Did you always want to be an actor?
I am the first one in my family to take up acting as a profession. However my father never wanted me or my brother to follow the beaten path and I started modelling since 2013-14. I was spotted in a TV commercial by filmmaker Kamaleswar Mukherjee. In fact, Mukhomukhi was the first film I was signed for and acted in. It got delayed and hence became my fourth release.
How did you get cast in Mukhomukhi?
In 2014 I auditioned for a big project of Kamaleshwar and got selected for a pivotal role. The film got shelved for some reason but Kamaleswar remembered me and offered me a role for his movie Mukhomukhi. A seven-day workshop by Kamaleshwar, really helped me a lot to understand the nuances of acting.
Is it difficult for newcomers to find a toehold in the industry?
Yes, as an actor I am still struggling and it is indeed all the more difficult if you have no filmi connection. In Bollywood since the industry is big and the competition ruthless, it is way more difficult than here, but that doesn’t mean things are easy here. There are lots of auditions and meetings before you land up with a role. In Bollywood a lot of media attention is given to star kids. We all know what Taimur Khan or Jahnvi Kapoor is doing and how many times Sara Ali Khan has been in and out of a gym but we don’t get as many updates about Radhika Apte or Rajkummar Rao.
What are the films you are working on?
I am currently shooting for Abhimanyu Mukherjee’s film, Hullor, a romcom. There is also Ayan Charborty’s Shororipu 2 starring Saswata Chatterjee, Arunima Ghosh and Chiranjeet, where I play a young, promising crooner. I’m also acting in an Indo Bangla collaboration film Boba Rohoshyo.
Who's that one person in films you are crazy about?
I am his crazy fan of SS Rajamouli and I want to meet him at least once when I go to south next time.
@sharmidas
sharmishtha@newindianexpress.com