An extremely happy-go-lucky person, actor Sauraseni Maitra has never planned anything in life and believes in tackling each day at a time. Whether modelling from the tender age of ten or debuting in the Hindi movie Chittagong when she was in ninth standard, she made the best use of whatever opportunities came her way.
Though Chittagong was technically her first film, she got noticed in her second outing, Anik Dutta‘s Meghnad Bodh Rohoshyo that released in 2017. Since then this chirpy actor has worked with leading Tollywood filmmakers including Pratim D Gupta, Anjan Dutt, Arindam Sil and Mainak Bhaumik. Her three films namely Generation Ami, Byomkesh Gotro and Aami Ashbo Phirey that released last year, did well at the box office and her portrayal of a clinically depressed young girl in Generation Ami was much appreciated by the critics and audience alike.
This year, apart from Anjan Dutt’s film Finally Bhalobasha, Maitra debuted successfully in the web world with two web films namely, Satyameva Jayate and Dawaat e Biryani for ZEE 5. The spunky actor did a fashion shoot reflecting her style and sat for a quick chat with us in between her busy schedule to talk about the career choices she made and why she doesn’t take herself too seriously. Excerpts from the chat:
Despite having no anchor in Tollywood, you have fared well so far. What’s the success mantra?
Everything that has happened in my life has been a fluke, be it modelling or acting. But I have made the best use of the opportunities that have come my way so far. I think hard work is irreplaceable but beyond that, I don’t take myself seriously. I always believe that I have become an actor not only to look good on screen but also to look convincing in the roles that I play and I don’t believe in playing a character that has no relevance in the film.
But women-centric films are so few here.
If you compare our industry with Bollywood, then definitely the number of female-oriented roles are much less. But such films are happening. Look at Raj Kahini, Bisarjan or even Mitin Mashi (this year’s Puja release). But yes, very few such roles are made for young and new actors like us.
So, what are your parameters for choosing a film?
A good script, since relevant content is of prime importance. And then my role. I am a very selfish actor that way. Even if the script is good, if my role has nothing much to contribute to the script, I will not do it. If the absence of my role from the script is making no difference then it’s no point being a part of such a film even if it’s good. Also, a good filmmaker is an important consideration. For me, quality matters over quantity since I don’t want to look back ten years down the line and regret doing some films.
How much have you learnt in these years?
Previously I had a much lesser understanding of the technicalities of shooting. Now, I try to understand them and learn a few things about lights and camera angles from the team on the job. Personally, I am still not aware of the dos and don’ts in the industry. If you are not a genuine person who sticks to his/her commitments, then you won’t survive in the long run.
Where do you see yourself a few years down the line?
Honestly speaking, I don’t like having growth plans and I treat every film as my first one and give my best to secure the next work. Apart from that, I don’t take myself much seriously.
What are the films we are going to see you in?
Two of my web films (Satyameva Jayate and Dawaat e Biryani) just released and I just completed shooting for a web series called Lalbazar Crime and City, which will release early next year. Besides, I am reading a few interesting scripts and there’s another interesting film I will be a part of, but it’s too early to talk about it right now. I am also keen on doing a few short films since I really loved working in a student’s short film, Synthetic Sita by Rishav Ghosh, which won the best student film at the White Unicorn Film Festival.
What’s the best thing about acting?
I can be so many people at the same time.
How do you react when you don’t get the role you had wished for?
I feel hurt but I don’t keep on thinking about it. I move on and work harder to get better offers.
Whose social feed do you envy?
I love Abir Chatterjee’s Instagram feed. It was me who goaded him to join and now he teaches me stuff on it. I also like Mimi Chakraborty and Swastika Mukherjee’s feeds.
Any embarrassing or weird situation your fans caught you in?
Once while on a long drive with my friends I had to avail myself of a restroom on the highway. So, I went to the nearest petrol pump’s male restroom since I couldn’t afford to wait until the female restroom was vacant. When I was through, there was a man standing outside. When I was trying to lousily explain the situation to him, he recognised and said, “Aren’t you Durga from Generation Ami?” I simply ran away (laughs).
What’s the one change that you want to see in Tollywood?
I would be so happy if the payscales were better.
Fashion, fitness and diet
● I love comfy, casual yet street smart style. In fact, this profile shoot with Indulge reflects exactly how I love to dress. For me, less is more. I don’t have any favourite colours but I love wearing a lot of blue and black. I love watches with big dials, earrings and shades in all shapes, sizes and colours.
● I am not at all a gym person and I do a lot of freehand exercises and basic cardio to keep myself fit. I don’t like weight training at all. I eat everything in correct proportions but I eat within a 12-hour span.
Make-up and more
I really don’t wear make-up when I am not working. I am a big fan of nude lipsticks and I prefer the natural, no-makeup look. When it comes to skincare, it’s the basic cleansing, toning and moisturising for me. I also apply aloe vera gel on my face at times.
One overhyped make-up product: Lipgloss
A few make-up hacks: A good moisturiser, compact and lipstick do the trick for me
Five essential make-up products: Two lipsticks, MAC Studio Fix, blush-on and mascara
Styling: Tanvi Shah Accessories: Sara Jewellery Pictures: Siladitya Dutta Hair & make-up: Abhijit Paul Location courtesy: Hyatt Regency Kolkata
sharmishtha.g@newindianexpress.com
@sharmidas