'I had to work on my Hindi diction'

Bollywood debut

Arpita Chatterjee is not a newbie on screen. The actor is known in the Bengali film industry and some of her movies are ‘Deva’, ‘Devdas’, ‘Inquilaab’, ‘Prem Shakti’, ‘Pratarok’, ‘Dada Thakur’, ‘Pratibad’, ‘Utsab’ and ‘Anupama’.

However, she is currently promoting her debut Bollywood movie ‘Shab’, directed by Onir. Her character in the movie might look simple, but she says that there are many layers that eventually unveil over the course of the film.

In a candid chat with Anila Kurian, Arpita explains what it was like working with the cast of ‘Shab’ and more.

You are promoting ‘Shab’ in unique ways...
Yes, promotions have become a very integral part of the movie-making process now. We recently had a live streaming where the ‘Shab’ team performed for the audience. It was quite interesting.

Are you having fun?
(Laughs) It’s a lot more tiring than I expected it to be. Then again, it’s a lot of fun. Earlier, once the shooting is over, your job is pretty much done. But now, you are part of the entire process as a team. So the goal is to convert the task into enjoyment.

Could you throw some light on your character in ‘Shab’?
I play a waitress who is self-dependent, strong, practical and mature. but she has a past which takes her to Delhi. This eventually leads to a series of events and it’s about how her character unfolds over the course of the film.

We heard that the training workshops were intense...
It was an extensive workshop but it helped when we finally started shooting. It was my first time doing something like this. I especially had to work on my Hindi diction — I still don’t think I’ve accomplished that.

How was Onir to work with?
He’s a wonderful man and I enjoyed every minute of it. He has his own signature style when it comes to his work. He is one of those directors you can completely give yourself to and know that the final outcome will be amazing. His eye for detail is phenomenal.

How are you going to celebrate the success of the film?
I actually wear two hats in life — one of an actor and another of an entrepreneur. So once the film is over, I have to head back to my company and start managing that. I’m also a mother; to be honest, I don’t have any free time.

So if you were given some free time, how would you like to spend it?
My son studies in a boarding school, so I just want to use that time to be with him.

Will you be coming to Bengaluru anytime soon?
I’ve heard that it’s a wonderful city, especially with its work culture and how rich the society is. I hope to come soon and actually experience it.