'Everything happens as it is destined'

Candid Chat

For an actress who has gained global recognition for her portrayal of a young Bangladeshi immigrant in Sarah Garvo’s Brick, which also got her nominated for the Best Actress at British Independent Film Awards, Tannishtha Chatterjee faced a challenge when she was to share screen space with Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Dekh Indian Circus

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Tannishtha, who won the National Film Award (special mention) for DIC this year, was not only influenced by the story that ma-de her play Kajaro in the film but it was Nawaz’s presence that pushed her to do the role.

“It was a great experience to work with Nawaz. You cannot challenge the way he enacts his role – with complete realism. I stand nowhere when I see him act,” says Tannishtha with admiration in her voice. “Though he plays a mute character in DIC he expresses himself brilliantly and captures your attention. I had to work hand-in-hand with him,” says the actress whose films are regularly showcased in international film festivals.

What made her switch to Indian cinema after getting critical acclaim for her work in Shadows of Time, Bibar, Brick Lane, Divorce and Strings, internationally? “It is not the first time I am working in an Indian film. I started with Swaraj in 2003. It won the national award for Best Film on National Integration. Soon after, I got opportunity to work with international filmmakers which I took very seriously. But I also worked in Road opposite Abhay Doel,” says Tannishtha.

She says that the changing face of Indian cinema is a reason for her willingness to do more of Indian films nowadays. “Indian cinema has changed in the last few years. There have been some interesting stories which have found global attention. Also, the pace with which these innovative concepts are being formulated, it has become very clear that very soon the Indian film industry will move parallel to Hollywood,” says Tannishtha, who is looking for right opportunities in mainstream cinema too besides independent cinema and will soon be seen opposite Sunny Doel inI love New York and Madhuri Dixit in Gulaab Gang.

Though Tannishtha might be a new face for the mainstream audience, she is a recognised name in parallel cinema. The credit goes to her choice of diverse roles. Was it planned? “You cannot plan anything. Everything happens as it is destined. There was no plan because I do a film that interests me.”