A tough choice for Konkona

The makers of Kamathipura, a movie on sex workers, are trying to rope in actress Konkona Sen Sharma to play the lead role.

The film will delve into the life of sex workers in Mumbai. “We had approached Konkona for this film. We felt she could play a sex worker. But she wasn’t comfortable doing it. We are trying to convince her — I don’t know whether she will finally agree or not,” director Ankush Bhatt says.

“The character will require to be shown in 18 to 60 years of age. There will be five phases. So we are looking for someone who can play this part well,” he adds.

Also, actress Sakshi Tanwar, who has played the daughter-in-law in popular television serials, will be seen as a sex worker in the film, which is likely to give her a huge makeover and a chance to break away from the image of a traditional woman.

“We have Sakshi in the film and she will play the second lead,” Bhatt says, adding that the film will have a huge ensemble cast.

He adds, “The film is not entirely about prostitution. We will show what they do in the daytime for a living. It also throws light on human trafficking. We are not glorifying prostitution. We will show a different side of them in the film, which is not explored by anyone. It is about the emotional turmoil that they go through.”

The film-maker also clarifies that the movie is not based on any particular person. Once the cast is in place, the film will go on floors in a couple of months. It will be shot in Kamathipura, a red light area in Mumbai.