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Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
It's a humbling to represent Bengal at TIFF: Riddhi Sen
Actor Riddhi Sen stars in Bandar (Monkey in a Cage) , Anurag Kashyap 's latest film inspired by real events and featuring Bobby Deol , Sanya Malhotra and Saba Azad. The film, recently announced as an official selection at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), brings together a diverse cast from across India. Riddhi speaks to Calcutta Times about working with Kashyap, sharing screen space with Deol, and why representing a diverse India on global platforms matters. "It's always a pleasure to work with someone whose work you've admired for so long" Riddhi Sen calls working with Anurag Kashyap a truly special - one that lived up to every expectation he had of the filmmaker. 'I've admired his work for a very long time, both as a filmmaker and as a person. It's a rare combination when you admire someone's art and who they are in real life,' he says. He further describes the sets of an Anurag Kashyap film as hierarchy-free and deeply collaborative. 'It was one of the most inclusive sets I've ever been on,' he adds. What stood out the most for Riddhi was Kashyap's openness and passion. 'He communicates with every actor and crew member without ego, and his dedication is like that of a first-time director. It was refreshing to see someone of his stature carry such an innocent hunger for discovery.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn More - How Watching Videos Can Boost Your Income TheDaddest Undo "Bobby came to set like an open sheet" Talking about his co-actors, Riddhi highlights the freedom to improvise, especially with Bobby Deol, with whom he shared several scenes. 'Anurag Kashyap's filmmaking style gives everyone the room to improvise. Bobby came to the set like a blank page every day, ready to be written on. Everything happened in the moment, and it was such a joy to collaborate with him, Sanya and Saba,' Riddhi says. Speaking about the script, Riddhi says it resonated with him deeply. 'It deals with a very human condition. Anurag doesn't present heroes or villains – he offers a vulnerable, palpable reflection of what it means to be human.' For Riddhi, the film's TIFF premiere is both a moment of pride and reflection. 'It's a humbling opportunity that I got. There are way better actors than me, so representing is a big word,' he says, adding, 'But it's a great thing when we get to showcase our work on an international platform like Toronto.' At the same time, he adds, the focus shouldn't always be about national or global representation from a Hindi film perspective. 'We are capable of doing it locally too, if we have enough support from our own industry." Quote blurb: 'I think this film is one of the biggest boundaries Bobby Deol has pushed so far. It's unlike anything people have seen him do before. And he's so humble in real life, it was inspiring to watch him surrender to the process' 'Anurag Kashyap's films never have a clear hero or villain. There's no black and white. He presents the vulnerable, complex condition of being human, and this story reflects that beautifully' 'What I loved about working in Bandar was the collaboration and respect. Anurag wasn't trying to represent a Hindi-dominated industry on the global stage, but show that every state has its own repertoire'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Megastar, superstar fallen star - all such tags are shortlived: Dev
Fresh off a family vacation in Scotland after wrapping up the London schedule of Projapoti 2, actor-MP Dev is back with a heart full of memories and a refreshed perspective. In a chat with Calcutta Times, he opens up about what made this trip so special, why titles like 'superstar' or 'megastar' no longer hold weight for him, and how staying grounded and treating people right matters more than ever. From not letting success blur his vision to valuing personal connections above all, Dev gets real about life beyond the spotlight. 'It was our first international family vacation, and it made me realise how just being together can be healing,' he says. 'Tags like megastar and superstar don't bother me' Dev believes he's just as brave today as he was when he began his journey in the industry. 'I still see myself as an actor who works hard to keep improving and entertaining his audience,' he says with a smile. 'Over the years, I've gained experience, maturity, and a sense of responsibility – something I hope reflects in my work.' As for titles, he adds, 'It doesn't matter if someone calls me a 'megastar', 'superstar', or a 'fallen star' anymore. My only mantra is to keep working hard.' 'I am open to ideas' For Dev, every film is like an exam that he puts in his best efforts for, to pass with flying colours. When asked if the audiences want to see him more often as a lover boy on-screen, he responds, 'One has to approach me with the right kind of script, right? I am open to all kinds of ideas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Undo I can't write a script myself, I can only guide someone to make a script better, but first I need someone to come up with the right kind of script which is out-and-out romantic. I did Kishmish (2022), which was a love story. My job is to tell stories where my audience can see me in a new avatar each time.' 'I am not ready to pursue direction just yet' The audience has seen Dev wear many hats – be it an actor, politician or a producer. When asked if we will see him step into a director's shoes, he says 'I don't have the time to dedicate to direction.' 'A director is the captain of the ship and I don't think I am ready for that just yet. Plus, so many new directors are doing such a fantastic job, why step into their territory unnecessarily? Maybe in a few years.' 'After every film, I ask myself – what next?' Dev believes he is still on a journey to become a better version of himself as an artiste. 'After every film, I ask myself – what next? People may not believe it, but I still feel tense before every release,' he admits, adding, 'Success doesn't overwhelm me because I know it's temporary, and I never let it cloud my vision.' 'Sleep has become a luxury for me' There are no real off days for Dev. 'I hardly get a day to myself. But when I do, I love to sleep without interruption. Honestly, I don't think I've had uninterrupted sleep in the last seven years. I go to bed with one thought and wake up with another – sleep has become a luxury for me!' he says, adding that he is not complaining. I feel blessed to have the love of my audience, the blessings of my parents, and most importantly, God's constant presence in my journey. '
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
If the script feels right, why not?, says Subhashree on working with Dev again
A decade after it was shot, Dhumketu , directed by Kaushik Ganguly and starring Dev and , is finally set to release. Once shelved due to production disputes, the film now brings back the much-loved Dev–Subhashree pairing. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Ahead of its release, Subhashree chats with us about taking on a rare role, revisiting a film years later, and the possibility of working with Dev again. Many are calling this your year. How do you feel about that? Yes, it's been a great year so far. My last film, Grihoprobesh was received with a lot of love, and now Dhumketu is finally releasing. It is a film fans have been waiting for, especially to see Dev and me together again. Even though it was shot 10 years ago, the story feels very relevant today. I also wrapped up Lawho Gouranger Naam Re , a biopic on Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. I feel grateful that directors are trusting me with such layered characters, and that the audience is appreciating my work. It really motivates me to keep growing as an actor. Dev and Subhashree in a still from Dhumketu What goes through your mind when you see yourself in the trending song Gaane Gaane from the film? It feels nice, though we definitely look quite different now. Dhumketu was shot a decade ago, but its story still feels very relevant. It was the first alternative film I did back in 2015 when I was only doing commercial roles, so it holds a special place in my career. I learned a lot from Kaushik da, both as a director and co-actor. With talents like Rudranil Ghosh and Chiranjeet Chakraborty in the cast, and outdoor shoots that were truly memorable, the film was ahead of its time in many ways. Dev and Subhashree in Dhumketu Fans are thrilled to see the Dev-Subhashree jodi back in Dhumketu. How do you feel about the love this pairing still gets? Absolutely. For years, fans kept asking when Dhumketu would release and when they'd see Dev and me together again. Now that the film is finally coming out, it's their chance to show how much they truly love this on screen pair. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Of course, how the film does at the box office is something only time will tell. Dev recently told Calcutta Times that he has tremendous respect for how you balance your personal and professional life, and that he's proud of the work you're doing. How do you feel hearing that from him? Thank you. Dev is a positive person who naturally focuses on the good and appreciates the positive in people and situations. Would you be open to working with Dev again in the future? I am a professional actor and open to working with everyone in the industry. If the story, script, and my character align with my creative instincts, then why not? Pix: Anindya Saha
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dev on playing an 82-year old man, facing the past, and why 'Not everything in life is scripted'
After a decade-long wait, Kaushik Ganguly's Dhumketu, starring Dev and Subhashree Ganguly, is finally releasing, showcasing Dev's transformation into an 82-year-old man. Dev reflects on the film's emotional depth, innovative makeup, and Anupam Roy's music. While acknowledging their past relationship, Dev focuses on their on-screen chemistry and Subhashree's growth as an actor, uncertain about future collaborations. After a decade-long delay, Kaushik Ganguly 's Dhumketu , starring Dev and Subhashree Ganguly , is finally set to release. Reportedly shelved due to a fallout between the producers, the film sees Dev undergo a drastic transformation – as an 82-year-old man, marking a sharp departure from his usual romantic-action roles. With renewed buzz around the Dev-Subhashree pairing, once a hit with audiences both on and off screen, Calcutta Times caught up with the actor for a quick chat. What makes Dhumketu special? Dhumketu is very close to my heart. It's a deeply emotional story of love, loss, and the invisible wounds left by war and extremism. At its core, it's a romantic film, centred on Bhanu and Rupa, who share an unspoken bond as they try to hold on to each other amidst chaos. What makes Dhumketu so special is that even though we shot it a decade ago, the story still feels incredibly relevant today. That, I believe, is the true strength of the film. Honestly, the team was way ahead of its time! (smiles) Back then, prosthetic makeup was hardly used in Bengali cinema, but we went for it. The late Vikram Gaekwad, a legendary makeup artist, transformed me into an 82-year-old man. People genuinely couldn't recognise me! It was a huge risk, and I think it paid off. In fact, Dhumketu was the most expensive Bengali film made at that time, and everything, from the look to the narrative, was different from anything else Tollywood was doing then. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Most Beautiful Women in the World Undo You dubbed for the film recently. Did you feel you could have performed better as an actor now? Not at all. In fact, I think I was quite brave to say yes to Dhumketu back then, especially when I was only doing big commercial blockbusters. This was the first alternative film I took on, and the story moved me so much that I couldn't say no, even though it meant playing an 82-year-old man. The prosthetic makeup took six hours every day, and we shot in breathtaking, lesser-known locations around Nainital and Shimla. When I was dubbing for the film recently, I felt I might've been a better actor back then. There was innocence and honesty in my performance that made Bhanu so endearing. I was genuinely moved by what I saw. Subhashree was incredibly spontaneous in the film too. I honestly don't think we could recreate that same magic today. Our performances were so subtle, so measured. And of course, Dhumketu carries Kaushik da's trademark brilliance. He knows how to harness my aggressive energy as an actor, and that collaborative spirit shows on screen. The music is another highlight— Anupam Roy has done a phenomenal job, and the first track we released proves it. Dev in Dhumketu When Dhumketu was being filmed, you and Subhashree were in a relationship. Do you feel that real-life connection reflected in your on-screen chemistry? I've had hit films and songs with Koel Mallick , Srabanti and Paayel Sarkar, does that mean I was in a relationship with all of them? (laughs) Recently I had a hit song with Idhika Paul too in Khada n . I think I've just been fortunate to have had some of the most successful on-screen pairings in the industry. Yes, being in a relationship does help. You instinctively know how the other person might respond in a scene. But at the end of the day, it's all about on-screen chemistry and how audiences connect with it. Look at Kajol — some of her most iconic films are with Shah Rukh Khan, not her husband Ajay Devgn. That's just how cinema works. Dev and Subhashree in a still from Dhumketu Do you think Subhashree has evolved as an actor? Are you open to sharing the screen with her again? Subhashree has definitely grown as an actor and is doing some great work now. She's also balancing her personal life wonderfully, and I genuinely wish her all the best. As for whether we'll work together again — it's hard to say. It all depends on the right script, the story, and a lot of other factors. For now, I'd say let the audience enjoy the film, especially since they've waited so long for its release. Fans are excited about the possibility of seeing you and Subhashree together at the film's premiere. If you do cross paths, what would you say to her? (After a pause) I haven't met her in 7-8 years, and we haven't spoken either. I don't know what I'd say, or if I'd say anything at all. Ami shottyi jaani na .... Not everything in life is scripted. All I can say is that I have tremendous respect for her — both as an actor and as a human being. Pix: Anindya Saha
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Celebrating Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on his birth anniversary
The Devi Chowdhurani team, including Prosenjit Chatterjee and Srabanti, honored Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay at his Naihati home on his birth anniversary. Prosenjit discussed his role as Bhavani Charan Pathak, requiring extensive training and Sanskrit learning. Srabanti likened Devi Chaudhurani to a Bengali Robin Hood, praising Chattopadhyay's progressive portrayal of a female freedom fighter. The visit marked the film's promotional start. The cast and crew of Devi Chowdhurani directed by Subhrajit Mitra visited Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's residence in Naihati on his birth anniversary to pay their respect to the legendary writer. Calcutta Times spoke to the cast to know about the film and their character. Read on: Prosenjit Chatterjee : In my long career I have done about 370-375 films. But for the first time, I am doing a film which is an adaptation of legendary writer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel Devi Chaudhurani. The story is a timeless saga of courage and revolution and I would want to call it our film Devi Chowdhurani directed by Subhrajit Mitra – a classic period film made in a commercial and entertaining way which will be enjoyed by all kinds of audiences breaking the multiplex, single plex myth barrier. Also, the youngsters will be aware of the treasure trove we have in our history through this historical reconstruction in this film. I had conveyed to the team before even the shoot started that I want to start the film's promotion by visiting Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's residence in Naihati. And what a coincidence that our visit coincided with his 187 th birth aniversary. To play Bhavani Charan Pathak which was previously essayed by Basanta Choudhury in the 1974 film adaptation, I underwent a lot of extensive training. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo From stick fighting, sword fighting to martial arts- I did it all in this film. No authentic photograph or image of him exists. What we have are only imagined sketches—found in old editions of the novel, film posters inspired by the story so we designed my character keeping all this in mind so that it looks authentic on screen. Also, I learned Sanskrit for this film as there are a lot of dialects in Sanskrit, even it is being used in songs too. So, Bhavani Charan Pathak was a wise and knowledgeable man who was respected by all. Bhavani Charan Pathak is more than a dacoit as it is with his help Prafulla transforms from an abandoned wife to a powerful leader – Devi Chaudhurani who fights against injustice. Bhavani Thakur adopts her, educates her in maths, philosophy, science, literature and even wrestling to become the queen of the dacoits. Srabanti: To me,Devi Chaudhurani is the Bengali version of Robin Hood who regularly takes money from the rich and helps out the poor. But she herself leads a very ascetic lifestyle and stays humble to her roots. I feel deep inside every woman is Devi Chaudhurani who is fighting their own battle be it within the four walls or in the outer world. I just wonder how Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay boldly wrote about a woman leading a fight for freedom at a time when most women stayed behind purdah and didn't even show their faces to men outside their family. My mother told me that his stories became a powerful source of inspiration for many women, encouraging them to step out of their homes and take part in the freedom movement in the years that followed. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's residence is a tourist spot in Naihati. I never had the chance to visit the place but I am happy that we started our journey with his blessings today on his birth anniversary. Subhrajit Mitra: Devi Chowdhurani is a 'personal homage to the Motherland' in the 75th year of independence. The story follows a humble village girl's transformation into India's first recorded woman freedom fighter, long before Rani Lakshmibai, as well as the rise of armed Hindu ascetics who challenged the British East India Company under the leadership of Bhavani Charan Pathak. I feel this is a part of our lesser-known history, and it deserves to be told. It's a larger canvas than I've ever attempted—akin to the historic epics by Kurosawa or Ridley Scott. I want to bring the same cinematic rigour and international appeal to Indian historical storytelling, without going overboard as we often tend to.
