Gargi Roy Chowdhury

Work, work and more work…

Is the mantra that has driven Gargi Roy Chowdhury to jatra. “Who said actors do jatra only when they retire or have no work?” she protests. “I am overloaded with work. I am juggling three mega serials, Jaya, Lal Trikon and Krishnakali. But I am like that, when I have work I want to work more.”

The feisty actress will play…

A bubbly, rebellious girl in Gole Mele Pirit Koro Na opposite Subhashish Mukhopadhyay this winter.

She returns to a stage of a different kind…

With Gole Mele Pirit Koro Na. “I started out as a theatre artiste. I tried doing some shows on radio and then television happened after which I dabbled in films. I have tried all mediums except jatra, so I thought why not? It’s a step forward in my career,” chirps Gargi.

It is the challenge…

That excites Gargi. “I know it’s not just about mouthing dialogues; I have to sing and dance as well. But I like doing different things and love challenges, much like my character in Gole Mele!” And the thrill of jatra will be something else. “After all, jatra is the only medium where we constantly perform in front of at least 30,000 people. And you can see them react; the ceetees and the taalis boost your confidence. That spontaneous reaction of my audience is very important for me.”

Rather than the money…

That jatra brings. “I am happy with my pay package in mega serials. If money was so important then I would have done jatra long ago. Of course, the money factor is there but more than that jatra will satisfy my creative hunger,” says Gargi.

Juggling TV and jatra…

Will be the big thing for Gargi. Rehearsals for the Rajdip Opera-produced pala begins from August and the touring from November. “I am already working double shifts and trying to finish my portion in the three megas as much as possible. Once I start Gole Mele in November I will come and shoot some portions in between,” she reasons.