Ushasie, who plays Anjan Dutt’s love interest in Ranjana Ami Aar Ashbona, tells t2 about playing a journalist, her chemistry with Dutt and sporting a sexy new look...

This is your first major film role. What are your expectations?

I hope that people appreciate my performance and many more roles come my way. I’m also hopeful that a film such as this will bring in another wave of change in the Bengali film culture.

What is your role in the film?

I play Dipanwita, a journalist who sets out to shoot a documentary on Abani Sen and develops a personal relationship with him. I also play a part in making Ranjana a rock star. I used to be a journalist at one point, so it wasn’t very difficult for me to get into the look and feel. In a way, it’s my tribute to my previous profession.

How was it sharing screen space with Anjan Dutt? Any scenes you weren’t comfortable with?

I’ve always admired Anjanda as a director but to share screen space with him made me tense. Maney raatey ghum choley jaowar moto obostha hoyechhilo! (I was almost having sleepless nights.) Because he’s an actor of international standard and although I’ve been directed by him before, facing him as an actor was different. On the very first day I was scared that he might scold me and I would keep rehearsing my lines so that I didn’t end up with NGs (Not Good, a term used for shots). But he made it very comfortable for me. I’ve always been an awestruck fan of Anjanda’s films and his music, and I just wish I can keep working with him in the future.

You sport a different look in the film...

It was Anjanda and (his wife) Chandadi who spent quite a few days on deciding my look. They took me shopping and for haircuts, did photo shoots with me before zeroing in on my final look. I wear a lot of jeans and shirts over T-shirts, teamed with scarves. I’m quite happy with the way I’m looking.

What’s next for you?

There’s Mainak Bhaumik’s Bedroom, where I play a journalist again. I’m paired with Rudra (Rudranil Ghosh) but because of his recent accident, the shoot has been pushed back to August. I’m also eagerly waiting for Anjanda’s next Bomkesh Bakshi film!