When she’s not working on films, Jaya Ahsan finds solace in nature. A quick glance at her Instagram reveals just a bit of her life, deeply rooted in experiences that connect her with the outdoors. In the Friday film OCD, which explores themes like obsessive-compulsive disorder, she portrays a doctor in the psychological thriller that weaves in powerful nature symbolism. A t2 chat and photoshoot to dive deeper into her reel and real world ahead of the release:
Despite OCD being a psychological thriller, we are shooting in a beautiful place like a nursery today…
(Laughs) Yes! In our film, flowers carry deep symbolism. Our fast-paced modern lives often lead us to distance ourselves from nature. There’s a line in the film: “What is a flower? A flower is the smile of a tree.” Isn’t that a lovely thought? While it’s a psychological thriller, it also tells a very human story. It explores subjects like OCD. My character holds the belief that ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’, which is a crucial theme in the film. Nature is intertwined with my character’s journey.
You had worked with director Soukarya (Ghosal) in Bhootpori. What motivated you to work with him again?
When selecting a role, I focus on whether it allows me to rediscover myself as an actor and whether the audience can relate. Soukarya creates great characters for his actors. My characters in Bhootpori and OCD are markedly different. The script is superb. I believe the Bengali audience hasn’t seen me portray a character like this before. The depth, development, and logic of the character are essential elements to its presence.
Is there added stress in preparing for a psychological thriller compared to other genres?
Yes, the approach is somewhat distinct. I play a doctor. Soukarya’s guidance was invaluable. I’ve worked with Atanuda (Ghosh), Srijit (Mukherji), Shibuda (Mukherjee), and Nanditadi (Roy), all of whom have contributed to my growth as an actor. I consider myself an open book; if I trust the director’s vision, I am all in on following their lead.
A significant portion of the film was filmed in Jharkhand...
It was an incredible experience! We shot amidst nature there. We also had the chance to shoot at a royal guest house in Tripura. The current princess of the place is quite elderly and shared some lovely moments with me. She gifted me a plant when I left, which I took back to my home in Bangladesh. That little sapling has now grown into a beautiful tree!
Every time I travel, I make it a point to bring back a local plant to cultivate at home, and I do the same with plants from Bangladesh to my residence in Calcutta. I believe this habit stems not only from my love for nature but also from the artiste within me who seeks to weave connections that transcend borders. It’s something that artistes inherently do.
The trailer shows glimpses of intense scenes. Which one did you enjoy performing the most?
The scene with Koushik Sen stood out to me. We have a glimpse of that in the trailer. What I enjoyed most about playing Sweta Majumdar is the whirlwind of emotions she portrays — anxiety, rush, stress, unhappiness, and happiness all at once. When a role allows for such depth and exploration, it makes perfect sense to want to work with the same director again.
Did you ever experience any obsessive-compulsive tendencies?
I used to think I didn’t. I believed I could adapt to any situation, being an actor. I shot sitting on the floor, changed in restrooms and walked barefoot. But I’ve come to realise that I do have a form of OCD when it comes to my acting. I often struggle to feel satisfied! (laughs)
You also enjoy adventures in nature…
(Laughs) Absolutely! I thrive on adventure but also find beauty in nothingness. I can get restless easily, and exploring keeps my spirit alive. Just recently, I celebrated New Year’s eve in a jungle in Kalinga with my best friend. We drove to a spot with no roads and had to clear a path by digging out logs. It was fun! We spent the night surrounded by wildlife in the heart of the forest, which was truly breathtaking. I once enjoyed an amazing mud bath in the Sundarbans; it was rejuvenating!
When I travel abroad, I skip shopping for souvenirs and head straight for a nursery to find seeds. During my last trip to Sydney, I brought home some radish seeds, and from those, I’ve grown a beautiful plant. I love hosting farm-to-table meals with my produce. The moment I return home in Bangladesh, I put on my hat and a T-shirt and head straight to the fields! There’s so much to learn from the soil; it’s deeply therapeutic, and I get goosebumps just thinking about it.
OCD releases in theatres tomorrow. Why should people watch it?
I don’t typically aim to deliver a message through my films, but OCD is an important film for both children and their parents. Topics like OCD are crucial yet often overlooked. Many kids and adults face these issues but rarely see them addressed on screen. I filmed this movie five years ago, and it’s alarming that nothing has really come forward about these themes since then. While schools now teach about good touch and bad touch, cinema hasn’t done enough to explore these subjects. As artistes, we have an opportunity to raise awareness through our work. A child’s development hinges significantly on their early experiences, including trauma, yet awareness of these subjects is still lacking.
Costume: Anushree Malhotra
Make-up: Sumit Samanta
Hair styling: Kushal Mallick
Location: Prodip Roy Sishu Udyan, Jodhpur Park