Ushasie as Dipannita

Single, strong and independent. That’s Ushasie for you in Anjan Dutt’s Ranjana Ami Aar Aashbona. The actress tells t2 why she’s nervous playing a character that resembles herself.

What is your role in Ranjana?

My character, Dipannita, is a programming producer for STAR Ananda. She is also filming an independent documentary film on the musician-composer Abani Sen (Anjan Dutt). Dipannita is not brash or loud but is a strong, self-dependent woman. She’s single in the city.

Do you relate to Dipannita?

Yes, she’s very close to what I am in real life. I have a journalistic background, I have written on gender issues and I’ve also been a part of the audio-visual news media. That apart, I teach in a college and I also act. My role in the film has that dynamism. I feel that I’ve a strong identity and I’ve broken stereotypes. There are so many similarities between Dipannita and me that it feels like revisiting my own life.

Ranjana would be your second film with Anjan Dutt…

I get excited by whatever he offers me. Anjanda’s music has inspired me from my schooldays, so it’s exciting to be a part of a film on his music. You know, after college I had the option of pursuing a Ph.D but I chose acting. A lot of times I’ve wondered if I made the right choice but when someone like Anjan Dutt wants to work with me I feel privileged. I feel I had taken the right decision. I’ve worked with him in telefilms, known him for a long time and share a certain comfort level with him, but I must admit that this time I’m tense!

Why is that?

Because I’m paired with Anjanda in the film and since my character is making a documentary on him, most of my scenes are with him. Some of the scenes are quite intense. Dipannita has this on-off relationship with Abani Sen, which has a slight romantic touch. You could say that Dipannita is a little infatuated with Abani Sen, and the thought itself is making me very nervous!

Are you working on any other films?

My next project is also with Anjanda. I’m gearing up for Bomkesh Bakshi Part 2, where I’ll play my part of Satyabati. I am also planning to start my own film production house with one of my friends as co-partner. It should get rolling early next year.