Picture by Pabitra Das Make-up: Aniruddha chakladar Styling: Sandy

Why did you go in for a makeover?

A makeover was really necessary because after Ek Akasher Neeche, I started getting roles similar to Nandini, my character from the serial. But I didn’t want to get typecast and wanted to do something new. Six months ago, I decided to put on weight as I realised that the audience in Bengal don’t like actresses who are as skinny as me. They like women with full figures. I also cut my hair short. Right after my new hairstyle (short layers), I got the offer to play a bad girl in Aakaash’s mega serial Shanai. In fact, I had taken the first step to changing my look five years ago when I decided to snip my knee-length hair.

What are you doing to get a full figure?

I consulted a doctor and now I am on a special diet and workout regimen, which is helping me put on weight in the right places. My diet includes a lot of fatty foods and I exercise at home. No gymming for me. The exercise is to make sure that I don’t get fat in the wrong places.

How have friends and colleagues reacted to your new look?

I’ve got positive feedback from my colleagues and friends. In fact, Monami (Ghosh) is the one who had suggested that I gain a few kilos. Ronyda (Rajatava Dutta) gives me tips on how I should look good on screen. Mega serial director Anindo Banerjee has been very encouraging. He says that I am a versatile actress and I should bring versatility to my looks too. I am now getting offers for all kinds of roles — comic, shy and outgoing. I also get a lot of fan mail. It’s a mixed response — some say they love me in this look, others feel my Ek Akasher Neeche look was better!

Who’s your style adviser?

I don’t have a style adviser. I never had or needed one. I do my make-up and choose my costumes, and I am extremely confident that I will never go wrong.

Your style guru...

I find Sushmita Sen very stylish. She wears her attitude all the time and that makes her very, very stylish. She always looks good. Personally, I like to experiment. I need to be convinced about and comfortable in whatever I wear.

Your style mantra...

To wear my attitude all the time. Even in a nightsuit!

What’s in your new wardrobe?

My latest buy? A few knee-length Komal Sood gowns. Earlier, I would wear a sari or jeans and a jacket to a party. But now, I wear gowns!

The sexiest outfit you own...

It’s a flesh coloured sari that I handle with utmost care. It’s a tissue sari embroidered with gold zari work. I wear it only once in a while with an off-shoulder choli designed by me.

Your five wardrobe must-haves...

Hats, jeans, short jackets, shades and boots.

Define Debleena...

Debleena is an actress who is ready to take the plunge and explore new roles. I am game for anything!