Too much travelling has left Riya Sen jet-lagged. Back home to shoot for Srijit Mukherji’s Jaatishwar, Moon Moon Sen’s younger daughter is taking it easy as she plans to focus on Bengali films and follow in her grandmother Suchitra Sen’s footsteps. A t2 chat...

What prompted you to say yes to Jaatishwar?

Well, I only said yes because Srijit is a well-known director. He has done some very good films, Autograph being the one I loved the most. I want to work with only good directors here and that’s why I said yes to a guest appearance in Jaatishwar without even reading the script! I have no idea how important the role is. We will work together in more films in future. Besides, my mom was keen that I work in Srijit’s films.

Tell us about your character in Jaatishwar...

Well, it’s a cameo. I play a university student who goes on to become a social worker. I don’t share screen space with Prosenjit (who plays Antony Firingee) in the film.

What kind of roles are you looking for in Tollywood?

Substantial roles, challenging characters. Roles that will make me think and challenge me as an actress. There are many directors here who can provide that to actors here now, fortunately.

Raima is on every Tolly director’s wish list. Why don’t you do films here like her?

Well, she is the one who has motivated me to do films here. She is too beautiful on screen, a true representative of our lineage. I haven’t seen anyone here who can match her. She is going to be the one who will advise me on my work here. I feel really lucky to have an elder sister like her. Actually, she is the one who wants me to do more films here.

Throughout last year you were busy doing various courses abroad...

(Laughs) Yes! I did an extensive acting workshop at New York’s TVI Actors Studio last year. I have done a short course on screen acting from London’s Pinewood Studios. I have done voice accent workshop with Barbara Berkeley in London. I have also done voiceover workshops and learnt the business of filmmaking. I did a few headshot shoots in London just to experiment with how things function there.

And you’ve also got a degree in cooking, isn’t it?

Yes, I learnt Thai cuisine at London’s Blue Elephant Cooking School! (Laughs)

You have a knack for cooking. Any plans to take it further?

See, I love trying out different courses. They keep my brain busy and excited. Basically, I get bored easily. My parents want me to start a restaurant some day. Let’s see...

What’s the best dish you’ve cooked so far?

I can cook very good Tom Kha Shrimp soup.

What films are you busy with in Mumbai?

I had just one release — Zindagi 50:50 this year. My next release is Rabba Main Kya Karoon, directed by Amrit Sagar Chopra, where I am paired opposite Arshad Warsi. I play his docile wife.

You’ve signed a couple of films with Mainak Bhaumik...

Yes. I am definitely doing The Bong Connection 2 whenever that happens. Talks are on for a few other films too, but let’s not brag about them now.

So, we are definitely going to see you in more Bengali films...

I concentrate on cinema. Language isn’t a bar really and that’s why I have continued working as an actress for the last 15 years! But yes, as Suchitra Sen’s granddaughter and Moon Moon Sen’s daughter, I’m now very much focused on Bengali cinema, not to forget that I must carry forward what Rituparno Ghosh helped me start (she had done Abohoman and Noukadubi).

Work apart, what do you plan to do in Calcutta?

Oh, I have been travelling so much that I am jet-lagged. All I plan to do is spend as much time as I can with my granny, mom and dad. It’s great to be back home, though I miss my little doggies (Tashi and Poochie) who are in Mumbai.

 

Films I watch to learn the craft of acting: The Iron Lady, My Week With Marilyn, The Hours, The Other Boleyn Girl and Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Films I watch for fun: My Best Friend’s Wedding, Bowfinger

TV shows I watch: Gossip Girl. I also love watching Inside the Actors Studio.

When not in the mood for films… I watch National Geographic.