You are only the second woman producer in Odisha, after Parbati Ghose. Love Master, the maiden venture of your home production, hit theatres last Friday. After over three decades of acting in films, how does it feel to don a new role?

It isn’t a new role per se. It doesn’t matter if you are an actor, director or producer, your basic aim is to entertain the audience. If you have a good story to tell, why not invest money to see it through? Though I had decided to stay behind the camera for Love Master, the director (Chandi Parija) made me do a small role.

How difficult was it for you to balance family and work?

When I became a mother, I had to prioritise things. I have lost many projects because I could not give that much time. I would negotiate with the producers and directors to allow me to work within a certain time because I had a child to take care of. People used to say Aparajita turns up late on the sets but no one cared to understand the reasons. I still do the juggling act. Men are luckier in this aspect. Though they also do housework and look after kids, only a woman can do things to perfection.

How do you compare the film industry today with the time when you started your career as an actress?

Technically, we have advanced a lot. I have been trying to keep up with the rapid technical changes but there are certain things I find difficult to understand. In terms of acting, I find the actors and actresses talented and confident. When I became an actress, I was neither confident nor mature enough to understand the world around me. But with experience, my acting turned effortless. These young kids will also become better over the years. The standards of film-making in Odisha have improved.

But don’t you agree that film-makers have lost their originality and are blatantly copying south Indian as well as Bollywood films?

Everyone borrows ideas from here and there. But one should not copy a film frame by frame. There has to be some original content. Often, film-makers do not like to experiment with original ideas because ultimately they have to retrieve the money they have invested. So, remakes of hit films have become a foolproof method for us.

Does the ‘casting couch’ phenomenon exist in the Odia film industry?

I don’t know. Casting couch probably exists. There are some who are crazy to become stars overnight. They do everything for their career without understanding the meaning of a career. As a result, they vanish as soon as they arrive. For this generation, good is not good enough and bad is not too bad.

Many veteran actors are struggling to make both ends meet. Has the state government neglected them?

I don’t like the phrase “state government’s neglect”. It is insulting for an artiste. The entertainment industry is volatile. So, we must be prepared for the future. The government must take care of veteran stars but one should be responsible for his/her own financial security.

You have cast your son Babushaan in the lead role for Love Master. Many film personalities in Bollywood also promote their children in movies. What do you feel about this trend?

Parents are the first inspiration for every child. So, if people want to follow in their parents’ footsteps, there is nothing wrong. If you have the talent, you will survive. If you don’t, the audience will reject you.

How would you rate Babushaan as an actor?

He is an actor-cum-playback singer, which is a rare trait in an artiste. I doubt if he could have been anything but an actor. He has been a prankster since childhood but now he is channeling all his mischief in this profession. He has a bright future. All that he needs to do is lose some weight. From a mother’s point of view, I would say he has to learn to control his anger.

People like to gossip about the personal lives of celebrities and the media often adds fuel to fire by linking up one actor with another. Have you been a victim of such gossip?

A lot has been said and written about my life. But if I were one to take things to heart, I wouldn’t have been able to move ahead.

You and your cousin, Mahesweta Ray, were the reigning actresses of the 80s and 90s. Now, she has settled in Mumbai. Are you still close to each other?

Of course! She is my own mamu’s daughter. Earlier, people used to say a lot of things about us, such as ego clashes and jealousy between us. But we are very attached to each other.

Acting to production

Demure beauty and reigning actress of yesteryears, Aparajita, 47, has turned producer with
Love Master, the first venture of her home production, Sai Ma

She was born in Karanjia, Mayurbhanj, and spent her growing up years in Sambalpur. Her father, Abdul Raziz Khan was the magistrate of that city and mother, Haripriya Ray, a reader in zoology at the Gangadhar Meher College, where Aparajita completed her education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Her grandfather, Subhan Ali Khan, was first law minister of Odisha

Aparajita was inducted into the Odia film industry when she was just 16. Phulachandan was her first release, though the first project that she had taken up was Astaraga. She went to deliver various hit films such as Sankha Sindura, Jaaiphula, School Master among others. At 23, she got married to her co-star Uttam Mohanty. Her son, Babushaan, is one of the leading actors of the Odia film industry

Aparajita’s Love Master, directed by Chandi Parija, released across the state on October 19. The film is a love triangle with Babushaan, Riya and Poonam playing the lead roles

Had you not become an actress, what other profession would you have liked to be in?

My best guess would be government service, perhaps a lecturer. When I was young, I used to listen to songs on the radio and my hands and legs would start moving. I used to
visualise what kind of expressions and dance steps would go well with the lyrics and music. Films fascinated me immensely. I would be in awe of the actors for giving life to make-believe stories on screen and tried to imitate them. Gradually, I developed a serious interest in acting and my passion became my profession.