In the series Adalat O Ekti Meye, which streams from today on Hoichoi, Koushani Mukherjee plays Joyeeta Choudhury, a successful corporate professional who has earned her position through years of relentless hard work and dedication. Sharp, ambitious, and fiercely independent, she has built her career on merit, refusing to compromise her integrity for anyone. After surviving a brutal assault at an office party, Joyeeta fights for justice in court, but fragmented memories, conflicting testimonies, and dangerous power dynamics turn her quest for truth into a battle she may not win. A t2 chat with Koushani...

Do you consider this one of the most challenging roles of your career so far?

Playing Joyeeta Choudhury is undoubtedly one of the most challenging roles I have ever said yes to — and I did so without hesitation because the subject deeply resonated with me as a woman.

This role is not just about representing myself; it is about standing up for every woman who has faced sexual harassment in her workplace — verbal abuse, inappropriate behaviour, unwanted touches, and men with malicious intent. The story follows a woman who stands tall against societal judgment, family criticism, and emotional pressure. This is more than just a character to me — it is a responsibility. It is a role I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Has this role pushed you in a new creative direction?

Taking up this role required me to emotionally and mentally drain myself. While it is impossible to fully experience someone else’s pain, as women, we can empathise deeply with what another woman might endure.

There are moments when we sit at home watching the news about an assault happening, and it shakes us to the core. Through this role, I wanted to represent the entire sisterhood — especially the women who are still afraid to raise their voices, who hesitate to come forward because of societal judgment, family pressure, or fear of consequences.

Portraying Joyeeta has changed me. She is bold, straightforward, independent, and unapologetically honest. She speaks her mind without sugarcoating her words, and that very honesty unknowingly creates enemies around her.

Are you consciously choosing more layered, socially relevant characters now?

It is a very conscious decision on my part to choose layered and socially relevant characters. Over time, I have learned that quality matters far more than quantity. I would rather appear twice on the big screen and make a lasting impact than do multiple projects without substance. No one begins their career fully aware of the consequences of choosing a particular script. We learn through experience. However, I do not consider any of my past films mistakes. Each one has taught me something valuable — whether it succeeded at the box office or not.

Finding the balance between success and failure is crucial. Real growth happens when you contribute something meaningful to cinema, even if it is less frequent. I now choose projects where I carry the story forward — where I am the heart of the narrative. This shift toward quality work is making a difference. I can feel the change in how audiences respond, and I am finally hearing the kind of feedback I have always hoped for after my releases.

What message do you hope young working women take away from Joyeeta’s journey?

Joyeeta is a confident and accomplished woman in the corporate sector. She understands her capabilities and knows how to leverage her strengths to close major deals for the benefit of the organisation. There is a lot that young women working in corporate environments can learn from her — especially her resilience, professionalism, and self-belief. At the same time, the way she handles verbal abuse and subtle hostility directed at her as a strong, successful, and attractive woman in a male-dominated space is particularly powerful. Her journey teaches women not only how to excel professionally but also how to stand firm against disrespect and injustice with dignity and courage.

Were there any scenes that stayed with you long after the shoot wrapped?

There were so many scenes that stayed with me long after the shoot wrapped — and even during the dubbing process, when you relive those moments again inside a confined recording room. I believe I will remember each and every scene for the rest of my life. The courtroom scenes… the scenes where she experiences unbearable physical pain… and the medical examination sequence where she desperately tries to piece together the memories of that horrific night — all of these moments became deeply personal to me. Joyeeta is not just a character I portrayed. She has become a part of me. She will always live within me.

You’ve portrayed strong women on screen — where does your own strength come from?

Portraying strong women on screen and being a strong woman off-screen, comes from the many life experiences that have shaped me. I have always been fearless, upfront, and straightforward. Some people misunderstand that as attitude or arrogance, but I believe that is simply who I am. It defines me and differentiates me as an individual. I have never hesitated to voice my opinions or stand by my beliefs, regardless of the consequences. Life teaches you strength through experiences — through failures, mistakes, successes, and setbacks. Every phase contributes to who you become. Those lessons have made me vocal, courageous, and grounded.

I strongly believe in feminism and women’s empowerment. Being a woman is a blessing. History and the present both show us countless examples of women leading nations, excelling in male-dominated workspaces, breaking boundaries, and redefining success. These women inspire us. And if one day you can become that inspiration for someone else, that is the greatest achievement.

I draw immense strength from Maa Durga. Whenever I pray to her, I feel fearless. There is an inner voice within me that pushes me forward whenever I feel like I am falling apart.

When you go through emotionally heavy phases (on or off set), what grounds you?

Life moves through emotional highs and lows. What matters most is finding the strength to rise again. My family and my closest loved ones are my emotional anchors. They stand by me at my lowest points, without judgment, without conditions. Their comfort grounds me. I have always shared my struggles openly with my loved ones. Their advice and presence have helped me face darkness and find my way back to light. Buddy is my therapy. Spending time with him brings me peace and emotional balance. My father and Bonny — they are the people with whom I can be completely vulnerable without fear of being judged. That kind of unconditional support is priceless.

How do you protect your mental space in an industry that’s constantly watching you?

Being part of an industry where you are constantly watched does not bother me. I have learned to be more composed, more calculated, and more aware of how I present myself publicly. I maintain my privacy, keep cordial relationships, and protect my personal space. That balance has brought me peace.

Looking back at your early days in the industry, how different is today’s Koushani?

Today, I feel more mature, calmer, and more decisive than before. The short-tempered, reactive version of me has transformed into someone more composed and emotionally stable. And that transformation has come purely from experience — from the people I’ve met, the decisions I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned.

Are you more ambitious now?

I have always been ambitious and career-oriented. While my family remains my top priority, I am deeply focused on my work. I feel at peace with the kind of projects I am choosing now. I believe in quality over quantity. I don’t take up work just to stay occupied — I take up work that creates impact.

What has been your biggest learning in the last few years?

If I were to summarise my biggest learning over the past few years, it would be this: stay grounded, never forget your roots, be gentle with people, and move forward steadily. I believe in slow and steady growth. I am not in a rush to be number one. I want to respond to my fans, my critics, and everyone who watches me — not through words, but through my work. Through powerful performances. Through characters that leave a lasting impact. That, for me, is success.

What is that one role you still dream of playing?

A historic female figure — perhaps a warrior or an iconic female freedom fighter who has contributed immensely to our history.