13A, Balaram Ghosh Street, is an address that reflects the charm of old north Calcutta homes and houses some possessions of an icon who once lived there. Painted freshly in blue, the letterbox at Nirmal Smritibasar still displays her name — ‘Bela Dey. Flat no. 7’. Bela Dey’s life is a journey of self-actualisation, in which she not only shows unyielding courage and determination to transform her life by negating social norms but also inspires and empowers ordinary women around her.

As a revered writer and radio personality, Bela was a contemporary of other legends from the golden age of radio, such as Birendra Krishna Bhadra and Nilima Sanyal. She captured the hearts of many with her show ‘Mahila Mahal,’ aired on Akashvani, which became a beacon for women’s emancipation from societal constraints. Through her advocacy for self-reliance, confidence, and self-belief, she inspired countless women, especially homemakers. She connected with her listeners not just by sharing recipes but also by addressing the value of financial independence and progressive ideals. Her warm, purposeful voice resonated with listeners, making her a cherished figure in many households.

The house of Bela Dey, nestled in a north Calcutta neighbourhood, was chosen for the poster launch of Anilavaa Chatterjee’s film, Bela, which celebrates the legacy of this icon in Calcutta’s radio history. “At a time when the idea of women’s emancipation was almost unheard of, Bela Dey became a beacon of inspiration. She challenged societal norms and fought against the odds. When her husband, who had gone to England for his medical studies, suddenly stopped writing to her, Bela took a bold step. She travelled to England to find him, only to discover he had married someone else. During her time there, Bela didn’t let adversity hold her back. She honed her skills in continental cooking. After returning home, she made the brave decision to join the radio, defying her family’s expectations. She launched a program called ‘Mohila Mahal’, which resonated with many women, empowering them and sparking conversations. Bela Dey was a true rebel. She introduced innovative ideas about home life and womanhood. She said that the prevailing norms were unjust and championed a path for women to think independently and assert themselves. I felt the subject was unique,” shared Rituparna with t2 while talking about her choice of accepting the offer of portraying Dey in the biopic and what inspired her from Dey’s life while preparing for the character. “I truly believe Bela had a profound impact on everyone’s lives. She was a kind-hearted woman, yet she faced numerous challenges throughout her life that shaped her into someone strong and resilient. Bela embodied calmness and composure, all the while battling her own inner demons,” she added.

Further enunciating on her takeaway from the journey of filming Bela and the biopic’s relevance for the contemporary audience, Rituparna shared: “Her journey serves as an ideal example for many in society, especially women who need guidance in recognising their own worth. It’s crucial for them to express their identities and stand against the harsh treatment they sometimes endure even today. Her story can inspire countless women — those who feel equipped to make a difference and those who may not yet see their potential. Her life was indeed remarkable, and this biopic highlights that perfectly. When I was offered the opportunity to be a part of it, I felt truly grateful.”

Sharing how she felt connected with the character of Dey on a personal level, while playing the titular role in the biopic, Rituparna said: “Personally, I strive to set norms that may be a bit unconventional, and I’ve been doing this for quite some time. Bela serves as an inspiring example for me to create new possibilities and instil hope and faith in those around me. My exploration of life is continuous; I find beauty in every moment. Life has so much to offer, including both its wonders and its flaws. I believe in learning from all experiences, as life teaches us valuable lessons at every turn. For me, every film represents a new journey. When I portray a character, I immerse myself in their world, their experiences, their environments, and the timelines they inhabit, whether in the past or present. Each role I take on is a chance to delve into the intricacies of diverse characters, and I genuinely enjoy that process.”

Talking about the scene that struck a chord with her while playing the character of Bela, Rituparna shared: “I truly cherished the moment when I would wear my headphones and talk into the microphone. I find the medium of radio fascinating, where one can make an impact with one’s voice without ever being seen. Bela’s voice seemed to enchant everyone who listened to her. That unseen presence had a way of creating a rich atmosphere for the conversations she had, particularly for the women’s discussions. I loved stepping into the role of RJ Bela during the filming.” As someone who juggles many passions despite being committed to her profession of acting, we asked Rituparna if she ever wanted to be a part of the radio world as well. “I didn’t have it in my mind… but in front of the microphone, I feel an undeniable energy surging through me. The power of an unseen voice creating an aura that captivates and connects with people, fascinates me.”

Talking about performing in various scenes of Bela, she pointed out how the scene of Bela’s mother passing away had unfortunately coincided with her own life. “After that particular shot, I was unable to speak to my mother; she slipped into an unconscious state and, tragically, passed away two weeks later.”

On the day of the poster launch at Bela Dey’s house, Rituparna turned up simple yet graceful in a floral embroidered kurta set, complemented with fresh gajra of jasmine (bel) on her hair. “I chose a look that reflected her traditional roots and mirrored the simplicity of her character. For my look in the film, too, I wore simple cotton saris, steering clear of anything overly extravagant. I admired her natural charm. In my promotional appearances, I embraced that natural, traditional aesthetic with just a hint of flair. Visiting her home was truly incredible. I took note of the small details — the letterbox, her nameplate, the mirror, and the photographs scattered across the bed where she once slept. It struck me as I stood in front of her wardrobe mirror, imagining all the times Bela must have gazed at her reflection. I was wondering whether she used to sing from her balcony while enjoying the rain. It was such a beautiful experience, revisiting a space filled with memories. This house, which many might overlook due to its age, is actually quite well-preserved. Tucked away in north Calcutta, it has a charm all its own,” said Rituparna.