1. Could you share a bit about your journey into acting?
Truthfully, I never dreamt of becoming an actor until I finished my graduation. I always saw acting as part of the filmmaking process, which led me to pursue both my graduation and post-graduation in filmmaking. However, I wasn't sure about my exact role in the industry. It all started when I casually auditioned for a Bengali film directed by a national award-winning director and got a small part. On my first day on set, in front of the camera, under the lights, with all eyes on me, I realized exactly where I fit in this art form. That moment sparked my passion for acting, and six years later, I continue to pursue this dream with the same excitement.
2. What were your biggest challenges starting out?
I faced two significant challenges when I started acting professionally. The first was that I began pursuing acting after completing my MA, so I started later than most and with a film degree. This was not well-received by many, as I had the knowledge to make and study films but chose to act instead. The second challenge was my lineage; no one in my family had ever been involved in films or media, making the concept alien to them. Although these challenges were daunting, I believe I've managed to overcome them to a certain extent, and they are now part of my past stories.
3. How do you prepare for a new role?
I wouldn’t call myself a method actor, but my excellent memorization skills, honed since school, help me with scripts and dialogues in any language. After receiving a script, I read it numerous times, which helps me visualize the character deeply. I then put myself in the character’s shoes to understand their perspective. If the role requires a specific characteristic or dialect, I watch movies featuring similar characters and study their body language. This process helps me embody the character without losing mysemyself.
4. Who are some of the actors or filmmakers that have inspired you the most, and why?
Many filmmakers and actors have inspired me. During my college days, I was deeply influenced by Iranian films, especially "A Separation." Jafar Panahi, Abbas Kiarostami, and Samira Makhmalbaf are among my favorite filmmakers. Indian filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Shyam Benegal, and Aparna Sen have also greatly inspired me. Among actors, Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta, Ratna Pathak, Supriya Pathak, and Smita Patil are my inspirations. In recent times, I admire Tilottoma Shome, Konkona Sen Sharma, Shefali Shah, Aditi Pohankar, and Monika Panwar for their excellent work.
5. Are there any upcoming projects or roles that you're particularly excited about and can share with us?
I’m currently preparing for an independent Bengali feature film, which will be one of the toughest roles I've played. Though it's still in the initial stages, if it happens, it could be a game changer. Additionally, there’s a Hindi web series in the talking phase. Let's see how things shape up.
6. If you could play any historical figure in a biopic, who would it be and why?
That’s a tough one, as there are many historical figures who have made significant contributions. One figure who stands out to me is Padma Bhushan Lakshmi Swaminathan, also known as Captain Lakshmi, who led the women’s regiment of the Azad Hind Fauj under Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Her spirit to help others, her involvement in the Bangladesh freedom movement, Bhopal gas tragedy, and Sikh riots is remarkable. Even at 92, she continues to serve her patients. Portraying her on screen would be an absolute honor and a dream come true.
Bio:
Rohini Chatterjee completed her graduation from St. Xavier's College in Mass Communication and later pursued her Master’s Degree in Film Studies from Jadavpur University. Her acting journey began with a small role in a Bengali film by a national award-winning director. She has since worked in Bengali television, films, web series, and award-winning short films. Rohini is also an Instagram sensation with lakhs of followers and runs her own travel channel. Additionally, she is involved with several NGOs. Recently, she has started working in the Hindi film industry and is focusing on diversifying her acting career by working in South Indian films.
Interviewed by: Shantanu Singh
Edited by: Mishika Goel
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