After making a mark in Bollywood with movies like Aisha and Kai Po Che, Amrita Puri is now playing Charulata in Anurag Basu’s Stories By Rabindranath Tagore. She talks to Sangeeta Yadav about her TV debut as Charulata and her new fashion label
What prompted you to make your TV debut as Charulata in Anurag Basu’s Stories By Rabindranath Tagore IJ
The idea of portraying Charulata took me by surprise and enthralled me. When Anurag Basu approached me to play Charulata in this episodic series, I immediately said yes. First, it is the adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s stories and having Anurag dada behind this show makes it even more special. He has always been on my list of directors with whom I would like to work with. Satyajit Ray’sCharulata was beautiful. Now Anurag Basu’s style of adaptation will be interesting to watch out for. Epic channel have been doing some great content driven shows. This is another reason for me to do this show.
How did you find Rabindranath Tagore’s writingsIJ
Any story that you pick by Rabindranath Tagore, his women were so strong, beautiful and graceful. When he wrote about them, he managed to capture their world brilliantly. Even though we are talking about pre-independence era, he was a very progressive writer.
What took you so long to make your TV debutIJ
I had a lot of offers for TV but I was clear about one thing, whatever project I took up — whether a film, play or TV — I will do it only if I am convinced of the role I am to play. I need to believe in the content. The story has to be appealing. I should feel that there is a story that one is telling.
Anurag Basu’s wife Tani is the co-director. How was it like to work with herIJ
Tani is very particular. She showed me Chokar Bali which was the first episode of Stories By Rabindranath Tagore. It was so beautiful. I really enjoy working with her. She sits and discusses with you, takes your input and then shoots.
Was it difficult for you to adapt yourself to the Indian TV sceneIJ
We were short of time but the kind of quality of content this show has is no less than what you see in films. This show is not your average daily soap. It is like a mini-series shot in film style.
Did playing a lead character give you sleepless nightsIJ
This is the first time that I’m playing a lead role and portraying such a powerful character, it is a very big responsibility. I had to make sure that I give my 100 per cent. In movies, it’s not often that you get to play a character or get a role where the story revolves around such a powerful woman. Everything is centred around the hero. So here I got a chance to play a character which is driving the story forward. The creative process was very fulfilling.
How did you find the look that has been given to youIJ
I was fascinated with the whole Bengali charm, the sarees and the big bindis. I have always loved that. I was so excited with the costume I couldn’t wait to get into them and see what I looked like. Anurag Basu’s mother is the costume designer for this series. She went to Kolkata especially to buy the sarees and get the blouses tailored in to give the authentic look of that era.
How was your experience working with the cast and crewIJ
It has been a great learning experience working with new people. What I liked the most about this production house is that they work in a team and the entire atmosphere is very homely. With Tani, Anurag da’s mother and sometimes his younger brother joining us director of photography, it was one big happy family at the sets.
Was there any scene which was difficult for you to get throughIJ
There was one scene which was quite long. The scene had heavy dialogues. I got only half an hour to prepare for the scene anddada was to shoot that scene. I was very stressed out. But the performance that he was able to get extract out from me was amazing. When he directs, he makes you forget everything else and you are just there in that moment. He made it easy for me to get through this scene.
What else is keeping you busy these daysIJ
I have started my own clothing label called Akuri in Mumbai and Kolkata. We’ll soon go online as well. But I have Bollywood projects in hand as of now.