Aparna Sen Shares Admiration for Anjan Dutt at Intimate Kolkata Gathering
Director-actor Aparna Sen expressed genuine pleasure in sharing screen space with singer-actor Anjan Dutt. She made these remarks during a candid conversation at a city bookstore. The event initially marked the launch of Dutt's memoir but quickly evolved into a free-flowing dialogue about cinema and creativity.
Thoughtful Performance and Hidden Talents
Sen observed Dutt's unique approach to acting during the 1995 film Yugant. She noted he belongs to a rare group of actors who think before speaking on screen. His deliberate pauses reveal careful consideration of each situation rather than mere script memorization.
The director also discovered Dutt's singing talent during that production. She intentionally incorporated songs into the film that he performed with natural ease. Beyond his artistic abilities, Sen praised Dutt's skills as an interviewer. She recalled engaging conversations during interviews he conducted with her.
"I'm keen to read Anjan's memoir because I want to discover facets of him that even I may not yet know," Sen admitted with genuine curiosity.
Honesty and Humor in Memoir Writing
Dutt explained his motivation for writing now rather than later. He feared losing his essential sense of humor with age. "In any art form, humor is essential," Dutt emphasized. He worried about becoming overly sentimental and wanted to avoid melodrama completely.
"For me, life is a circus - everything around me feels funny," Dutt shared about his perspective. His memoir maintains this humorous outlook while presenting honest reflections.
Kolkata's Changing Cultural Landscape
Both artists reflected deeply on their relationship with Kolkata. Dutt recalled a telling conversation with playwright Badal Sircar. When asked what he could see around him, Dutt described a temple on his right, the sound of azan on his left, and a church straight ahead.
"That was the exciting Kolkata we grew up in - a city of coexistence and openness," Dutt remembered fondly. He acknowledged this version of Kolkata feels missing today, though his love for the city remains unwavering.
Dutt expressed concern about Kolkata becoming predominantly a Bengali middle-class city. He misses the earlier paglami (madness) that characterized the city's spirit. Despite these changes, he noted historical depth remains even when street names change.
Creative Pulse Still Beats Strong
Sen acknowledged the city's creative energy persists in new forms. She pointed to emerging bands like Hooliganism and young directors making remarkable films with minimal budgets. "That too is Kolkata's madness - and it deserves praise," Sen shared with an appreciative smile.
The director-actor also reflected on her own relationship with the city. Being recognized from a young acting career limited her ability to observe Kolkata freely. "I wanted to observe my city, but instead, I was being observed," she explained. Even during research for Nilkantho in Sonagachi, she became the subject of attention rather than an observer.
Despite this, Kolkata remained a lived-in city for Sen. She recalled frequenting Trincas, Park Street, and New Market. The director expressed particular gratitude toward Anglo-Indian families who generously lent furniture for Yugant without expectations.
Personal Reflections and Professional Identity
Dutt revealed an intimate approach in his memoir regarding legendary figures. "In my memoir, I've referred to Satyajit Ray as Satyajit, Mrinal Sen as Mrinal, and Aparna Sen as Aparna," he shared. "In my life there can be only one Satyajit, one Mrinal, or one Aparna."
Sen addressed her own professional identity with a gentle request. "For the past 30 years, I've been working tirelessly in the realm of direction, yet people still refer to me as an actress," she noted. "It would be nice if people addressed me as a director-actor."
The bookstore conversation revealed deep mutual respect between two significant figures in Bengali cinema. Their exchange touched on artistic process, personal history, and enduring affection for Kolkata despite its transformations.
