Priyanka Upendra, who is currently in Cannes for the screening of her film September 21 in the Marche du Film section, shared her deep connection with the festival. "Like every Bengali, my association with Cannes began with Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali making its mark at the festival. Little did I imagine that decades later, I would be walking those hallowed corridors myself," she said.
Focus on Caregiving
The film, directed by Karen Kshiti Survarna, deals with caregiving for Alzheimer's patients. Priyanka emphasized the importance of acknowledging caregivers. "I don't think we acknowledge caregivers enough. I have elders at home, so I understand what it takes to care for someone every single day," she explained.
Personal Transformation
Priyanka revealed that she took on the role at a time when she was overweight and not conventionally looking her best. "But none of that mattered because the role demanded emotional honesty, and I gave myself completely to it," she said. The experience was transformative as an actor. "When a subject like this gets showcased at a prestigious festival, it feels deeply validating. The role shook me up emotionally and reminded me that even if you cannot cure someone, you can always care for them," she added.
Fashion Not a Priority
While fashion has become synonymous with Cannes, Priyanka insists it is not her priority. She also spoke warmly about working with a young female filmmaker. "This is a time when women are making remarkable strides in filmmaking, and being directed by a 22-year-old woman is truly inspiring. I hope experiences like this also motivate my children," she said.
