Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 8: Veteran actress and dancer Rituparna Sengupta, known for her powerful screen presence and love for the arts, is currently basking in the resurgence of content-driven cinema. With over 30 years in the industry, the Dahan actress finds herself busier than ever, balancing between acting, producing, festival appearances, and even working on a new musical.

Her upcoming film Puratawn holds a special place in her heart, not just for its emotional storyline centered around a mother-daughter bond, but also because it marks the return of legendary actress Sharmila Tagore to Bengali cinema after 14 years. “Sharmila ji’s discipline and energy at 80 are unmatched. Her attention to detail — from costumes to dialogues — was truly inspiring,” Rituparna shared.

Rituparna is not only playing a lead role in Puratawn, but also serving as one of its producers. Slated for an all-India release and dubbed in Hindi, the film encourages viewers to stay rooted in heritage while embracing modernity. “It’s important to carry forward our traditions even as we evolve with the times,” she said.

Another recent highlight for Rituparna was filming Nazarbandi, a female-centric thriller directed by Debarati Bhowmick, shot against the stunning snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains in Himachal Pradesh. “We had an all-women cast and almost all-women crew — it was empowering and so much fun,” she recalled.

Her presence is being felt at festivals too, with films like Ajogya, Distances, and Puratawn featured at the ‘I View World International Film Festival’ in Delhi. Despite her busy screen schedule, dance remains her first passion. A trained Odissi and Manipuri dancer, she frequently performs fusion numbers with her troupe and is currently writing a musical project. “Dance helps me express beyond words,” she said.

Off the set, Rituparna enjoys reading and writing — and she’s now working on a short film script. Her slate of upcoming films includes Ittar opposite Deepak Tijori, Kal Trighori, a horror film by Arbaaz Khan, Salt with Chandan Roy Sanyal, Jihad directed by Agnidev Chatterjee, and a Bengali film Madam Sengupta with Rahul Bose.

Reflecting on her journey, Rituparna added, “Whether it’s a commercial or content-rich film, my priority is to give my best. The growing audience for meaningful cinema is heartening. Cinema is evolving, and so are we as artistes.”