I want to do more films in the south

'I want to do more films in the south'

Raima Sen says that she finds working in films down south just as rewarding as her Bengali movies

Prathibha Joy

With a lineage boasting names like Ila Devi, Suchitra Sen and Moon Moon Sen, and stints in Hindi, Bengali, Telugu and Malayalam cinema, it's easy to see why actor Raima Sen attracts attention. The doe-eyed demure daughter of Moon Moon Sen was in the city recently on a professional trip, and was thrilled with the admiration she received. "My sister Riya and I have spent a lot of time in Bangalore and have a lot of friends here. So it's always a pleasure to come here as we get to meet all of them," says Raima, as she smiles and waves out to fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of her.
On the professional front, though, it is her home state that gives her joy. "At the moment, I have five Bengali films ready for release. I do have two Hindi films too — Raakh and I, Me aur Main — but the Bengali films are dearer to me. I am getting to work with some of the best directors in the country on incredible projects. There are period films, social dramas and much more. The work that I am getting in Bengali cinema is substantial and I am getting meaty roles. I will never give up Bengali cinema to chase stardom elsewhere," says Raima.
She's most excited about the
docu-drama on the life of
Rabindranath Tagore
in which she essays the role of his wife and Rituparno Ghosh's dance drama Chitrangada: The Crowning Wish (based on a Tagore story), in which she plays the titular role of a warrior princess. But Raima says that roles with substance come to her in the south as well.
"Last year, I did a period film in Malayalam called Veeraputhran, based on the life of a freedom fighter Mohammed Abdul Rahiman. It was the ideal film to make my debut in the industry. I found working on that film
just as rewarding as my Bengali films," says Raima.
This is also why the actor is open to doing more films in the south. "Long ago, I did a commercial flick in Telugu, Dhairyam, and have now done a Malayalam film too. I want to do more films in the south as they have subjects that make for good cinema and are often picked up for Bollywood remakes too. So yeah, if I get a good role, I would even work in a Kannada film," she says.
prathibha.joy@timesgroup.com