Kolkata/IBNS: Senior Bengali actress Rituparna Sengupta is playing the protagonist- Bijoya- in Nirmal Chakravarthys directorial debut Datta, a period drama.
Datta is based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyays novel of the same name. The film was twice adapted to films earlier, in 1951 and 1976.
The story, which showcases the Victorian notion of growing attachment, revolves around a growing attachment between an affluent Brahmo woman and an indigent but a brilliant young Hindu man despite all odds.
Speaking of essaying Bijoya, Rituparna tells IBNS, I think Bijoya is a very strong character. In the course of working for the film, I realised how relevant Bijoya is in our present society where inequality still exists.
So a character like Bijoya is relevant even now. Todays women may take inspiration from Bijoya. It was difficult back then as compared to now.
Rituparna Sengupta | Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
Bijoya was played by late acting legend Suchitra Sen in the second film adaptation of Datta, which was directed by Ajoy Kar.
The shooting for Datta was halted twice. Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed, who was one of the main characters, had to leave India over visa related issues in 2019 forcing a reshoot of the film.
Later, Saheb Chattopadhyay replaced Ferdous as Bilash while the other lead, Naren, was essayed by Joy Sengupta.
Poster of Datta
In the following year, the shooting was again halted owing to Covid-19 pandemic.
Sharing her thoughts of working with her long-associate Nirmal Chakravarthy, Rituparna said, Since I have known Nirmal-da for a long time, I was aware of his works. Nirmal-da is a very sincere and systematic person so he has done everything in this film systematically.
Chakravarthy was absolutely sure of casting Rituparna, who had worked under eminent filmmakers including late Rituparno Ghosh, for Bijoya.
Nirmal Chakravarthy | Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
I feel no one in Tollywood except Rituparna could have essayed Bijoya at the present moment, the debutant director, who too feels Datta is still relevant even in the present society, said.
The film is slated for the theatrical release on June 16.
(Photos: Avishek Mitra/IBNS)
