Raima Sen, known for her work in Hindi and Bengali films, says she is very choosy about her work now. The Choker Bali and I, Me, aur Main actress talks about her journey in the industry, plans for marriage, and more….
Why do we not see more of you on screen? Either films or OTT.
I became very choosy in terms of characters. I have done so many films, so unless something is very exciting, I am not signing up.
Do you think your potential was utilised fully by the people in the entertainment industry? Where did things go wrong on the professional front, though initially some of your films did really well?
I am not sure if my talent was fully utilised or not, but I can certainly say I can do better. I am sure there are more exciting characters that I can do. I don’t think anything went wrong. I was busy all my professional life, and when I got very choosy, I slowed it down.
Raima in a still from God Mother
Do you feel it is fair to compare you to either your mom or grandmother, as you have proven yourself as a competent and talented actor time and again?
As I belong to the family, the comparison is inevitable, but I never paid attention to the noise. I just did my work, and I was always myself.
Over the years, how would you say women’s representation in the entertainment industry has changed?
There was always a smaller market for women-centric films, but these days we are seeing things changing a bit. In recent times, we saw how strong content with female led movies are doing well.
It’s been 25 years since God Mother released. How much has the industry changed?
I don’t think industry changed much in its approach, but with the advent of digital and new technology, the speed of shooting and delivering the films has tremendously increased.
Raima with her mother Moon Moon Sen and grandmother Suchitra Sen
Bengal versus Bollywood, which industry would you say is more progressive and organised? And while the regional cinema is doing so well, like the Marathi, Punjabi and South, what is keeping the Bengali cinema behind, which was once the main contender for the National award?
Bengal film industry is a very small market compared to Bollywood, it is unfair to even compare both of them. The regional cinema is growing because those particular regions are focusing on their particular brand of cinema, for example South movies are highly commercial, Malayalam movies are very realistic and relatable, and Marathi is coming up with some innovative content. But I feel Bengal, which was a vanguard of Indian cinema, is yet to find its new voice, which can be relatable to the present generation.
With so many people choosing not to get married in the present time, are you happy being single? Have you stopped your search for the right partner?
I am happy being single. I take life as it comes, and I am a big believer of life taking its own shape, so I won’t say I am actively searching, but I didn’t shut down the possibilities either.
