Amrita Chattopadhyay: It’s a rare opportunity for a female actor to play Jesus Christ

His last two films ‘The Wife’s Letter’ and ‘White’ was celebrated worldwide at International Film Festivals. Most importantly, White was his first silent film that too on a social issue like rape and now independent filmmaker

Aneek Chaudhuri

is ready with his latest offering ‘

Cactus

’, which is based on

Jesus

Christ, Mother Mary and the art form of Pieta. It features Amrita Chattopadhyay as Jesus Christ, Anurupa Chakraborty and Aishani De as two avatars of Mother Mary.
On asking Aneek about Amrita being cast as Jesus, he says, “It’s not that she will be added moustache or the draperies of Christ era, to make her appear to be Jesus. We are working on the symbolic verse of Jesus Christ. And frankly speaking, I am not too much impressed by any other female face (than Amrita) in Bengal’s industry when it comes to spotting versatility. I personally admire Amrita’s screen presence and her way of dealing with the characters.”

Subrat Dutta and Amrita in '

III Smoking Barrels

'
Amrita Chattopadhyay who was last seen in ‘III Smoking Barrels’ and will next be seen in Ranjan Ghosh’s ‘Aha Re’ and Naseeruddin-Soumitra Chatterjee starrer ‘

Debotar Grash

’ is fast carving a niche of her own. In an exclusive chat with Etimes, the versatile actress opens up on the national success of ‘III Smoking Barrels’, playing Jesus Christ in ‘Cactus’, her approach towards modern cinema and many more. Here are the excerpts:
First of all Congratulations on the success of iii Smoking Barrels and it has indeed put up an example of how multilingual films can excel on a mainstream level. How are you feeling that you are doing creme works that is gaining attention, regionally and nationally?
It really feels great to be part of a Film which releases nationally. III Smoking barrels traveled to some very prestigious international festivals too. As an actor it's always gratifying to see your work reaching to more and more significant people/ places.
Amrita, you have been doing works very selectively, or in other words, I must say that you select projects that give you a space of performing well. How do you actually choose films?
Yes, I have been very selective about choosing my films. Nowadays you have to keep in mind a lot of things before saying yes to a script. Because as an actor I would always like to make sure that my film releases, and that includes digital platforms too, so that people are able to watch my work. Often we can do nothing about it, so selecting a film is very important. But most importantly the script, my character in it and the director - based on these three things I select a film.

Why did you choose to do Cactus?
I have seen Aneek's work and liked it. And the Script, the whole Film designed to be a single take film without any dialogue made me excited as an actor. It is really something very challenging, and I haven't done something like this before. I feel if I don't push my boundaries, I won't be able to grow as an actor, ever.
What is your take on being cast as Jesus Christ? It is actually an out-of-the box scenario when a female is being offered the role of Jesus. What was your first reaction when you were offered this character? Your thoughts on it!
I was really shocked and unsure when Aneek approached me for Jesus Christ's role! I was like, are you sure? But then after speaking to him in detail, I was convinced.
And I love to do things out of the box! It's a rare opportunity!
What’s your expectation working with Aneek? How did he approach you, from the start?
I assume he is a very sorted filmmaker. That is something very important. The director knows what he wants his actors to do. So I will rely on his direction. And I have seen his previous work, that of course gives me an insight on his work. He contacted me in Facebook previously and then told me about this work. Since we both respect each other's work i am hoping for a great collaboration. Looking forward to Cactus.