I want to take part in all Durga Puja rituals: Alexandra Taylor

Actress Alexandra Taylor who lives in England has come to Kolkata for the first time to enjoy Durga Puja. In an exclusive photoshoot with Calcutta Times the actress spoke about her love for Kolkata, her Pujo plans and shopping, her wish to watch old Bengali films and a lot more. Read on...

I’ve come to Kolkata especially to enjoy Durga Puja for the first time. I heard the whole city is decorated with lights, pandals, idols and everyone wears new clothes

I went to Kumartuli & watched the artisans make the idols. I want to visit bonedi bari Pujos too. I love Kolkata’s street food like pav bhaji & phuchka. I’m a fan of Bengali cuisine as well, especially shorshe ilish. I like green chilies used in cooking here. Gulab jamun, rosogolla and jalebis here are to die for

Alexandra’s pujo shopping
I have already started my Pujo shopping. I know everyone wears ethnic clothes during the festive season, so I bought saris, kurtis and salwar suits from New Market. I can carry a sari well now! I also bought bindis from Gariahat.

Loved working with Dev
I’m excited as my film, Bagha Jatin will release during Pujo. I had a lovely time working with Dev – he is my favourite hero from the industry. I’ve also worked with Jeetu Kamal, Omm and other Tollywood actors and they are so warm. Bengali cinema is so rich in content, I want to watch old Bengali films

Pix: Kounteya Sinha
Makeup and hair: Samrat Dutta
Styled by: Oiendrila Ray Kapur