I'm still single: Raima

She might play a demure girlfriend on-screen but real life Raima Sen is far from docile. The actor, who has just returned from IFFI, says she isn't one to take things lying down.
Contrary to what was widely publicized, you weren't the thali girl at IFFI...
There was a huge misunderstanding. The thali girl for the event was Reemma Sen and people confused her with me.
Even though it started on a wrong foot, IFFI had things going right for you...
Yes, we went there in a huge group and obviously, had a blast. Mamata Banerjee was there to promote Bengali films and when Prosenjit (Chatterjee) called me up, I was all for it. I attended the press conference and the special dinner. It felt great.
Didn't you feel bad about having missed out on the screening of your 'Nouka Dubi'?
I regret having missed out on it. Subhash Ghai wanted both Riya and me to be present and even though Riya was there, I had to come back for the shooting of 'Abosheshey'. Later, Riya called up to say how everyone
who watched the film, couldn't stop raving about it.
That sure is an incentive for both the Sen sisters to come together more often on celluloid...
In 'Nouka Dubi', Riya and I don't share any screen space. We shot separately for the film. The film is yet to release. But I think once it does, directors will want to cast us together. We'll wait and watch till then.
Coming to your latest, 'Notobor Not Out', despite being fresh and exciting in content, has sank without a trace...
I was really excited when I read the script. Amit Sen is a very good director, who has made some great ads. But the film didn't turn out that well. And I'm not saying this because the film didn't do well. I had great expectations from it. It's sad that despite such a script, the film didn't shape up well. I can't help feel bad for all those who had put their money in the project. A lot of hard work has also gone into it. If a film doesn't do well, everyone associated with it gets affected.
The song which features Moon Moon Sen didn't live up to the Rekha number in 'Parineeta', even if that was thought to be so...
Let's not bring in any comparison. The song wasn't shot well and my mother was just not happy. When she saw the film, she found the song sequence to be just ordinary. Even though it's not my territory, I know my mother spoke to Amit Sen about it. I don't wish to run down the film just because it hasn't done well, but 'NNO' could've been immensely better. But sometimes, we all go wrong and I don't blame anyone.
You played the demure ladylove of 'NNO', who does nothing when the love of her life strays. Can you relate to the character that you played?
In real life? No way. I am not one to take things lying down. I stand up and confront if things are not to my satisfaction. But the character portrayed by me in 'NNO' is that of a strong, confident, mature woman who knows that the love of her life will come around.
You are part of hatke Bengali films. Ever thought of doing more commercial ventures?
At one point in time I would be offered a lot of commercial ventures. Now, I keep teasing the most prominent production house that 'why aren't you casting me?' and they would say, 'But you never had the dates!'. If the roles are worth essaying, I wouldn't mind doing such ventures.
How important is it for an actor to give hits?
It is very important. In the industry, you are as good as your last film. My mother too keeps telling me this. One has to take risks. You can't play safe. Not every film will hit bull'seye, but one has to keep taking chances.
Is 'Abosheshey' another attempt in that direction?
I can't talk about the film, but it again has got a good script and I liked the starcast. The director is new (Aditi Roy), but she knows her mind. Shooting is on in full swing.
So, you are concentrating on Tollywood now?
I've signed another Hindi film, the shooting for which starts in December. I'll finish that by January. Another film of mine, 'Mirch' is releasing in December. But, of course, there's a change in ratio of Bollywood vs Tollywood for me. Suddenly I can see a lot of good films being made in Bengali. A lot of new ideas are taking the industry by storm. Everything in Tollywood has improved by leaps and bounds. I'm happy to be part of a couple of good Bengali films. There are more offers, but I like taking things easy. I can't do back-to-back films. I'll take a break after 'Abosheshey' and then choose the best out of what I'm being offered.
In your last interview, you had said you wouldn't mind tying the knot in the next two years. Are you inching towards that?
Yes, I wouldn't mind getting hitched in the next two years.
You are still stuck on 'two years'...
(Laughs out loud) I will go with the flow. When marriage has to happen, it will happen. I don't like planning. I hadn't planned my career and now, I'm not planning my life.
There have been rumours of link-ups...
They are just what you call, rumours. I'm still single.
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