Neither is Prosenjit Chatterjee my friend nor did I ever unfriend him: Rituparna

The Diwali photoshoot was scheduled at 3 pm on Monday . Knowing the subject's sense of time, we weren't sure of pulling it off without an hour's delay . But to our surprise, she was not just ready but even waiting for us! How did that happen, we asked, only to be told, ���It happens once in a leap year. And today is that day . Even I couldn't believe this.��� Rituparna Sengupta, who loves to sur prise us with her performanc es, is set to change her per ception off screen -no, she isn't the proverbial `late mas ter' we have learnt to live with...Excerpts:
The time on your phone is 4.30 pm, while it is only 3.30 in the afternoon. Why don't you adjust it?
It is done purposely so that I know I have to hurry up for an appointment. Diwali is also about the win of hope over despair and I have faith that someday people will change their opinion about me. I am not late all the time.
How do you celebrate Diwali?
Kali Puja always has been very special to me as it signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. I love to light up diyas and decorate my house with them; silently, I also pray that this light prevails in the minds of all. Burning crackers too has a charm of its own. My friends and relatives come over and we have a gala feast at night. Sanjay is here with my son. So, it is more of a family get-together. I am scared of noisy crackers and avoid them. Also, I keep an eye on my children as they burn crackers.Lights, fireworks the electric atmosphere of Diwali make me feel good and positive.
Diwali is also the day many usher in Ma Lakshmi. While on the goddess of wealth, does Rituparna know how much she earns a month with so many endorsements, puja openings, television shows, films and guest appearances?
(Laughs out loud) No, I don't. But trust me, I can't save a penny .Whatever I earn, I end up spending... Sanjay is equally worried.This time I will pray to Ma Lakshmi that I manage to save some.Many a time producers tell me that I don't need money and that they will pay me later. Sadly , that `later' never comes. I too forget after a while.
Talking about Diwali and the victory of good over evil, what evils do you wish to ward off?
There is too much of violence, killing and religious intolerance everywhere. I want all these to stop. With death staring at us, how can we live? At times I thank god for letting me see the sunrise! That apart, I pray to god every day so that I never get evil thoughts. Many have harmed me, cheated on me, but I never thought of doing any damage to them as I believe in god and justice. A while back, Sanjay rebuked me as I have lent `80,000 to a man who wanted it for his mother's treatment and now he isn't taking my call and I hear he is absconding. A few days back, my wedding jewellery got stolen from my house and I could do nothing as I can't ask my house helps if they have taken it!
What about the evils in the film industry?
There is too much of politics in Tollywood, which should stop.Let there be stiff competition, not back-stabbing. There are many producers and directors who want to work but don't have contacts, backing or financial support. They never get the support when it comes to distribution. Often their films are sabotaged by the powerful and influential. Good films suffer this way.Then there are people who come into this industry just for fun; they just want a brush with glamour. These fly-by-night producers should be banned.
So many films released during Pujas, did you get time to watch any?
No. My mother-in-law and Sanjay watched Byomkesh O Chiriakhana and loved it, but I am yet to catch it. I also want to watch Abhimaan.
Puja releases are special. Last Puja, it was Rajkahini and this year, there was none. Did that bother you?
Not at all. Last year, I had a blast with Rajka hini -a landmark film in Bengali cinema. This year, I am so happy and content with Praktan, the year's biggest hit, so nothing else bothers me.
Many complain that an actress like Rituparna, who has done Utsav, Paromitar Ekdin, Dohon, Mukhtodhara, Rajkahini and Praktan, also gives her nod to B-grade movies?
(Laughs) I don't do them anymore. My problem is I can't say no to anyone as I feel it might hurt him. But slowly , I am learning the art of saying no. Now, I sign a project after thinking a lot. Two most talked-about directors of today -Srijit Mukherji and Shiboprosad Mukherjee -have directed you. Who do you think can extract the best from you?
Shibu (Shiboprosad) always keeps the finest role for me and makes me look the best on screen. No one can sketch a character for me like he does.Srijit, on the other hand, has helped me discover a different Ritu with Rajkahini. From body language to voice modulation -he made me work on every bit of me. Kudos to both!
Did you feel sad when Srijit didn't cast you in Begum Jaan?
(After a pause) I was not even aware that Rajkahini was being made in Hindi. Then I heard Srijit was thinking of casting me in a different part in the Hindi venture. But I couldn't have played anyone else other than Begum Jaan. I have always had the hunger to be part of good Hindi films and I am sure I will work with Srijit again. I felt dejected to have lost the National Award to Kangana Ranaut this year. Kangana is a brilliant actress, but she is no comparison to my character in Rajkahini. I'd have been happier to have got the award than playing the lead in Srijit's Hindi venture. Then again, life goes on and Praktan wiped out all my anger with its box-office collection and audience appreciation.
Is it true you were offered Paoli's role in Zulfiqar?
Yes, Srijit did offer me the role. Kamalda (Kamaleswar) too offered me a role opposite Prosenjit in Khawto. But Shibu wanted exclusivity of the pair as I was shooting for Praktan then. So, I refused both. After Praktan, I got two more offers to work opposite Prosenjit but I turned them down, as any film that we do next has to be spectacular...
What made you say yes to a non-fiction show on television? It can't be money...
(Laughs) Of course, money is a factor, but definitely not the most decisive one. I liked the concept of Home Minister Bouma, a family show. The makers wanted a face, who is known to manage her career and home with equal ��lan, and thought I was perfect. It's a primetime show with a dedicated audience, so I am getting to connect with a lot of people.Every day there's news of atrocities on women, divorce and families falling apart, so if I can do something to strengthen the bonding between people, I will consider myself lucky .
After Praktan, have you been able to resolve your differences with Prosenjit?
Neither is Prosenjit Chatterjee my friend nor did I ever unfriend him. I always wish him all the luck.
What's next?
At present, I am shooting for Jihad. Talks are on with Kamaleswar Mukherjee and Raja Chanda for their next projects.