This story is from October 12, 2011

Taslima tale on big screen

TNN / Updated: Jan 11, 2017, 18:42 IST

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Rupa Bhattacharjee in tale of love, trust and betrayal

ATaslima Nasreen story �� with all its nuances of love, trust and betrayal �� is set to be turned into a Bengali film. Starring Rupa Bhattacharjee in the lead, the movie is being made by Sourav De, marking a first not just for the filmmaker but also for Taslima.
This is his first big screen shot and also the first time a story by the Bangladeshi author is being adapted on celluloid.
Titled ��Nimantran��, the film is based on a short story by the same name. ��I chose Nimantran for my big-screen debut to debunk the notion that Taslima always means controversy. The story does not have any political or religious undercurrents. It is a simple story of a girl, Neela, from a lower middle-class background and her fight for survival. She falls in love with a guy and gets brutally raped. From here the story takes a 180-degree turn. The film also captures how rape completely changes her character,�� says Sourav, who has made documentaries and short films earlier.
But why a Taslima story for his debut? ��I am a big fan of Taslimadi��s work. I��ve always wondered why no filmmaker has made a film out of any of her stories. And why should I run scared of making a film in a democratic country? This was one her earliest stories, written about 24 years back. I like the sudden jerk in the tale,�� reveals Sourav, who is penning the script. ��With Taslimadi��s consent, I have changed the ending.��

��I was surprised when Sourav picked this forgotten story of mine for his film. But after long hours of discussion, I was convinced that he will do a good job and it will hit people straight in the heart. Years back, a play was made for the small screen from ��Shodh��, but this is the first time a fulllength film is being made from my story,�� said Taslima from Delhi.
What made her say ��yes�� to Sourav, a debut filmmaker? ��Amar golpo niye chhobi hok nischoi chaibo. Established filmmakers had shown interest in my works but backed out later out of fear. Kudos to Sourav for showing the guts to make this film. I am always

there to stand by the fearless, young generation. I��m not sure how Sourav will make the film but I won��t regret it, as I salute his attitude. I still wish that someone makes a film out of ��Lajja��, but for that filmmakers need to show courage,�� said Taslima.
Will Taslima be present during the shoot? ��Ami toh banned, blacklisted from society. The government has thrown me out. Amake toh Kolkatai jete dewa hoy na. So, how will I be present for the shoot in Kolkata? But I would love to see my Neela in front of the camera,�� said Taslima.
Actor Rupa Bhattacharjee, who will be playing Neela, still can��t believe she has
bagged the role. ��I still pinch myself to believe I am Neela. She is a a girl whose modesty is violated by someone close to her. She is soft, but a fighter,�� says Rupa. ��After bagging the role, I��ve read Nimantran at least 15 times.��
How comfortable will she be doing the rape scene? ��I have full faith in Souravda. I am sure he will shoot it aesthetically. I am not apprehensive and we��re doing workshops to get the body language right. This is the most challenging role in my career,�� said Rupa. When will the film go on the floors? ��I am talking to producers. The moment things are f i n a l i z e d , we start s h o o t i n g , �� Sourav says.

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