Ranvir calls me mum mum:Aparna

How different is the dynamics of being in front of the camera for Antaheen when you have already been used to directing others?
I find it quite easy. I always had the makings of a director even when I was only acting. After I had made 36 Chowringhee Lane, film-makers were apprehensive about how I���d act under others��� directions. But I remember actor Sumitra Mukherjee saying that there should never be a problem since I always had this sensibility even before I had directed 36 Chowringhee Lane.I know when to detach. Besides, I���m very selective about acting. I took up this role because I liked Tony���s (director Aniruddha Roychowdhury) passion. Moreover, my husband, Kalyan, and I are fond of Tony and his wife, Indrani. Unfortunately, Kalyan will be leaving Kolkata before Antaheen releases.
How do you evaluate scripts of contemporary Bengali films meant for the urban audience?
There are various kinds of scripts. It���s very sad that the urban audience has lost total
interest in subjects related to the villages. That only displays our selfishness. We need to think 10 times over before making a film involving a story in the village.
Many still talk about your 36 Chowringhee Lane as a contemporary film...
Yes. Even Mahanagar was a contemporary film. Some of today���s urban films, including Anuranan, Antaheen and Bong Connection are quite interesting. Though I had reservations about Anuranan, I���ve liked Tony���s visual imagination.
A lot is being said about Antaheen being a casting coup of sorts with you and Sharmila Tagore together in the film...
We���ve known each other for years. Golpo korte korte kaaj hoye gelo.
Since you prefer workshops before shooting, how do you react to comments that workshops take away actors��� spontaneity?
nWorkshops help in knowing the back history of characters and are not about rehearsing lines. They help actors to become the character. For The Japanese Wife, I had Raima do workshops to learn how to dust and mop the floor. If she is comfortable with the body language of a village girl, she can concentrate just on emoting, while shooting. As an actor, I like to have some preparation time. Of course, some with a good timing can also pull off a role. It might turn into a striking performance but that might not necessarily be an example of good acting. Though Konkona is more of an instinctive actor, I���d still want Konkona to attend a workshop and learn how to cook before she starts shooting for my Goynar Baksho.
What���s the status of that film?
The film will be in Hindi and Bangla. Besides Konkona, it will have Ranvir, Moushumi Chatterjee, Madhavan and Soha. While Sirsa will do the cinematography, Tanmoy will do the art direction. The film is a free adaptation. My script has references to Bangladesh���s Mukti Juddho. Shooting will take place in Kolkata and Santiniketan.
Why did you cast Ranvir?
Ranvir is a natural and very sincere. He plays Konkona���s husband. Jomidar barir chhele ��� haba gongaram er moto ekti choritro. Ranvir trusts me totally. He calls me mum mum and says whenever I start the film, I just need to give him a call.
Do you always discuss films with Konkona and Ranvir?
No. We play a lot of games. Ranvir is into video games. That apart, we watch television too. Anek gaan gawa hoy eksangey.
Moushumi Chatterjee had said that you are a ���misunderstood person���. Do you agree?
Many think I���m a snob. But I���ve a feeling that my shyness is mistaken for snobbery. Besides, I���m very discriminating. I don���t like to involve myself in everything that comes my way.