Exclusive! Ishaa Saha: I pray to Ma Durga that both my films do well, I get a lot of offers and I continue to learn

Puja is here but Ishaa Saha has no time to feel the festive spirit. With two major releases, Karnasubarner Guptodhon and Kacher Manush, the actress is super busy with promotional activities. While the third instalment of Dhrubo Banerjee’s Sonada franchise is so far doing well at the box office, Dev and Prosenjit Chatterjee’s drama has also garnered appreciation. Both the films were released on September 30 and now that actress is looking forward to taking a break. As the Puja starts, the actress shares exclusive photos with OTTPlay. In an exclusive chat with us, Ishaa talks about her Puja plans, her films, and more. Read on…

Congratulations! You have two major releases in Puja. Not many actors see such a grand beginning of the festive season…

Thanks. Yes, it is a happy occasion but please also consider the stress. I took an active part in promotional activities for both films for over a month. Before that, I was busy with Kolkata Chalantika’s promotion. It is crazy. These days, promotional activities are more stressful than working in film. Initially, I did not know that both films would be released at the same time. But when shooting was done, I got the feeling.

So now that the films are released, what is your plan?

I have no plans. I might just run away on October 2 or 3 to an unknown place. I don’t intend to disclose my destination because I fear someone will reach there and ask for some work (laughs).

Do you feel nervous before the releases?

Yes, I do. But more than being nervous, I feel scared of the trolling. These days everybody on social media is a film critic. They pretend to understand direction, acting, camera light, and editing. In the garb of reviewing a film, they enjoy running the artistes down. As a result, most people get influenced before watching a film. That is alarming. We cannot practically watch anything without having a preconceived notion. That is detrimental and the tolerance toward new content.

While I try to be unaffected by trolls, there are times when I feel sad. People ask pointless questions about why someone is working too much and so on. I am anyway a very introverted person. I open up only for my professional demands. I become more private. I am tired of this negativity and lack of love and warmth.

Tell us about your shooting experience.

The Guptodhon franchise is a known team. From the director to co-actors and crew members – everyone has become a part of the family. It is fun working with the team.

And Kacher Manush...

When I first started working with Dev in Golondaj, I was scared of his stardom. I was unsure how a superstar would behave. But then I found him to be very easy and cooperative. He can work 23 hours at a stretch. Now there is an understanding that worked brilliantly in Kacher Manush. And then comes Bumbada. I am still in awe of his dedication. At his level, he could easily restrict his work hours. But he goes on working for 16-17 hours. The team has now become an extended family.

In both the films, you worked in ensemble cast. Have you ever felt that you might get overshadowed?

While reading the script, I emphasise my character. I don’t focus on who all are there in the film. There was a time when in Bengal, women-centric films used to be limited. Anyway, we don’t get to see many women-centric films in the industry. However, there are films in which the roles are strong. I select accordingly. I don’t expect that only I will be there in a poster but I will check out the scope of my character and try my best to leave a mark with my work.

Also read: Exclusive! Abir Chatterjee: I can’t take the success of Sonada for granted and I strive to better it 

Any prayer to Ma Durga?

I pray to Ma Durga that both the films do well, I get a lot of offers and I continue to learn