Exclusive! Susmita Chatterjee: I feel saddened by the gossip but life is bigger than that

Susmita Chatterjee debuted in Anindya Chattopadhyay’s 2021 film, Prem Tame. Ever since the actress has won a million hearts with her dimpled smile and girl-next-door attitude. Now, her second film Paka Dekha will be released on September 2. Directed by Premendu Bikash Chaki, the film features Soham Chakraborty as the lead opposite her. She has a series of other films lined up. Her work with Dev and Prosenjit in Kacher Manush will be a Puja release. She has also worked with Arindam Sil and Jeet. In a candid chat with OTTplay, the actress talked about her journey so far. Read on…

Tell us about your character in Paka Dekha...

The name of my character is Tiyasha. She has a fast life. She works in a corporate structure. She works hard and parties harder. She is basically, a nice loving girl but for her, her freedom is supremely important. She is modern and smart.

So Tiyasha has a little bit of resemblance with the real Susmita…

Yes, you can say there are similarities between these two characters. However, I am far more disciplined than she is. Tiyasha’s life is a mess. Also, my life is not as fast as hers. Most importantly, I don’t drink as much as she does.

How is Premendu Bikash Chaki to work with?

He is a senior person and he knows his job. But he is also fun to work with. He is not always very serious on the sets. He cracks jokes and explains my role very nicely. He has positive vibes. He also gets angry occasionally.

You have also worked with Dev and Prosenjit in Kacher Manush. Tell us about that.

Dev da explained it at the trailer launch and also to me personally that my character is a surprise in the film. My character completes the story. It is important but since there is a surprise, you will not see me in the trailer. As a result, I cannot explain my character much. I can only ask you to watch the film. Both films are entertaining. Paka Dekha has comedy elements in it while Kacher Manush is intensely emotional.

You have been working in a lot of ensemble casts. Do you fear getting lost in the middle of so many actors? Or do many actors work as a support system?

I do not fear getting lost. I am sure when the audience will see me, they will remember me. On the other hand, you are right about the support system. Working with many actors is educational and supportive.

How was working with Prosenjit Chatterjee and Dev? Both are superstars…

Initially, I was excited. But when the time came, I became very nervous. However, soon I realised that both are very comforting. Bumbada (Prosenjit Chatterjee) is approachable and frank. Later, that nervousness was gone.

I learnt a lot from them and Jeetda while working in Chengiz. All three of them are perfectionists. Until they are happy with a shot, they keep on working on it. It is amazing to see how they push themselves. That’s what you learn from your seniors. Their dedication to work is unbelievable. I am fortunate to have worked with them.

When I got the offers, it felt surreal. When I came to Kolkata to be an actress, I dreamt of working with them. And then I really got offers from them. It is magical. When I think that they trusted me, I feel humble. I must have something that made them trust me. I only pray that I will be able to keep their trust.

Ever since you became popular, gossip and linkups have become a part of your life. How do you deal with it?

Also read: Exclusive! Susmita Chatterjee: Misogynistic society only targets actresses. I am single and hence, more susceptible to malicious gossips 

Initially, I used to be affected by these slanderous things. Then I realised that this character assassination will go on. If I do something people will talk. In fact, even if I don’t do anything, they will still talk about me. Then what is the point in breaking my bread over it? Yes, I feel sad sometimes. But it's ok. Part and parcel of life. I started believing the adage, ‘Naam badnam nehi hoga to naam kaise hoga?’