Puja Banerjee Verma: We just focused on Parboni’s look on first day of Paap

The Bengali web series Paap has come to an end with Paap: Antim Pawbro (Sin: The Final Chapter). Days after its release, OTTplay got in touch with the actress to know more about her experience working on the show, the two-year wait and what’s next for her.

Excerpts from the interview:

This would be the last time that you are playing the character of Parboni. It all began in 2019. What are you feeling currently?

It was supposed to end in 2020 but I couldn’t do it. I loved portraying Parboni’s character. It is a different project from everything I have worked on. Parboni is a mysterious woman for sure, but the mystery around her keeps changing and thus she also keeps changing according to the situation. We used to discuss the different ways we could portray the emotions. I will miss playing her on-screen because I really enjoyed it. You anyway find very few characters where you can prove yourself as an actor, so she is special for sure.

She is now a part of you and all Paap fans know you as Parboni. Isn’t that a special feeling?

It definitely is. Waiting for a web series for two years in today’s times is a big thing. Fans of the show haven’t forgotten about it and they have been waiting for its release. So I’m thankful to the makers and find myself lucky to be a part of it.

Do you remember your first ever day shooting for Paap season 1?

Let me think. (Pauses) Yeah, now I remember. We spent a lot of time setting the look of the character. I wanted it to be minimalistic because she’s not a very glamorous or gorgeous character but still looks very elegant. We had to decide the look of the character on the first day of shoot so that took a little longer than the other days. It was the scene with the entire family where I entered the house for the first time.

It appeared like a reference to a Goddess, say Durga Maa. Was that the mindset when going ahead with the look?

We didn’t keep that in mind for the look but yes, the character is somehow like that, so you are partially right. I am just happy to listen to fan theories from the past two years and know that they all have been proven wrong, because the story has a major twist that no one saw coming.

What are the reviews that you have got?

People have loved it. A few of them got goosebumps. Others have said that it’s my biggest blockbuster till date and acting till now. My biggest critic that is my brother, mentioned me in a story and said that I killed it so that has made me very happy.

Your most memorable moment while shooting for season 3?

The last day of shooting. We were very emotional. Despite not meeting each other for two years, we met like family.

Were you shooting during the partial lockdown?

No, thankfully. We had to finish the schedule really quickly.

What is happening with Bhalobasa Bhalobasa 2?

I’m not a part of it.

Is it true that you are working in the Nepali film Ye Maya Hanaima?

I’m not a part of this either.

What's next for you?

I have most projects with the web only but the shooting has stopped due to the lockdown.