Swastika Mukherjee on Shibpur: I compartmentalise myself and support the film, yet condemn the sexual harassment

Swastika Mukherjee is all set to portray the character of a fierce mafia leader, Mandira, in Arindam Bhattacharya’s much-talked-about film, Shibpur. While the film has been marred with allegations of sexual harassment by Swastika against one of the co-producers Sandeep Sarkar, the smart trailer and the intriguing storyline based on real-life unrest in the ’80s Shibpur has generated curiosity among the audience. By her admission, Swastika identified the character as one of the most challenging roles in her more than 20-year-long career. In a chat with OTTplay, the actress opened up about the challenges of playing the character of Mandira, her ordeal of sexual harassment by the producer, and how she compartmentalises her emotion and professional commitments. Read on.

The trailer of Shibpur has already created a stir.

I know. I knew this would happen. While dubbing, I saw the film, and I realised that it would be a kickass one.

We have not seen many gangster films in Bengal. Zulfiqar maybe…

In fact, a film like Shibpur is unique in the sense that, unlike Zulfiqar, this one is not based on any literature piece. Rather it is based on real-life incidents in Howrah. Ever since its inception, the plan was to do something I had never done before. It is a very important character in my life. I am getting a lot of reactions after the release of the trailer.

Despite the allegation, you have been sharing the trailer, posters, and social media content of Shibpur.

Yes, I am sharing the promotional content. I am giving interviews. However, the production house did not share with me any assets. Neither the marketing people are fixing interviews. I am doing it because I think it is my film. It does not take away the fact that I was wronged.

Also read: Shibpur controversy: Swastika Mukherjee opens up about harassment by co-producer | Exclusive 

You made it clear that ‘the sexual harassment allegation is not forgiven’. And on the other hand, you are doing your bits of promotions. How are your dealing with it emotionally?

My brain is divided into two halves. Shibpur is one of the most important films in my career, so much so that it will rank as one of the top five of my best films. On the other hand, I will neither forget nor forgive for what they have done. The violation is there. But I am a professional, and I can compartmentalise myself and support the film yet condemn the sexual harassment by the producer at the same time. I want people to go and watch the film in the theatre.

The trailer shows a very different Swastika Mukherjee as Mandira. How did you prepare for the character? Was there any workshop?

I am not a workshop kind of actor. I see myself as an intuitive actor. I read my script nearly 5,000 times. I talked with the director and shared my understanding. And finally, I go with the flow and get soaked in emotion. I have been in this profession for 23 years, and I learnt the tricks of the trade. I can now switch on and switch off.

Tell us about your character and your journey while shooting the film.

My journey with Mandira was intense. She is a simple middle-class woman whose life revolves around household chores. Suddenly it takes a turn as her husband gets killed. It is her urge for revenge that makes her a terror in that area. For the first time, I held a gun in my hand. In the film, Mandira learns how to use a gun, and along with her, I was also learning. I was scared, just like Mandira, while pulling the trigger while shooting. It is a first. Mandira is full of emotion, and yet she is strong.

In our society, we often suffer from this misconception that emotional women are weak, vulnerable, and gullible. That’s not true. One can be extremely emotional and yet mentally strong and stout. Mandira is a caring mother and a doting wife, and yet when she is wronged, she stands up and takes revenge. Her life takes a spin, and a middle-class housewife becomes a stone-cold mafia leader full of conviction. She is like the women we read in history. Like Razia Sultana. They are emotional, and they are wronged – they get sold, their husbands get killed, and then they retaliate.

Even today’s society is still full of men in power. You are not supposed to mess with them. These men effortlessly violate women every day, and it seems it is very easy for them. They fiddle with their clothes, touch her inappropriately and simply call her a whore. Even in 2023, if I post a photo in a swimsuit, I am immediately boob-shamed, slut-shamed, age-shamed, and body-shamed.

That leads us to ask you, how do you deal which such social media trolls?

We learn to ignore. I used to be affected by it. Even five-six years ago, I used to promptly reply, retort and complain at cyber crime cells of the police. Today I am unaffected. It was not easy, but I learnt it. Today so many women DM me and tell their stories, and I take time and reply to them. I tell them to stay unaffected. Switch off. Once you do it, it is very easy. I also go for digital detox…

Please explain how you do that…

I have uninstalled the Facebook app for my mobile. If need be, I use my computer to interact on Facebook. Moreover, I stay away from my mobile and social media thoroughly for two days every week. I use my Instagram to share dog rescue information that I take very seriously.

Lastly, you and Parambrata Chatterjee were in a relationship. Does this history impact your on-screen chemistry?

No. I have always been upfront about my relationships, and I would like to give those phases space and dignity. Almost all the films Param and I did were after our relationship, like Shah Jahan Regency. Our relationship was so long ago that there had not been an iota of discomfort. I worked with him after that, and I went to watch his directorial works. Our past relationship has never been a point of concern.

Meanwhile, Arindamda suggested a hint of chemistry between Param’s character and Mandira’s character. However, I vetoed it. I do not think Mandira’s character would encourage any soft corner with the police officer. I thought that would be a more realistic and raw emotion.