The magic of the festive season has a special charm for Jaya Ahsan , who spent a day with CT, dressed in the colours of the festival with a pinch of stardust
Because it dealt with an unusual subject, and I am happy that people have remembered it, oCD, too, was appreciated. ‘The more local you go, the more global you can be’ Jaya Ahsan loves the sensory experience of being in Kolkata at this time of the year. In a conversation that followed a festive shoot for Calcutta Times, the actress who dominates Bengali cinema beyond borders, painted an evocative picture of the sights sounds, fragrance of the festive days, why she related to celebrations that are inclusive and what it means to be a global Bengali. Beyond Cinema I represent the culture of the subcontinent, particularly Bengali culture. I don’t think of myself just as a film star. I see myself as someone who can represent a culture, an experience and a way of life, and connect with people through that. The Artist’s Responsibility in Uncertain Times Shobai asthir. We are living in uncertain times, and it can be frustrating to see what is happening around us. I feel artistes have a responsibility to create positive energy. Amra jeno artist-ra energy create korte pari. We must celebrate the good things about our culture and give people something to connect with. I want to represent the Bengal that stands for the best of art, culture and humanity. Global Bengalis The Bengali diaspora is huge and strong. There are so many Bengalis living across the world, away from their homeland, but united by their language and culture. Their stories are important too. Sometimes, when we make films, we tend to forget that there are Bengalis not just in West Bengal or Bangladesh, but all over the world. They have their own experiences, their stories and their own claim to be represented in our literature and art. Some of us are doing that from here, while others are doing it from different parts of the world. There is also a difference between those who have grown up on this soil and those who are part of the diaspora. The Bengali community abroad is perhaps more deeply rooted in the rhythms of our festivals and traditions, whether it is Poila Baisakh or Basanta Utsav. There is an immense sense of pride in our culture. Durga Puja and Poila Baisakh are important expressions of that identity. Of course, we must respect and celebrate festivals across religions and communities, but there is something special about the festivals that represent our shared Bengali cultural identity. I think food, too, is a wonderful way of representing a culture. Whether it is Italian pasta or our own patishapta, what we eat carries a story about where we come from. The same applies to cinema. We often look towards European references or international influences when we speak about filmmaking, but we must also look much more closely at our own regions, our own stories and our own experiences. The more local you go, the more global you can be. When you tell a story that is deeply rooted in its own culture and identity, it can travel anywhere. I have seen foreign audiences sit mesmerised by films that are completely rooted in a particular place and culture. Cinema is one of the strongest ways of representing who we are. Rooted Stories, New Horizons If you look at the films that receive recognition internationally, many of them are original and authentic. Authenticity is what makes a story resonate beyond geographical boundaries. My recent film Ajo Ardhangini was well received. I have also been doing a bit of work in Bangladesh. I try to be selective about the films I take up. I want to explore different kinds of stories and experiences. For the first time, I am going to be working in the hills, which is something I find very interesting. There is also some exciting work happening in Bangladesh. There are bright, aspiring actors and interesting creative possibilities emerging there. Apart from films, I have also been associated with reality TV as a judge. Cooking shows are perhaps a big part of that experience! Any festival that brings people together through shared experiences and meaningful human connections is significant to me. I believe in the inclusive spirit of celebrations. The Magic of Festive Bengal Durga Puja in Bengal has its own grandeur and glamour, while Deepavali and Kali Puja have a special place in my heart too. They happen around the same time, and there is something magical about that season. The smell of fireworks and the scent of the chaatim can be intoxicating. The first time I experienced the smell of chaatim flowers and fireworks in Kolkata, it stayed with me. Shei gondher ekta madokota ache. Over time, these celebrations have become my own. Aapon hoye geche. I enjoy them wholeheartedly. On her looks created for Calcutta Times
I really enjoyed the festive looks we put together. The last look, in particular, with the Baluchari, impressed me quite a bit. I love wearing Jamdani too, but a Baluchari has a story of its own. There is so much history, craftsmanship and cultural significance woven into it. I feel we must continue to celebrate these textiles and the people who keep these traditions alive. I loved the combination we created, with statement jewellery and just the right amount of sparkle and shine. I enjoy glamour, but I also believe in restraint. You don’t want the clothes or jewellery to overpower you. When I wear something, I want it to become a part of me. It should blend with my personality and my inner self, rather than sit heavily on me. I should be able to carry the look, not disappear beneath it. The outfit should reflect who I am, while allowing my own personality to shine through. The intoxicating scent of fireworks and chaatim flowers in Kolkata stayed with me. Shei gondher ekta madokota ache. Over time, these celebrations have become a part of me – aapon hoye geche We must celebrate the best of our culture and give people something to connect with. I want to represent a Bengal that embodies the finest of our art, culture and humanity Coming together for good people and shared experiences is what makes a festival meaningful. I believe in celebrating the inclusive spirit of togetherness Pics: Anindya Saha; hair: Piku Mondol; makeup: Suman Ganguly; outfits and styling: Chandri Mukherjee; jewellery: Deepak Kulthia; Location courtesy: The Westin -Sundas Jawed You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test Get the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.