Rituparna Sengupta embodies grace, vivacity, and a grounded nature. Beyond her charm, she is known for her thoughtfulness and emotional authenticity, qualities that have made her a celebrated figure in the Bengali film industry for over three decades. Odisha holds a special significance for her, as she made her film debut with the 1991 Odia movie ‘Kotia Manisha Gotiye Jaga’ alongside veteran actor Bijay Mohanty. In an exclusive interview with Upasana Ray, Rituparna reflects on her journey, her entry into Odia films, her passion for Odissi, social work, and more.

When asked about her enduring prominence in the industry, Rituparna attributes her success to adaptability. “I entered the industry as a clean slate, allowing directors to shape my performance style. I was raw and fresh. There were, however, moments of rejection and learning. But I took my profession very seriously and continued to work on my craft. I was willing to adapt,” she explains. She credits the early days of her career to influential figures like filmmaker Prabhat Roy and legends such as Aparna Sen and Soumitra Chatterjee, whose presence on set provided her with invaluable lessons. In 1997, her collaboration with filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh on the film ‘Dahan’ earned her the prestigious National Award. “Rituda introduced me to a different kind of cinema. That’s when I realized I was more than just a commercial product,” she adds.