We've More Choices But Less Patience Now: Satabdi Roy

The 'Gurudakshina' actor returns to Bengali cinema after a hiatus

- ANINDITA ACHARYA

Imagine making your debut as a teenager in a cult classic like Tapan Sinha's 'Atanka,' ruling the box office for years with one hit after another and then suddenly stepping away from the arc lights for over 15 years. For most, that would've been a tough call, but Satabdi Roy isn't like most people. Passion has always been her north star, whether it was acting or politics.

It all started back in 1986 when she stepped into the world of cinema with 'Atanka.' The lessons she learnt from Sinha have stayed with her ever since. That same fire drove her to take the plunge into politics in 2009.

And now, after four terms as TMC MP from Birbhum, Satabdi is back where audiences have always loved seeing her, the big screen. In Mainak Bhaumik's new Bengali horror film 'Batsorik,' Satabdi plays the sister-in-law of Ritabhari Chakraborty's character, a young widow dealing with loss and perhaps something otherworldly.

With a film career that saw her team up with the likes of Tapas Pal, Chiranjit Chakraborty and Prosenjit Chatterjee, it's hard to believe she wasn't offered films all these years. But Satabdi cleared the air. "I did get offers. But ever since I got into full-time politics in 2009, my constituency in Birbhum kept me really busy. Dates just never worked out," she smiled.