The film focuses on the celebration of your 50th wedding anniversary night. In real life, both of you are enjoying a happy married life, but many people these days seem to lack patience. What is the secret of your lasting happiness?
Aparna Sen: I remember Felicity Kendal once asked her sister Jennifer Kendal the same question. Jennifer replied, ‘Initially, you live together for 25 years, and after that, everything falls into place’ (laughs). We have similar values and ideologies, and most importantly, our tastes are similar – we appreciate the same literature and art. When I first moved to Kalyan’s apartment in the US, I instantly felt at home – it was just like my parents’ house in terms of art and books. Nothing could disturb me, it felt like I was stepping into a familiar place, which is very important because you can always come back to that comfort (smiles).
Anjan Dutta: For me, it was a strange adventure – Chanda was about to marry someone else, and I was engaged to someone else. Still, it didn’t feel right, and somehow, we found each other and eventually got married. There was a lot happening: theatre, and then Neel was born. It was the most eccentric and uncertain time as the years went by. I would say we have many differences, but we are in agreement on certain issues, and that’s probably where our similarities lie. This hasn’t stopped us from bickering or fighting, we also appreciate giving each other space. This mutual understanding has become an integral part of our relationship, which is why it is successful. It’s about investing and living it up.
Aparna Sen and Anjan Dutt in a scene from Ee Raat Tomar Aamar
About their personal chemistry…
As: Even in Ek Je Chilo Raja we share a brief scene as a couple who have a shared past. However, this is the first time we are working together as a couple who have been together for years. The relationship that developed between Anjan and me did not start with this film; it started when I directed him. The bond of mutual respect and most importantly, trust was forged during the making of Yuganth many years ago, and it has lasted. Though we do not meet constantly, there are times when Anjan visits us for a long time, or Kalyan and I visit him, sometimes Neil and Jayathi also join us. Of course, I have teased him (laughs), but basically, we share the same mental space in terms of values – human values, and our appreciation for cinema and literature. This shared space has instilled tremendous trust on my part. The fundamental respect I have for him as an actor and the trust I have in him as a person is paramount. While working with Anjan in this film, I had no hesitation, I didn’t have to walk quietly around him. There was a comforting intimacy, like with a very old friend.
Eddy: Personally, I believe that of all the directors, Rinadi (Aparna Sen) is one of the finest actor-directors. She is adept at working with talented actors, which many directors struggle to do. I was a trained actor, and a valuable lesson I learnt from her while working on Yugant was that whatever you create, be it a film, an acting role, or a song, should come from your personal life. It should resonate with you, and you cannot isolate yourself from it. You need the courage to incorporate your experiences into your work. This insight has influenced me immensely over the years, helping me shape my songs and films. I have formed a deep bond with her, Kalyan da, and Konkona. In fact, I consider Konkona to be one of the finest actresses in the country today. There has been a deep bond and friendship because of their lifestyle and values. I am genuinely interested in Rinadi’s work, and I have been open with him, leading to a mutual respect rooted in honesty. So, when I got the opportunity to play this important role, apart from gaining weight and trying to look 5-6 years older than him, everything else felt easy. As he said, it takes a lot of trust. If it was anyone else, I wouldn’t have been able to do this film.
As: That was my biggest motivation. I wouldn’t have done this film with anyone else.
It is often said that Kolkata is mostly elderly as many children are moving out for education or employment opportunities. Does this strengthen the bond between couples or does having children at home create a closer bond with each other?
As: It really depends on the couple. Sometimes, a relationship revolves around the child, and when the child is gone, the couple finds themselves with space to rediscover each other without the constant presence of the child. Alternatively, they may realize that their only commonality was their child, which can cause a rift in their relationship. This doesn’t necessarily mean separation, they can coexist like two islands in the same house – creating a space that never feels like home. On the other hand, this change can lead to a journey of exploration, giving them a chance to discover each other anew.
Eddy: I believe that if a couple’s life is focused solely on raising a child, it doesn’t make a marriage particularly interesting. After all, it’s best to encourage children to make their own path. I don’t see children moving out of the house as a problem, but rather a natural process that must occur. Even if they live in the same house, it’s important for them to have their own space, just as parents need their own space. When this balance is not in place, it often leads to the disruption of family dynamics, not just the dissolution of the marriage. Living separate lives can be beneficial, encouraging individuality in the relationship.
Does acknowledging so-called past mistakes in a relationship or marriage erase them?
As: I believe it can work both ways. People often feel compelled to confess, as sometimes they need to share more than the other person is capable of hearing. Discussing certain matters can cause pain that cannot be healed, so there are times when it is best to leave things unsaid. After all, confession can clear the air; knowing that there is nothing hidden between us can create a deeper bond of trust.
Eddy: I agree that confession can be beneficial, but it is equally important to consider the shared history between individuals. How a person goes into confession and deals with the crisis that follows are all important elements in this process.
How effectively has Parambrata portrayed the plight of the elderly couple in the film?
As: As Anjan pointed out, one learns from personal experiences. Param has witnessed the slow deterioration of his mother, which deeply impacts his understanding. We attended several workshops with Sohag Sen, Anjan, Param and me, which proved invaluable. We drew upon our shared experiences, as many aspects of the film were linked to those personal stories. Param did not treat us as mere actors, he intended to incorporate our experiences into the film. We faced our challenges, meeting regularly to discuss how those experiences connected with us – especially how my character’s illnesses impacted the portrayal. We delved into every detail, which created space for reworking and spontaneity.
Anjan Dutt and Aparna Sen are directed by Parambrata Chatterjee
Eddy: I listened to both of them attentively and Rinadi, being a brilliant screenwriter, captured the essence of the text beautifully. By the time we began filming, a foundation of trust had been built and Param created a conducive atmosphere for our collaboration. As we moved forward, the film evolved, and there were many discussions and rehearsals during this time. These rehearsals are important as they allow you to truly get into the skin of your character.
Aparna Sen and Anjan Dutt in a scene from Ek Je Chhilo Raja
Do you see any similarity between your character Jayeeta?
As: Not at all! Jayita is a very gentle person, whereas I am not like that (Laughs) I consider myself to be more fiery and less patient than her, she is the epitome of tenderness. I grew to like her character and found myself wanting to be like her.
How much do you see Amar in yourself?
Eddy: I am not like Amar at all. He is irritable and always complaining. Of course, there is sincerity in his actions, but he struggles with many unresolved issues and while he still loves his wife, he still feels bored. It was interesting to play such a complex character.
Does a relationship need to end before a final goodbye?
As: I’m not sure, but I can say that one night in the film serves as a pivotal moment for both characters, as they confront things about each other that they never knew. The question is whether their love can overcome these obstacles. I believe love has the ability to overcome obstacles, but not everyone gets the opportunity to have such closure.
Eddy: If there is closure, it is often within you, even if you struggle to express it. You can only express it at a particular moment in life. I believe some things are best left unsaid, which makes it challenging. This film is full of complexities, and the unsaid moments are quite poignant.
I am genuinely interested in Rinadi’s (Aparna Sen) work and I communicate openly with her, which leads to a sense of mutual respect based on honesty.
– Anjan Dutt
The fundamental respect I have for him (Anjan Dutt) as an actor and the trust I have in him as a person is paramount when it comes to work.
Discussing certain matters (in a relationship) can cause irreparable pain, so there are times when it is better to leave things unsaid– Aparna Sen
I listened to Rinadi and Parambrata very carefully. Rinadi is a brilliant screenwriter, he has presented the essence of the story (of the film) beautifully.– Anjan Dutt
Photo: Anindya Saha
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