Would have been a footballer if I had the chance: Ushashie Chakraborty 

Ushashie Chakraborty’s upcoming film Kusumitar Gappo (2019), directed by Abhishen Mandal is all set to be released on 15 March. The film is based on the story of Kusumita Das, one of the most reliable defenders in Bengal, who has recently been selected to play in the Indian squad as well.

Being a sport enthusiast, Chakraborty immediately said yes as she was offered the role. However, her passion for football made it easy for her to prepare for the role thoroughly. “I practised football for three months under the coaching of Kuntala Ghosh Dostidar from the Railways - she has played in the Indian football team as well,” said the actress who regularly used to practise at Maidan and Deshapriya Park in Kolkata early in the morning before shooting for the film.

She initially played with kids and then continued training with women footballers as well.

Chakraborty was consistently in touch with Das and used to take inputs about her journey, background and lifestyle in her village. “She is very happy that the film has been made. She has seen the film and has liked my performance as well. It is a big deal for me if she finds my act authentic,” added the actress.

The actress, who was recently seen in Srijit Mukherji’s Shah Jahan Regency (2018) and Kamaleswar Mukherjee’s Mukhomukhi is not overwhelmed to play a lead role. “See, I am primarily an actress, it doesn’t make a difference whether I am performing in a lead role or a supporting role,” said the actress.

She considers each of her roles important and significant. “Lead characters do not excite me specially, I find each of my characters challenging. I equally invest myself in all of them. Yes, since it is the character of a player, I had to practise a lot and had to go through a lot of process,” said Chakraborty.

Chakraborty considers the film to be important as it narrates an inspirational journey. “Almost eight years Egaro (2011) was made, but it only dealt with Mohan Bagan football club. Kusumitar Gappo tells the story of a girl from the remote village of the Sunderbans. I feel a lot of women will be inspired to play the football after watching the film,” said the actress who thoroughly enjoyed acting in the film as she loves football. She emphasized, “If life had given me another chance or if I could go back to my childhood, I would have definitely liked to become a footballer.”

Not many people are aware that Chakraborty has been a champion in an inter-Kolkata competition of Kettle Bell as well.

In the film, Chakraborty shares screen space with Soumitra Chatterjee, who plays an honest yet influential journalist, having a lot of contribution in shaping Das's career. “It was an amazing experience working with him. It is fascinating to see how he continues to work with the same passion even at this age. Honestly, it was a lifetime experience and I am delighted that I had the opportunity to work with him,” added the actress.