Saayoni Ghosh to return to cinema with Anik Dutta's Aparajito

After a hiatus due to her political engagements, actress Saayoni Ghosh will return to films with Anik Dutta’s upcoming feature Aparajito, starring Abir Chatterjee.

The actress was recently appointed president of the youth wing of the Trinamool Congress, West Bengal's ruling party. She also contested the state legislative assembly election in March-April this year from Asansol South, losing to BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul.

Ghosh will be seen as Bimola Ray, inspired by legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s wife Bijoya, opposite Chatterjee.

Based on the master filmmaker’s journey of making his debut film Pather Panchali (1955), Aparajito will feature Chatterjee as filmmaker Aparajito Ray, who makes a film called Pather Padabali.

Speaking to the Ananda Bazaar Patrika, a Bengali daily, Ghosh said, “This is not a biopic, but the character has been sketched, inspired by Bijoya Ray. The character is modern and forward thinking. I have already started my preparation in this regard.”

The actress-politician is currently reading up on Bijoya Ray and getting acquainted with the screenplay. “However, since this is not a biopic, I will have to invest my own inputs in my character," she said.

Ghosh said she is determined to balance her film and political careers from here on. “There was a time when I used to appear in 14 or 15 films in a year," she said. "Now I want to concentrate on my political work, but at the same time interesting characters still appeal to me.

“On the other hand, I have a lot of responsibilities as I represent a political party now. I am cautious while choosing scripts as it is not possible for me to commit to long outdoor schedules now. I don’t want to compromise as a political worker or as an actress,” she added.

Aparajito will be Ghosh’s second film with Dutta after Meghnad Bodh Rohoshyo (2017). She will start shooting for the film from September.