I am there for my family, financially, emotionally, says Arpita Chatterjee

Arpita Chatterjee has donned many hats ever since she debuted in Prabhat Roy’s Tumi Ele Tai in 1999. With a slew of powerful performances in Utsab (2000) and Guldasta (2020) to her credit, she has been busy playing entrepreneur and director, having shifted her base to Delhi. CT caught up with the multi-faceted actress who also has an important role to play off-screen, that of a doting mother to son Mishuk, as she talks about creating a new and independent life for herself.

When one doesn’t have any other options, they find ways to supervise everything (laughs).It is not taxing, as I believe God has built each one of us to execute everything that comes our way. On the personal front, it is not only about my son, but also my parents in Howrah and in-laws in Mumbai. I happily take the responsibility of being the emotional and sometimes financial provider to them. All women are Doshobhujas, and that is why insecure men try to dominate us. They know that given a chance we can rule the world.

Performing arts is an important part of my existence, and my production house is also closely related to creative projects. Currently, my musical play Gauhar Jaan is gearing up for international shows. From dancing, singing to acting, I am the only performer in it. So, there are no favourites, as any craft that’s prolific is close to my heart.

No matter how busy I am with my work commitments, my son Trishanjit (Mishuk) is my first priority. He knows exactly where to knock to get his work done and for all the solutions to his problems and queries, he comes to me (laughs). He is an intelligent boy in that way. Every day we make it a point to talk to each other at the end of the day as we mostly live in two different cities.

My heart and soul lies in Kolkata as its warmth, culture and food is unmatched. However, on the work front, Delhi has more opportunities and money. It is the right place to be if someone wants to grow professionally.


I am not the kind of person who holds on to memories; rather I love to look forward in life. All of my decisions have always been well thought out, and each choice has helped me move forward in life. I am blessed to have had a fulfilling journey from
Howrah to Delhi.

I believe in teamwork and donning the director’s hat for the first time has never made me feel anything extra. I have so much to learn about the craft. Throughout my professional life I have worked with talented people from the LGBTQIA+ community. My directorial debut celebrates them.

I never miss out on any OTT releases. It not just relaxes me, but is also needed for my profession. Given my work and passion are similar, I don’t feel the pressure to do multiple things simultaneously” she says, adding, “I love cosy addas too, and I’m not much of a party person. The idea of getting ready stresses me out.”


Why not? I would definitely direct him, given he likes the script.

I do get offers to act in Bengali films but none of the scripts are meaty enough for me to say yes to it. I have proved myself as an actress, so any role that I take up now, has to give me the kicks, and it hasn’t happened yet. I am happy directing and producing different kinds of content as of now.

I am not a social media person at all. I am not a bit addicted to it. So, there is no FOMO. I am not even aware of what is happening here in Kolkata, and happy just the way I am.
Ajay Kumar GautamAniruddha Chakladar