That Tanuja never took her career seriously is the opinion of many renowned directors. Younger sister of Nutun, Tanuja is charming, photogenic and a natural actress. Somebody who never believed in the number game, she earned praise for her fluid performances in “Jewel Thief”, “Jeene Ki Raah”, “Haathi Mera Sathi”, “Anubhav” and “Masoom”. She proved her mettle in Bangla films as well. Basu Bhattacharaya praised her as the most spontaneous actor he ever worked with.
After a long gap, Tanuja will be seen essaying an important role in “A Death In The Gunj” directed by Konkona Sen Sharma.
In an interaction, she talks about her new film and reflects on her body of work.
Edited excerpts:
What made you accept “A Death In The Gunj”?
The character has interesting human shades and suits me well. Whilst shooting I enjoyed working with Konkona Sen Sharma. She is an accomplished actor and has shown enough promise as a director. Her team including director of photography, Sirsha Roy was a strong one. She consulted every one of us at work and her vision was clear. Konkona has asked us not to reveal the story prior to the release of the film.
Viewers still rave about your subtle performances in “Anubhav”, Door Ka Rahi” and “Masoom”?
I am glad to learn it. The films you named offered me challenging characters. I received scope to display my histrionic abilities in each of these films. Working with sensitive directors like Basu Bhattacharya, Kishore Kumar and Sekhar Kapoor are experiences I cherish. Throughout my career I have been a natural performer. Though I never assessed my acting abilities, I feel if I lacked talent I would have never been accepted.
Your art of lip syncing songs like “Sochta Hun Yeh kya” created a special effect on screen.
“Sochta Hun Yeh Kya” is a hit number from “Hamari Yaad Ayegi”. I have performed many song sequences where I could exhibit my acting abilities and sense of rhythm. “Raat Ake Li Hai”, “Aaj Tujhe Ache” and “Roj Sham Aati” are some examples. In the 60s and 70s there were imaginative moments in films with songs that were well conceived. So there was scope to perform and enact such sequences to the hilt.
Memories of your glorious career in Bengali films…
My mother and I had our residence at Kolkata in the 60s and 70s. I learnt Bengali with a lot of effort and spoke my lines myself in all films I acted. I shared good vibes with both Uttam Kumar and Soumitra Chatterjee. My debut Bengali film was “Deya Neya”. Then I acted in many memorable films like “Anthony Firingee”, “Teen Bhubaner Pare”, “Pratham Kadam Phool” and “Lalkuthi”. I consider my character in Tapan Sinha’s “Aaalat O Ekti Meye” a challenging and meaningful one. I was very happy to receive the Lifetime’s Achievement Award at the Kolkata International Film Festival in 2014. Bengali films had strong realistic storylines and touched viewers’ hearts.
How do you accept life?
I accept life as it is and live in the present. Never do I believe in basking in past glory. I certainly have fond memories of my days of yore. My life is normal and peaceful. I am not the type to cry, oh! yesterday was so beautiful. Today is not so.
