The leading lady of Indian television, actress and singer Parineeta Borthakur started her journey as an actress in the Assamese Film Industry. Her performance in 'Nayak' bagged her an award as the Best Female Debut.
Before Nayak, I only acted on THE stage. When I received a lot of love from the success of Nayak, I thought why not try in Mumbai too... i was very happy with the success of the film and it encouraged me to take up acting seriously.
From her appearance in movies like 'Force', 'Chalo Dilli' and 'Kurbaan' to Gogi's character in 'Pritam Pyare Aur Woh' to starring in 'Swaragini- Jodein Rishton Ke Sur' and releasing her successful music video; this stunning multi-talent has us star struck. In our conversation with Parineeta Borthakur, she goes on to talk about her professional life in Mumbai and trying to be a guide to her sister, Plabita, post her success in 'Lipstick Under My Burkha'. She also tells us about balancing her personal life and her efforts to honour her professional commitments. In this exclusive interview, she chats her heart out with The Moviean in a rare in-depth interview. Excerpts:
The talented artist, who wears more than one hat when it comes to her incredible skills said her journey as a serious actor began post the success of Nayak. She says, "Before Nayak, I only acted on the stage. When I received a lot of love from the success of Nayak, I thought why not try in Mumbai too. My Hindi was never bad. Infact, I scored the highest in Hindi in my 10th. I was very happy with the success of the film and it encouraged me to take up acting seriously. In the Hindi Film Industry, I feel it's Swaragini that came as a turning point in my career in films. However, I have always been extremely critical of myself. So I would always find flaws in my performance and strive to get better."
Television sometimes makes you mechanical as an actor. When you need to cry every day from morning-to-night, you can't cry in real, you have to take glycerin.
Having worked with leading stars in the industry like Akshay Kumar, Saif, Kareena, Kareena Kapoor, John Abraham and many more, she realizes that it is on doing good roles that give her immense pleasure. Parineeta also mentions the difference between acting in films and featuring on television. She blatantly admits,
"It's nice to work with stars but it's nicer to do good roles. Having said that, it's always a pleasure to act with talented actors. I make it a point to look at them when they do their scenes. It helps me to grow as an actor. Television sometimes makes you mechanical as an actor. When you need to cry every day from morning-to-night, you can't cry in real, you have to take glycerin. "
casting couch is something that does exist but it happens more in the lower levels and no one really forces you in this industry... My sister Priyangi who has worked as an assistant director and I both guide Plabita since we've been in the industry for some time now. We're very proud of her.
The Assamese beauty loves offbeat films and desires to work on a project with a good concept. As opposed to the general misconception, she does not think that marriage, and having a baby kills a woman's career in the films. But she does acknowledge that taking up similar characters lands you up in a typecast. We asked her how she dealt with the stereotypes that an actor has to undergo in a society dominated by men. She responds,
"I think this industry has changed for the better. I don't know if people in the Assamese Film Industry expect actresses to behave in a particular way, but Hindi Industry doesn't do that anymore. Marriage is never an issue. Artists are known for the performance they deliver. But yes, after 'Swaragini' I did get tagged as a "mother" on television only. In commercial ads or films, I am still playing my age. I like to take life as it comes. I am open to taking risks while concerning different characters."
We then extended our conversation to the regional cinema and conversed about the Assamese Film Industry. She believes that content-driven cinema is being well accepted and now, it is occupying good grounds. She also mentions her fondness for Assamese filmmaker, Munin Baruah.
"If I have to mention my favourite director, it will be Munin Baruah. He gave me my first break and the privilege to work opposite Bisnu Kharguria. At present, I'm very happy with the financial growth in the Assamese film industry", beams the talented actress.
As a conclusion, we asked her about the casting couch situation that seems prevalent and her experiences about it.
"Yes, casting couch is something that does exist but it happens more in the lower levels and no one really forces you in this industry. I think we need to know when, where and how to keep a distance. A girl is the best judge for herself. As women, we have this incredible gift where we can read a man's intentions very well. My sister Priyangi who has worked as an assistant director and I both guide Plabita since we've been in the industry for some time now. We're very proud of her."
The actress is busy shooting for 'Bepanaah' that appears as of the most promising upcoming serials on Colors. In addition, she mentions her upcoming projects that consist of the release of an Assamese film, 'The Underworld' that is slated for a release soon.
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