Kolkata, April 1 — National Award-winning actor Rituparna Sengupta is set to share screen space with legendary Padma Bhushan recipient Sharmila Tagore in the much-anticipated Bengali film Puratawn. In this emotionally rich drama directed by acclaimed filmmaker Suman Ghosh, Rituparna not only plays the on-screen daughter of Tagore but also serves as the film’s producer.
Tagore, known for her iconic roles in classics like Amar Prem and Aradhana, spoke candidly about her experiences working with legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, particularly in Nayak, Devi, and Aranyer Din Ratri. Rituparna recalled, “She even talked about her bold choice of wearing a bikini in An Evening in Paris. These were not just conversations—they were cinematic history.”
The film also explores other relationship dynamics, including those between a mother and her son-in-law, and her ties to her ancestral home and past. “It’s not just a story—it’s a tribute,” said Rituparna, emotionally adding that the film honors her late mother, who had eagerly anticipated watching it.
The film is further enriched by her personal relationship with her own mother-in-law, which, she said, added layers of authenticity to the narrative.
Ghosh's previous works—Nobel Chor, Kabuliwala, and Basu Paribar—have been lauded for their nuanced storytelling, making him the perfect fit for Puratawn. Rituparna also noted her long-standing personal connection with Ghosh, who is a family friend.
Expressing her joy, Rituparna said, “While these international awards are special, my greatest reward will be the love from audiences in Kolkata. This film is my gift to them for Bangla Nababarsho.”
Actor Indraneil Sengupta plays Rituparna’s husband in the film. “He’s done a fantastic job,” she noted.
Puratawn is scheduled for release on April 11, promising audiences a deeply moving cinematic experience rooted in familial love and emotional introspection.
Sharmila Tagore's Cinematic Memories Enrich the Set
Rituparna fondly recounted the memorable moments spent with Tagore during the shoot. “She was very affectionate and warm toward me. During our breaks, she would often share fascinating stories from her six-decade-long career,” she said.Tagore, known for her iconic roles in classics like Amar Prem and Aradhana, spoke candidly about her experiences working with legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, particularly in Nayak, Devi, and Aranyer Din Ratri. Rituparna recalled, “She even talked about her bold choice of wearing a bikini in An Evening in Paris. These were not just conversations—they were cinematic history.”
An Emotional Narrative of Mother-Daughter Bonds
Describing the core of Puratawn, Rituparna said the film delves deep into the bond between a mother rooted in tradition and a daughter navigating the modern corporate world. “It’s a powerful narrative about the emotional tug between the past and the present. The mother-daughter relationship is beautifully captured—raw, pure, and filled with emotional complexity.”The film also explores other relationship dynamics, including those between a mother and her son-in-law, and her ties to her ancestral home and past. “It’s not just a story—it’s a tribute,” said Rituparna, emotionally adding that the film honors her late mother, who had eagerly anticipated watching it.
Off-Screen Connection Mirrors On-Screen Chemistry
Rituparna shared that her off-screen bond with Tagore was just as special. “I would often bring her home-cooked meals, and she thoroughly enjoyed them. We developed a wonderful rapport.”The film is further enriched by her personal relationship with her own mother-in-law, which, she said, added layers of authenticity to the narrative.
Suman Ghosh Brings Vision and Sensitivity
On choosing Suman Ghosh as director, Rituparna explained, “It was essential that Sharmila felt comfortable. Suman is not only sensitive and intelligent but also a seasoned storyteller who has worked with legends like Soumitra Chatterjee, Mithun Chakraborty, and Aparna Sen.”Ghosh's previous works—Nobel Chor, Kabuliwala, and Basu Paribar—have been lauded for their nuanced storytelling, making him the perfect fit for Puratawn. Rituparna also noted her long-standing personal connection with Ghosh, who is a family friend.
International Accolades Ahead of Release
Puratawn has already earned international acclaim. The film won Best Feature Film at the Indian Film Festival of Houston and bagged Best Film and Best Actress (Sharmila Tagore) at the Washington DC South Asian Film Festival.Expressing her joy, Rituparna said, “While these international awards are special, my greatest reward will be the love from audiences in Kolkata. This film is my gift to them for Bangla Nababarsho.”
Actor Indraneil Sengupta plays Rituparna’s husband in the film. “He’s done a fantastic job,” she noted.
Puratawn is scheduled for release on April 11, promising audiences a deeply moving cinematic experience rooted in familial love and emotional introspection.