Yogesh Mishra | yogesh@bollywoodtown.in
Bollywood Diva Rimi Sen is known for her memorable performances in films like Hungama, Baghban, Dhoom, Phir Hera Pheri, Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, etc. Acting was the easiest profession that she could choose because she was already a classical dancer. In an exclusive interview with Yogesh Mishra, she spoke about her childhood days, things she likes in herself, her favourite Bollywood movie and song, her association with the IIIA Awards 2024, her future plans, and more.
Tell us something about your basic family background and childhood days?
I’m from Kolkata. My father was a CA, and my mom is a housewife and was born and brought up in Kolkata. I didn’t have many friends, but I was very good in studies, and I was a classical dancer, and I got a national scholarship in classical dancing. Also, I was very focused on my studies, and this thing is not much friendship with people.
What are the 3 things you like most in yourself?
I have this loyalty factor in me, and I like that loyalty factor in people also, which is very rare to find nowadays. Secondly, I think that I can do a lot of hard work when it comes to achieving something, and I am not scared of doing hard work. And third, I can take quick decisions, which is very important nowadays whenever you are facing any challenge. I don’t just sit and think about what is happening with me; I just try to think about what is trying to teach me how to solve this issue, so I think that is also a very rare thing that I don’t see in people nowadays.
What do you do when you feel low?
Nowadays, there is so much stress in a city like Mumbai. Every day, I think you feel that. When I feel low, I just sit and sit quietly and do nothing. I just sink on a day so that when I come back to a little normal, then I start my activities because when you feel low, you can’t give 100% to anything. I think highs and lows are part of life.
Which Bollywood movie or song touches your heart?
I like Shankar Ehsaan Loy as a music director. I like to listen to any of his songs, whether it’s Dil Chahta Hai, or whatever his songs are. I really like them.
When did you realize first that you should try your luck in Bollywood?
I never realized that, but I had to work because I had no financial support at home, due to some reason. So, that is why I had to work, and this was the easiest profession that I could choose because I was already a classical dancer. So, stage performance, expressions—none of this was a big deal for me. That was quite normal to me. So, I started modeling. After shooting a portfolio, I went to agencies and all. They gave me my photographs, then they started calling me for auditions and this thing, that thing, in Kolkata first. Then, like that, I started working in Kolkata, and then I became a good model there. Then, I got this opportunity to work with Pradeep Sarkar in this music video, Maaeri, Euphoria. It became a huge hit. So, after that, I stepped into this Bollywood, not Bollywood, stepped into this Bombay modelling industry. And then from that, again, struggle, struggle, struggle, work, work, work. I got a Coke commercial, a Hyderabadi Coke commercial with Mr. Aamir Khan. After that, I started getting films.
How easy or tough was it to get a ticket to Bollywood?
It’s easy and tough for everyone, but it’s easy only when you’re lucky. You click on something, and you easily get a chance. It’s called easy; otherwise, it’s tough for everyone. Either your start will be tough or your success will be tough. It’s tough everywhere. But it was quite easy for me to enter Bollywood. Because luckily, I got that commercial, which was with Mr. Aamir Khan. I got that commercial easily, but I found it difficult to maintain it. Because it doesn’t depend on just one factor. It depends on many factors. Your performance, your behaviour with people, your PR, how well you maintain a relationship. That is the most important thing. And I had no friends since childhood. Otherwise, I am a little bit… I have a lack of it. So, I was a little aloof. That was, I think, the biggest drawback. I chose the wrong profession. I didn’t want that quality in this profession. I didn’t want the nature that I had. So, I think that was the problem. Today, I realize it. I should have realized it when I had that golden period.
In case, if you have to change your industry, then what would be that?
Any business, whether it’s a film business, a restaurant business, or any business. The film industry is fine, but stability-wise it’s not that good. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad. Sometimes it’s everything, sometimes it’s nothing. I like consistency. In any business that has consistency, I would love to do that sort of business.
What are your future plans?
My future plans are the same: I want to get out of India; I have done everything I wanted to explore here. I want to settle out of India, be it the US or Dubai; I want to explore new places.
What are your upcoming films/projects?
I am working on a home production. We made the “Budhia Singh” movie in 2015-2016, and it won a national award with Mr. Manoj Bajpai and Viacom. Now we are working on a second home production. The script is final, but we are working on the actor and director. If it happens, maybe there will be an announcement next year.
Any message for the readers of “Bollywood Town” magazine?
For the readers of Bollywood Town Magazine, I just want to say that when you have time, read the interviews. Nowadays, many social media influencers have come. The political unrest in the country, the problems in the country, the problems in the world—we get more news about Bollywood than that. So, all this is fine. But, by taking a little bit of your attention about the other things that are going on in the world, do a little research, and read a little. You should understand what is happening around you. This Bollywood industry is like a dream in front of you. Nothing is happening around you. So, don’t feel so connected with them. The problems that are happening around you in the world, how much you can contribute to the society, how much you can contribute to the society, and how much you can stay connected with it. Because, in the future, your family and your children will grow up in this environment. So, what kind of life do you want to give them? What do you want to do? All that judgment will come to you properly. You won’t get judgment by showing a film only.
What do you think of the award function in current scenarios?
I like the award show mostly because people work hard and they get recognition and an award. The award trophy is not that important, but the hard work that they have put in, when it comes in front of the people, you are rewarded for it. I think it feels good. You get motivation to do better work. I think award functions are always very good for people who are starting their careers or who are doing well in their careers, whatever it is. But those who are working so hard, if they get a little bit of recognition once a year, then nothing like it.
Tell us something about the IIIA Awards and the Inspiring Icon Awards 2024 that you are recently associated with?
Well, I believe that it would be a great event, and let’s see. It’s on the 1st of September 2024, and I’m hoping for the best. I am working with them for the first time. Maybe it’s a good relationship or anything. So, it is like a relationship. Everything happens in a relationship. So, I think, they will like working with me, and we will keep working together. Thank you.
