Interview: Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan talks about debut Hindi film Kadak Singh and more

Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan made a splashing debut in the Hindi film industry with Pankaj Tripathi starrer Kadak Singh. The actress who is well known in her home country’s cinematic landscape entered the Indian heartland via a special film whose “journey” she enjoyed the most. Jaya Ahsan, a six-time Bangladesh National Award-winning film actress-singer, played a key role in the thriller-drama which deals with several human emotions and explores how relationships can be hard to manoeuvre in times of crisis.

Playing Pankaj Tripathi’s girlfriend in the film, Jaya Ahsan spoke to WION exclusively about her venture into Hindi films with Kadak Singh, sharing screen space with Pankaj Tripathi and India-Bangladesh’s unique friendship.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Here are the edited excerpts from our chat:

WION: This is your first Hindi film. What was your experience like working on a different-language film set?

Jaya: This film and the character that I have played in the film was very new. It was a fresh experience for me. The whole team was incredible. Tony da was very nice, he always had my back. The script was very engaging and something that I hadn't come across before.

Kadak Singh will always have a special place for me. The artists, the directorial team, crew, producer– we were all on the same page.The journey has been amazing. It went smoother than I expected, and everyone who played a part in my journey has been kind.

On working with Pankaj Tripathi

WION: How was it like sharing the screen with Pankaj Tripathi?

Jaya: He’s not only a good artist but a very good human being which is why I think genuinity reflects in his work. He takes utmost delight in his work and is fuss-free on the set. I loved working with him. In the beginning, I was a bit nervous to collaborate with him but he made me very comfortable. Pankaj Ji makes things very comfortable. He is very fond of good food. We had a lot of talking points as he’s quite abreast with Bangladesh’s political, social issues. We also shared a common interest in gardening. We bonded over that.

WION: What’s something you liked the most about your collaboration with the director?

Jaya: Working with Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury has always been on my bucket list. Using a different language was a very exciting experience for me and you know if you notice, Tony da’s female characters are always very special and something out of the ordinary. Plus he chooses topics that are very unusual so that got me excited for this project. We are currently planning on collaborating on a Bengali film too after Kadak Singh. Let’s hope that works out too.

Veteran actress Tanuja, Kajol's mother, hospitalised

On Jaya's Indian connect

WION: On another note, do you often come to India?

Jaya: India feels like home. I have been working in India for sometime now in Bengali films. So there was no real difference working in Kadak Singh apart from being a project in a different language. On the set, everyone was very welcoming.

WION: If given a chance, would you like to do a masala entertainer with any Indian actor in the industry?

Jaya: A film like Jawan is also a masala film, so if I get a character which has depth, I will definitely want to be a part of that.

WION: Is Bollywood famous back home?

Jaya: Everyone enjoys a good film whether it's from Bollywood or Hollywood and as we share so many similarities in culture. So yes, Bollywood films travel to Bangladesh.

WION: Now that Kadak Singh is out and being streamed, what's something you want to say to your Indian fans?

Jaya: I want to say thank you for supporting me and always making me feel at home.

Kadak Singh is a thriller film directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury and produced by WIZ Films along with KVN Productions. The film stars an ensemble cast including Pankaj Tripathi, Jaya Ahsan, Parvathy Thiruvothu and Sanjana Sanghi in prominent roles. It is currently streaming on ZEE5.