I’ve always longed for the same admiration my dad received from his fans: Saina Chatterjee | Bengali Movie News
Being my father’s daughter is something I take immense pride in,” said 15-year-old Saina Chatterjee who has gracefully stepped into the world her father, the late Abhishek Chatterjee, once ruled. Balancing work and the shoot of her much-loved debut Kone Dekha Aalo, the teenager said, “I’m making the most of the shoots to hone my craft, while studying during the breaks.” During a fun shoot and chat with CT, the young actor opened up about carrying her father’s legacy forward, her deep connection with him and her dreams beyond the screen and more. Excerpts.Saina, your dad was a celebrated actor in Tollywood. How does it feel to be stepping into the same world at the age of 15?I’ve always felt deeply grateful to be born into this family. But it also brings a greater sense of responsibility to live up to his success considering I’m a part of the industry now. I’ve been fascinated by acting as a profession since I was a child, which is why I used to bombard my father with questions like, ‘How do you memorise your lines?’, ‘Do you get nervous?’, ‘Are directors scary?’ (laughs) But in the long run, I aspire to make my parents proud whether within this industry or beyond it.
You’ve often mentioned that you still feel your father’s presence…After my dad’s transition (I prefer to use this phrase), I feel like he’s guiding me at every step. I still feel his love and blessings, I know he’s watching and smiling down at me. Since my childhood, baba used to tell me: be independent financially and true to yourself – that’s my mantra of life now. Many say your dad faced a lot of back stabbing in the industry. Has that shaped your perspective of the industry?It’s definitely made me a lot more alert than I probably would’ve been otherwise. I feel I understand this industry better than most newcomers, thanks to my father for his guidance. Even before stepping into it, my parents told me: that it’s a tricky space, and you need to stay alert. So I make sure to be mindful and professional in my approach towards work.
“If I could speak to Baba right now I’d tell him he’s the best dad,” says Saina
How do you plan to build your own identity while also honouring your father’s legacy?The only way to build your legacy is through hard work. If you put effort into your work, it will show and people will applaud you. And, my mother has been my pillar through it all, supporting every decision of mine.
Saina as Lajbanti in Kone Dekha Aalo
On playing Lajbanti
Lajbanti is special to me and will always be. She’s a lot like me in many ways – sensitive & a bit childish around the people she loves, yet firm when needed. The overwhelming response I’m getting for Kone Dekha Aalo is heartwarming. Acting has been my dream since I was a kid. Growing up and watching my dad being loved by so many people made me long for that same kind of admiration. While I did workshops before the shoot started, every day on the shooting floor helps me polish my craft a little more, thanks to all the lovely & talented people I’m surrounded by. Besides acting, I’d love to explore psychology in my higher studies as I find the subject truly fascinating. Confessions of a teenage drama queen
I strongly believe in the afterlife, so I feel Baba is still around even if I can’t see him. After I deliver a good shot, I feel Baba is patting my back like a proud father. I love it when people say I look like him or remind them of him: Saina
Many star kids earn praise for talent, not lineage. I want the same – to make my mark on the big screen, while embracing that I’m my father’s daughter and carrying a part of him with me in the process: Saina
Saina’s faves:
Actors: Ranbir Kapoor & Alia BhattFood: Aglio olioMakeup: Peach lip tint with lip linerFilm: Dear ZindagiVacation spot: ParisDirector: Tim BurtonHobby: JournalingOutfit: Baby tee and shortsPix: Anindya Saha
