ANNIV SPL COVER: Actor Ushas Ray on life after web series Chhotolok

It’s bubbly, beautiful, and everything in between. But actor Ushas Ray can be all that and more if given a chance. Actor — who rose to fame with a lead role in a television series Bokul Kota and left a mark in serials such as Sundarbaner Vidyasagar and Kumudini Bhaban— Pleasantly shocked the audience with the role of Rupsha in the superhit web series Chotolok. Sassy, ​​demure, intriguing, and uttering profane obscenities, Ushasi nails the role of a small-town girl to perfection. Perhaps the most difficult performance of his career so far, Chotolok, Could be a game-changer for this set of talents and we’re talking to him about the way forward ahead of 2024.

How challenging was the role of Rufsha for you?

This is an important stage in my career and I did not expect such a reaction. I was reluctant at first because the character was much bolder and there were many bold scenes. It scared me because I had never trained for such a role before and I turned down the offer. Then Demin Benny Basu, who trained us for the roles, convinced me that I should do the experiment and I went to my parents for approval, who had no problem. I never expected such a public reaction with friends and family praising my work rather than criticizing me for my bold work.

Through the entire process of script reading, workshopping, appearances, shooting and dubbing, I realized that this was the experience of a lifetime and if I hadn’t done it, I would have missed out on something big.

How did you prepare for the role?

Damine made me think and understand the character like filmmaker Indranil. Rufsha is the complete opposite of who I am in real life. I was raised in a protective environment by loving parents. Rupsha hails from a small town and fights in Kolkata.

I had to get into his thought process, the public perception and workshop with Damini, the little experience I had of seeing such people around me helped shape Rupsha.

What was the struggle like as an actor?

It always is and will be until I hang up my boots. I feel that not all works in an actor’s career can be equally good. We put all our commitment and passion into creating the character, but not working with every audience. There will always be that one or two stellar performances that you will be remembered for forever. People still remember me for Bokul Kota, but that doesn’t mean I played badly in the other two series. I am taking on new roles and will continue to do so and Chhotolok is part of that process.

You will play Kusum in the web series Adarsha Hindu Hotel, based on the book of the same name by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay. Tell us about it.

Yes, filmmaker Arinda Sil cast me as Kusuma. I was introduced to him in a formal meeting and he is not one to give you a job instantly. It explores the depth of man and how he can make things happen. Once he asked me to read Sunil Gangopadhyay’s Tetrish Bochori and I think because I performed well then, I got the role now.

I read the book and as a student of history I was always interested in the people and social upheavals of the time, the status of women and how society saw them. So I am looking forward to playing Kusum.

How do you develop yourself as an actor and what kind of roles are you interested in?

I watched it recently Napoleon and Oppenheimer. Any good work inspires me a lot – it can be a song, a theater or a book, it can be anything really.

My acting process is a mix of preparation and spontaneity, a journey I experience every day.

Looking for influential roles. More than the duration of the role, what is important to me is the contribution that the character has to the progress of the story.

I would love to do a romantic comedy.

Your future projects?

web series Petni Recently released on Addtimes and

It will also be released on Hoichoi.

Your coping mechanisms during low phases?

I try to distract myself by taking care of myself. When I’m feeling down, I go to the salon for a hair spa or run or eat. I don’t look at something dark – it brings me down more. Sometimes I also do retail therapy or call a friend from outside the industry for a refreshing chat.

Your 2024 goals?

I need to be cooler, calmer and think less. I’m an overthinker.

Credits: Images: Debarshi Sarkar / Hair & Makeup: Abhijit Paul / Styling: Poulami Gupta / Costumes: Verb by Pallavi Singhee / Jewelry: Adros Creations / Location: Drunk Teddy