The 77th Cannes Film Festival concluded a month ago, with social media buzzing about red carpet fashion and debates on the festival’s focus on cinema. Among the glamour, Indian artistes shone bright, with Anasuya Sengupta winning the Un Certain Regard Prize for Best Actress in The Shameless. This historic moment marked her as the first Indian to receive this prestigious award, highlighting Indian cinema’s impact globally.
Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light also made history by winning the Grand Prix, showcasing the talent of women filmmakers and actresses. Anasuya emphasizes the importance of recognizing capable women in the industry and hopes to see more projects led by women on global platforms. Her role in The Shameless, directed by Bulgarian filmmaker Konstantin Bojanov, showcases her talent and experience in the industry.
Anasuya’s journey in the film industry started with acting in Anjan Dutt’s Madly Bangali and working as an assistant director on an Australian production. Moving to Mumbai, she found more opportunities behind the camera, leading her to focus on production design. Despite her concentration on production design, she continued to refine her acting skills through commercials and short films, recognizing the challenges in the industry.
After 15 years in Mumbai, Anasuya made the bold move to Goa, where she found her dream role in The Shameless. The change in environment allowed her artistry to flourish, leading to critical international acclaim for her acting abilities. Reflecting on her journey, Anasuya acknowledges the struggles and disappointments she faced but emphasizes the importance of authenticity and growth in shaping her career.
Anasuya’s message to young girls is to stay true to themselves and prioritize authenticity on their journey. She believes that connecting with one’s true self is crucial for success, and encourages young women to focus on self-discovery and growth. Looking ahead, Anasuya expresses her readiness to explore collaborations in the UAE and beyond, without limiting herself to commercial or artistic boundaries. She is eager to create great work and collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds.
