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Sharmila Tagore returns to Bengali cinema with a powerful role in ‘the ancient’
Veteran Indian cinema actress Sharmila Tagore takes on a compelling role in Suman Ghosh’s latest film, The Ancient (Puratawn), premiering at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. The film, set in Bengali, sees Tagore portraying a woman battling memory loss, showcasing her incredible range and emotional depth.
A moving journey through memory
In The Ancient, Ritika (played by Rituparna Sengupta) and her husband Rajeev (Indraneil Sengupta) return to her ancestral home in West Bengal to celebrate her mother’s (Tagore) 80th birthday. Upon arrival, Ritika is confronted with the shocking realization of her mother’s cognitive decline. This discovery propels her into a poignant journey of acceptance and introspection, as she grapples with her mother’s irreversible condition.
Suman Ghosh: A filmmaker dedicated to storytelling
Director Suman Ghosh is no stranger to film festivals, with a rich portfolio that includes titles like Nobel Thief (2011), Uncle Shyamal Turns off the Lights (2012), Peace Haven (2015), Mi Amor (2016), Aadhaar (2019), and Scavenger of Dreams (2023). His 2024 documentary, Parama: A Journey with Aparna Sen, has already made waves and is set to premiere at Rotterdam. His recent commercial success, Kabuliwala, released during Christmas 2023, showcases his versatility and dedication to filmmaking.
A director’s unique approach
Tagore warmly describes her experience working with Ghosh, highlighting his less-is-more directorial style. “He didn’t over-instruct,” she notes, appreciating his trust in her interpretation of the character. While Ghosh provided some literature for research, Tagore opted for an organic approach: “I just sort of imagined the character. I felt that this is how she’ll walk, this is how she will speak.”
A return to roots
Sharmila Tagore’s portrayal in The Ancient is particularly compelling because she embodies a character grappling with memory loss, yet the specific condition remains unnamed. Tagore’s method was to internalize her role deeply: “I just lived the moment,” emphasizing the importance of being present and authentic in her performance.
A distinguished career in cinema
Tagore’s long and storied career began with her debut in Satyajit Ray’s The World of Apu (1959). She continued to shine in Ray’s The Goddess (1960), The Hero (1966), Days and Nights in the Forest (1970), and Company Limited (1971). Her contributions to Hindi cinema are equally notable, with standout roles in An Evening in Paris (1967), Aradhana (1969), Amar Prem (1972), and Mausam (1975). She also appeared in Mira Nair’s Mississippi Masala (1991) and served on the 2009 Cannes jury. Her latest work before The Ancient was in Disney+ Hotstar’s Gulmohar (2023).
Reflecting on her return to Bengali cinema, Tagore expressed a deep sense of satisfaction: “Doing a Bengali film after so many years, to speak the language again, to perform in one’s own mother tongue – that was an added incentive.”
Collaboration with a new generation
Tagore remains selective about her projects, finding joy in collaborations that bridge generational gaps. Her decision to join the cast of Gulmohar was driven by the opportunity to engage with emerging talents: “It was the chance to work with so many younger people with today’s kind of energy. So that attracted me.”
Evolution of filmmaking
Commenting on the changes in the film industry’s working conditions, Tagore notes, “The working conditions have changed so dramatically. Now you have air-conditioned studios, and there are lots of facilities that the younger people get today, which were absolutely absent in our days.” This evolution reflects the progress and modernity with which new generations now engage in filmmaking.
A legacy continued
Sharmila Tagore’s influence extends to her talented family, with her children and grandchildren following in her footsteps. Her son, Saif Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan, are well-established actors. Granddaughter Sara Ali Khan and grandson Ibrahim Ali Khan are also carving their paths in cinema. Tagore takes a thoughtful approach to mentoring: “Sara reaches out sometimes.” However, she underscores the value of on-set experience: “Unless you’re on the set, you can’t really say. You have to see the backdrop, how the others are reacting.” As for Saif, she affirms, “Saif is a wonderful actor, and he really doesn’t need my advice.”
Conclusion
With The Ancient, Sharmila Tagore reaffirms her timeless talent and adaptability. Her portrayal of a woman dealing with memory loss not only enriches the narrative of the film but also marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career. To keep updated on more stories like this, follow us on social media for the latest in cinema news.
