I Wish to Get a National Award Shakuntala Barua
ALIVE|April 2017

A famous Bangla Cinema actress talks about her past, present and future.

Sanjay Sinha
I Wish to Get a National Award Shakuntala Barua

Each year hundreds of regional films are made, through which many artists make their names. One such actress is Shakuntala Barua who acted in many Bangla movies and through her emotional acting carved a niche for herself. She has also shared screen with Uttam Kumar. Alive had a chat with her at her Kolkata residence. Excerpts:

It is said that you wanted to become a singer, but ended up acting. Why did you quit singing?

Actually, I started singing from as early as ten. Even though no one in my family had any remote connection with either singing or acting, but somehow I had this inclination. From a very early age I started singing for radio. Then some offers of acting from the film industry started coming in. After a lot of persuasion I agreed. Even though I made my name as an actress. I still love singing. I haven’t quit singing altogether. Whenever I have time from my acting schedule I sing. Everyone has his or her destiny. I was destined for acting so here I am.

Which was your debut film and how did you feel?

My debut film was Sona Rani with ‘Mahanayak’ Uttam Kumar. Initially I was a bit nervous, but gradually with the help of Crew Members I became relaxed. Uttam Kumar helped me a lot. The film was successful. To be honest, I couldn’t believe myself that I could act so well.

This story is from the April 2017 edition of ALIVE.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2017 edition of ALIVE.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ALIVEView All
Donald John Trump brings the US to inflection point
ALIVE

Donald John Trump brings the US to inflection point

The president elect is being looked upon with more apprehensions than appreciation.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2016
Demonetisation: ‘Unleash the black money demon'
ALIVE

Demonetisation: ‘Unleash the black money demon'

An audacious move but there is a need to differentiate between despotic and democratic ways.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2016
High Tech Courts Of Social Justice
ALIVE

High Tech Courts Of Social Justice

These can provide speedy justice to the needy sections in an inexpensive way. 

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2016
Gujarat Ke Gadhey!
ALIVE

Gujarat Ke Gadhey!

Netaas May Call These Animals ‘Gadheda’ (Donkey), but for Me, They Are ‘Ghudkhar’ (Wild Ass), Says a Guard at the Wild Ass Sanctuary in Surendranagar.  

time-read
5 mins  |
April 2017
I Wish to Get a National Award Shakuntala Barua
ALIVE

I Wish to Get a National Award Shakuntala Barua

A famous Bangla Cinema actress talks about her past, present and future.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2017
On Keeping Secrets
ALIVE

On Keeping Secrets

A little-known tale from Mahabharata that is so often used by men to prove male chauvinism.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2017
Cho Ramaswamy: Not Just A Film Comedian
ALIVE

Cho Ramaswamy: Not Just A Film Comedian

Even in octogenarian phase of life he continued as the editor of ‘Tughlak’ and ensured the weekly never lost its sting. 

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2017
Bombay High Court quashes ban on women in Haji Ali Dargah
ALIVE

Bombay High Court quashes ban on women in Haji Ali Dargah

Removing the status of persona non grata for women at religious sites.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2017
Pullela Gopichand
ALIVE

Pullela Gopichand

The man behind the coaching factory of badminton. 

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2017
Asha Bhosle's gift of lineage
ALIVE

Asha Bhosle's gift of lineage

Some untold aspects of the singing legend.

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2017