Rooted In Culture

Parched actress Tannishtha Chatterjee shares how travelling helps her grow as an actor and why she’s partial to Bengali cuisine.

- Shilpa Raina

How does travel inspire your work?

We actors are extremely fortunate because our profession gives us an opportunity to travel not only the length and breadth of our country but also visit several other countries. But our schedules are so tight sometimes that we hardly get any time to actually see a new place. That is why I try to stay back after a shoot to explore a new city. As an actor, this exercise is very important to me because it gives me a beautiful insight into people’s lives and varied cultures.

How has India contributed to your work?

Whatever I am today is because of my country. I firmly believe that in order to become universal you have to be rooted in culture. And, a big credit for initiating me into my traditional roots goes to my parents who took me to my grandmother’s home in West Bengal’s suburbs every year during vacations. These annual visits introduced me to Bengali rituals and traditions. Since I belong to one of the richest and oldest countries of the world, I feel that India has had a significant impact on my work.

Your favourite destination in India for work?