Kolkata-based actor and writer Mouli Roy came on a three-day visit to Dhaka on Wednesday to attend the 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival where Mouli-starrer film “Teere Bendho Na” was screened.

A winner of the YUVA Author Award 2022, initiated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mouli is also one of the popular theatre artists of West Bengal. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Sun on Thursday, she talked about her film and many other topics.

Your film “Teere Bendho Na” has been screened at the Dhaka International Film Festival. How was the response from the audience?

I got a huge positive response from the audience for my performance in the film “Teere Bendho Na”. I am very happy. I’m also impressed by the love of the Dhaka audience. I express my gratitude to the viewers who came to watch our film and inspired us with their positive comments.

Could you share something about the story of the film?

“Teere Bendho Na” is an independent film directed by Niranjan Kumar Kujur. The film tells the story of some crises in our lives, especially social ones. It shows how a middle-class family moves forward through the crises. The main theme of the film is that you cannot stop; you have to move forward amid hundreds of obstacles. I played the lead role of “Kobita”, the wife of a middle-class family. Arghya Roy has played the role of my husband in the project.

Is it your first visit to the Dhaka International Film Festival?

You are right. I have come to Dhaka International Film Festival for the first time. I am very excited to come to Dhaka. I have always had an emotional connection with Bangladesh.

Have you visited any place in Dhaka?

I came to Dhaka on Wednesday. Tomorrow, I will go back to Kolkata. Amid this busy schedule, I have visited some places in Dhaka, including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and the Dhaka University campus. I have also gone to Old Dhaka to have “biryani”. I have also brought a jamdani saree for me. The people of Dhaka are very cordial. Their hospitality is mind-blowing. I will miss Dhaka.

You are acting in theatre, small screen and films simultaneously. Which medium do you like most?

Most of the time, I work in theatre and television. However, I have acted in all the platforms – theatre, TV, film and Over The Top (OTT). Several of my films have been released. My web film “Eye Rekha” directed by Rajdeep Ghosh is waiting for release. Having said that, I want to give more emphasis on theatre as it has made me what I am today.

Do you want to work in Bangladesh?

If I get a chance to act in a Bangladeshi project, I will certainly act. I always watch Bangladeshi content. I have some favourite artists in Bangladesh, including Chanchal Chowdhury and Mosharraf Karim. I am also a big fan of Jaya Ahsan. I have a long-cherished desire to work with Chanchal Chowdhury.