Tug of roots

Photo: Atl Aakash

The once-hugely popular heroine of Indian Bangla films, Sabitri Chattapadhyay was in Dhaka recently. On a three-day trip, on invitation from Bonhishikha, Sabitri was amazed at the hospitality of the organisers, and the people of Dhaka, in general.
On her first day in Dhaka, Sabitri attended the founding anniversary of Bonhishikha at the Public Library auditorium, and performed at another programme at the same venue the next day. Earlier that day, Sabitri spoke to The Daily Star at Hotel Ornate, where she was staying.
“My forefathers were from Comilla, and I was born in Dhaka,” said Sabitri. They had a big house in Komolapur, an emotional Sabitri said.
“I want to go to Komolapur to see if the house is still there.”
She also visited Sadarghat, Nawabpur Road, Lakshmi Bazar and Thatari Bazar -- places she can vaguely remember.
When asked if she had yet been victim of Dhaka's infamous traffic jam, she said she hadn't yet, while veteran actor Haradhon Bandhopadhyay, sitting next to her smiled.
Sabitri revealed that her childhood ambition was to be a political leader. She once heard Jawaharlal Nehru at an address, and wanted to be a leader so everyone would listen to her.
Besides films, Sabitri also worked in theatre at Kolkata, where she had to struggle a great deal early on. Reminiscing on those times, Sabitri said food was scarce and she only had a few hand-me-downs to wear; life was far from easy.
Despite working in films, TV and on stage, Sabitri doesn't differentiate much between the mediums and perceives acting as “just acting”, and still feels comfortable doing it. When asked about her mantra to success, Sabitri said there is no mantra, she just loves her work.
Sabitri played the female leads opposite the legendary Uttam Kumar and Soumitra Chatterjee in many blockbusters. When asked about Uttam Kumar, Sabitri said the stories would take days, and that she'd share them maybe some other time.
Sabitri had nine sisters, of whom eight are deceased. Despite her advancing years, Sabitri said she has not stopped acting, because she has kept herself young at heart -- and despite having no academic background in the field, she has learnt from life.
Sabitri, an avid reader, still picks up a novel whenever she gets time. She lamented the recent demise of Sunil Gangopadhyay, who remains a favourite.
Sabitri is currently working in TV serials in Kolkata, and has two upcoming films. When asked about her recent favourite film from Kolkata, she mentioned “Autograph” being one of the better ones.
And then, the inevitable question: will Sabitri come back to Bangladesh? The call of the roots is not one that can be ignored, and she will be here whenever invited, said an emotional Sabitri.