Actress-dancer Rajnandini Paul is all geared up to play Ma Durga in the first Mohishashurmordini on OTT. We were the first to report that this year Mahalaya will stream on Hoichoi for the first time. Traditionally, Devi Paksha – the fortnight of Maa Durga – starts with the cultural milestone Mahishasurmardini which has been broadcasting since 1931 on All India Radio (AIR). It was later reconstructed for televisions. Today, every Bengali channel produces its version of the show. This year, one can stream it on OTT with Rajnandini as lead.

In a candid chat with OTTplay, Rajnandini talked about her experience, Puja plans, and why she is angry with whatever is going on in society.

Rajnandini Paul takes help from her mother Indrani Dutta for Mohishashurmordini

How does it feel to play Ma Durga, we asked. Rajnandini said, “It feels great to play Ma Durga. I’m grateful to the makers. I am too new for this opportunity and yet they trusted me. I am glad.”

Talking about her preparations, the actress said that her mother actress-danseuse Indrani Dutta helped her throughout. “When I was offered to play this role, I was quite lost. It was my mother who helped me go through the preparations. She played Ma Durga in one of the TV shows of Mohishashurmordini. Theatrics and dance are her stronger suits. I asked her if I should watch all the available shows of Mohishashurmordini. She calmed me down and asked me to go through the script. She read out the script to me. She told me to get the vibe of this iconic show, maintain the sanctity of the legacy, and have their own interpretation. Her guidance helped me a lot. Her suggestions coincided with the guidance of our director Sayantanda. They offered similar tricks,” she said.

‘RG Kar incident dampened the spirit of festivity’

Meanwhile, Rajnandini is still angry with the heinous rape and murder that took place at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. She said that this incident and the subsequent fallouts have dampened the festivity. Talking about her Puja Plan, she said, “The RG Kar incident dampened the spirit of festivity this Puja. None of us are in our celebratory best. I will spend time with my family. I used to spend time with my dadu and dida. Dadu passed away and I will spend a day with dida. Besides, most of my friends come to Kolkata and those who live here are all off from their work schedule. I will spend time with them. I’ll do everything but the scale will not be as festive."

She further added that she was also concerned over 'cancel culture'. "Moreover, I am also scared that people will be called out for celebrating. I hope that doesn't happen. We all are shaken, devastated, and angry. No matter what, we will keep asking questions regarding the heinous crime that took place and also the unrest that is going on in our own industry,” the actress said.

Rajnandini does not go for Puja shopping per se but she has a lot to pray from Ma Durga this year. “I don't do Puja shopping anymore. I will pray to Ma Durga so that we don’t have to seek justice and rally for something that is justly ours. I wasn’t to see changes in the grassroots of society so that patriarchy is eradicated. The other day I was coming back from Puri when a man misbehaved with me. It was harassment. I was so angry. I yelled and was almost about to attack him and tell him, ‘You asked for it’. It would have been a fitting response as we, the women, get to hear it all the time. I did not. But I want this to end. This everyday harassment on the street, in transports, and where not. We need better education to end this. That’s what I will want from Ma Durga,” she signed out.

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