Aparna Sen started her career as a child actor when Satyajit Ray cast her in one of the portions of Teen Kanya (1961). She went on to act in Mrinal Sen's Akash Kusum, and further established herself as a mainstream actor in the 1970s. It was in 1981, when she made her directorial debut with 36 Chowringhee Lane, a film that received universal acclaim, and fetched her the National Award for Best Director. Since then, Sen has been a prolific presence- both on screen and behind it, paving the way for a remarkable body of work.

With Parama- A Journey with Aparna Sen, filmmaker Suman Ghosh takes the documentary approach to take a look at her life journey, from an actor to a screenwriter, director, and an editor. Suman Ghosh opened up about the journey of their friendship, how this documentary came about and more.

How long have you known Aparna Sen? Tell me a little bit about how you were introduced to her.

In 2015, I was introduced to her while working on a film titled Kadambari, which featured her daughter, Konkona Sen Sharma. This initial meeting allowed me to become acquainted with her, and subsequently, she performed in one of my films, Basu Poribar. As a result, I gained a deeper understanding of her. We found common ground on various levels. While she is indeed a filmmaker, she is also a passionate reader, a trait I share. Our mutual love for literature fostered a connection, leading me to visit her home for numerous discussions, marking the beginning of our relationship.

When did you first think of her as a subject for a documentary?

In addition to my responsibilities as a filmmaker, I occasionally contribute articles to Anadabazar Patrika and The Telegraph. Recently, I have felt a sense of frustration regarding the interviews conducted with iconic figures. I recall interviewing Soumitra Chatterjee a few years back, where I aimed to create a piece that deviated from the typical, mundane questions that often exhaust such personalities. Similarly, I had the opportunity to interview Aparna Sen three years ago at her residence in Shantiniketan. This interview was comprehensive, beginning with her childhood and her relationship with Chidananda Dasgupta, and concluding with her journey in filmmaking. I approached this interview with thorough preparation, as I had the privilege of interacting with her as a friend. During my research, I discovered the extensive range of her contributions—not only as a filmmaker but also as an actress and as the editor of Sananda, a Bengali women's magazine that significantly transformed journalism in India.

I found the breadth of her work to be truly remarkable. It prompted me to consider the challenge of capturing this in a documentary format, while also acknowledging its archival significance. This experience marked the first time I contemplated creating a documentary about her. Additionally, it is worth noting that we often tend to celebrate individuals only after they have passed away, rather than honouring them while they are still alive.

Aparna Sen's journey is so multifaceted. There is no way one can see her body of work from a single lens. As a filmmaker, do you have a road map of sorts on how to navigate her journey?

What captivated me the most, as I previously mentioned, is the breadth of her work. The challenge was how to effectively convey this in the film. I conceived an intriguing narrative approach by taking her to various locations where she filmed her renowned works, such as 36 Chowringhee Lane, Paromitar Ek Din, and Parama. During our visits, we not only discussed the films but also explored a range of topics, which is why the film is titled ‘A Journey with Aparna Sen.’

For example, while discussing Parama, we delved into themes of feminism. In our conversation about Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, we examined the political context, including her involvement with right-wing politics in India. This method allowed me to structure the film's narrative, weaving together multiple elements within a concise 80-minute timeframe.

What was her reaction when you first dropped the prospect of making a documentary on her?

I wrote to her from the US. I Whatsapp-ed her and said, ‘I have decided I am going to make a documentary on you.’ She said okay and that was it! By that time we were such close friends that the question of taking permission did not happen. She trusts me and yeah, it was as simple as that.

Before making the film, you must have had a perception of her as a filmmaker. After the film, do you think any of that perception has changed?

It is an insightful inquiry, as I only conveyed to her that following the completion of the film, I regrettably feel a sense of distance from her. This sentiment arises from two primary factors. Firstly, throughout the year and a half of filming, I had minimal interaction with her. The initial connections that formed the basis of her relationship with her and her husband, Kalyan Ray, were overshadowed by my decision to refrain from visiting their home, as I wished to maintain an unbiased perspective regarding my subject.

Upon concluding the film, I was struck by the extensive accomplishments she has achieved throughout her life. The breadth of her work is truly impressive. There exists a term in Bengali, সম্ভ্রম (Sombhrom), which signifies respect and admiration; however, I found that this sentiment was absent in our relationship. It is regrettable, as this profound admiration may have disrupted our previously close friendship. Nevertheless, I believe that this feeling will soon diminish, allowing us to restore our camaraderie.

Aparna Sen paved the way for so many female filmmakers with her work. But do you also see the dearth of Bengali female directors, and do you see a change?

In the national context, there has been a notable emergence of female directors, including figures such as Payal Kapadia and Zoya Akhtar, among others. However, in Bengal, there appears to be a deficiency of accomplished filmmakers, and I believe it will require time to address this gap. At the national level, the number of female directors is substantial, and I am confident that more will emerge shortly.

The film "Parama: A Journey with Aparna Sen" was released in theatres on January 3.

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