Barkha Bisht Sengupta: There is no one more beautiful than me

Barkha Bisht Sengupta aka Devi Anjana of Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman is in a happy space. Content with career, happy with family… in an exclusive chat with SpotboyE, the actress opens up about her decision to stay away from films, hubby Indraneil Sengupta and much more. Excerpts...

You are part of just one show --- Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman...
I am content playing Hanuman’s mother (Devi Anjana). When you do a daily, there isn’t time for anything else. Also, I am enjoying motherhood with my 6-year-old daughter Meera.

Is that why you were not part of too many movies -- both Hindi and Bengali -- after Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela (2013)?
I have never been ambitious about films. In fact, I think TV is the best for me -- it lets me work at my pace. Another reason is, I have always had work on TV (Pyaar Ke Do Naam: Ek Raadha, Ek Shyaam, Babul Ki Bitiya Chali Doli Saja Ke and Tum Saath Ho Jab Apne, etc) except during my pregnancy break. So, the  thought of venturing out never occurred.

Go on...
Also, I am a very practical person. TV offers me not just financial security, but also emotional. While small screen shows run for a year, a film wraps up in 3 months. I come from a background which required me to keep working, so the thought has stuck with me even though I don’t have to do that anymore.


Image Source: twitter/Barkha Bisht Sengupta

Your husband, actor Indraneil Sengupta, is also back in Mumbai (he had shifted to Kolkata, as  he was busy with Bengali films)...
I am glad he is back home, living apart was very tough. With Meera going to school, it was not possible for me to fly down to Kolkata frequently.  

He has taken up a TV show (Jamai  Raja on  Zee  TV)...
TV is a good change for him. He was getting bored of doing films in Kolkata, as monotony had set in.  Having said that, he has not severed links with the Bengali film industry. Also, I am not sure if he will continue to do television, as he needs to be challenged as an actor.


Image Source: bharatstudent

Indraneil works with a lot of beautiful women. Do you ever feel insecure?
There is no one more beautiful than me. Jokes apart, after 8 years, he has made me completely secure as a person.

Coming back to Hanuman, the show’s ratings are not that good...
Yes, the ratings are not that good, but you need to accept that Sony’s overall GRP is low. There are many shows on other channels -- with higher GRPs -- which enjoy similar ratings, so we are doing well in that sense. Today, many shows are going unnoticed -- at least, people are talking about us.


Image Source: indiaopines

When will Chota Hanuman grow up?
Well, audiences love Ishant Bhanushali (child artiste), so we don’t want him to grow up. Having said that, Nirbhay Wadhwa (he plays the adult Hanuman) will enter the show in a month.

What’s your take on shows of supernatural genre?  
They have become extremely popular, but not all high-rating shows of the genre are classy. On the other hand, many shows of other genres have won critical acclaim.


Thumbnail Image Source: dresstoall