(May 31, 2024) Unknown to fame, Anasuya Sengupta scripted history and the world took notice. While well-known Indian actors have been gracing the red carpet at Cannes since years, the lesser-known actress, primarily a production designer won the best actress award in the Un Certain Regard segment at the 77th Cannes Film Festival this year. This section of the festival features 20 films with unique styles and non-traditional stories aiming for international recognition. In the film, ‘The Shameless’ directed by Bulgarian filmmaker Konstantin Bojanov, Anasuya portrays Renuka, a wanderer seeking shelter in a northern Indian community of sex workers after fleeing Delhi under a murder charge.
“I received the news when Konstantin sent me a link to the press conference announcing the Cannes official selections. When our film’s name was announced, I jumped out of the chair with ecstasy!” Anasuya remarked about her reaction when she heard the news.
Anasuya Sengupta
A project that took 12 years
When Konstantin Bojanov was casting for Renuka, the role played by Anasuya, he had shortlisted several well-known and talented actresses. However, he was not fully convinced. He was so discouraged that he even contemplated making an animated film for adults instead of the feature film he had originally planned.
Looking at his predicament, an Indian producer and director he knew suggested that he get in touch with his friend Anasuya Sengupta, remarking that “she makes very interesting drawings and could be of help in developing the animated characters.” Bojanov approached Anasuya on Facebook. Looking at her pictures and the way she depicted life through her sketches, he could see similarities between his character Renuka and Anasuya. Although the sales agent and producer rejected the idea of an animated film, the connection with Anasuya remained.
Anasuya Sengupta with filmmaker Konstantin Bojanov and co-actor of ‘The Shameless’
Turning the idea into a film took 12 long years, but Anasuya stayed in his mind throughout to play the protagonist.
When Anasuya had received a request from her Facebook friend, the Bulgarian filmmaker, to audition for the main character in a Hindi film he was making, her first response was ‘why?’. However, when she sent across her audition tape, it was a yes from the filmmaker instantly. ‘The Shameless’ was shot in Nepal for two months and in Mumbai for a night.
Dedicated to the queer community
I’m shaking,” she said. “I’m shaking,” she repeated as she took the stage to collect the award at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. “I dedicate this and so much more to the queer community and other marginalised communities all over the world for so bravely fighting a fight that they really should not have to fight,” she said. “You don’t have to be queer to fight for equality, you don’t have to be colonised to know that colonising is pathetic. We just need to be very, very decent human beings,” she concluded her winning speech.
Soon after, the world took notice of the little-known actress, with congratulatory messages pouring in from all over, including Bollywood stars – who have earned laurels for India on major international platforms for their talent, glitz, and glamour but had not yet brought home the Best Actress award from Cannes.
Finding a foothold
After graduating from Calcutta’s Jadavpur University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, Anasuya entered the world of films with a supporting role in the Bengali film, ‘Madly Bangalee’, and dabbled in theatre for a while. In 2013, she moved to Mumbai, where she began working as a production designer while seeking acting opportunities.
Although she was working on some significant projects like Netflix’s ‘Masaba Masaba’ as a set designer, she did not find her life fulfilling. “All through my years in Mumbai, although connected to the world of art in some form or the other, a part of me felt lost, claustrophobic, almost devoid of free expression,” said Anasuya in an interview.
Anasuya Sengupta
It prompted her to relocate to Goa with her father’s encouragement. She was unsure about the financial viability of the decision or where her career would lead. “Amid the uncertainty, my father held my hand and asked, ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ This was enough to convince her to make the move.
Finding joy
The move proved lucky as it was in Goa that she met the love of her life, naval officer Yashdeep who was also a DJ out of passion. They found several common connections through her art and his music and hit it off instantly. Their bond later culminated in marriage.
“I promise to remember the shared ideals that brought us together. The ideals that understand that the world is designed to serve greedy men and phony wars; but I promise you that together, we shall overcome the selfishness and the shortsightedness; attempting to always move toward simplicity, and away from the lures of opulence,” she wrote sharing their wedding pictures on social media.
Anasuya Sengupta with her husband, Yashdeep
The year 2024 has been a lucky one for the actor with her marriage and the historic win as the Best Actress at Cannes – the first such achievement for India.
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