I do not want to ‘limit’ myself: Deepanwita

National Film Award-winning actress Deepanwita Martin said that as an actress she wants to leave a lasting impression on viewers bringing diverse characters to life.

 ‘I do not want to limit myself as an actress. I aspire to step out of my comfort zone and carve a space for myself in the world of acting playing different types of characters,’ Deepanwita Martin told New Age.

Deepanwita, who began her acting career working in theatrical productions two decades ago, bagged National Film Award 2020 in the best actress category for portraying the character named Hanufa in the film Gor.

 ‘Before playing a character, I spend a lot of time on homework so that I can bring it to life. As Hanufa is a rural woman, I spent a lot of time understanding how a woman in a village talks, walks and do household chores. Besides, I had to spend more than two hours to get a makeover to become Hanufa before each shooting session,’ added Deepanwita.

She also received kudos for playing Monwara in the film No Ground Beneath the Feet.

‘In the film, I have played the character of a desperate woman who is willing to do anything for survival. She is a brave person who can endure a lot. I had to prepare myself for two weeks to play this character,’ she said.

Meanwhile, she played the character of a divorced woman named Nilu in the film Jolghori.

‘She is a simple-minded girl who is expecting her first child. Nilu usually stays at home and is not well aware of the outside world. I could relate many things to Nilu as she is a down-to-earth person,’ said Deepanwita.

The actress wants to play negative characters and even fantasises about portraying male characters in future.

‘If an opportunity arises, I will not shy away from playing a negative role. I think such characters are interesting,’ said Deepanwita, who also added, ‘I also fantasise about portraying male characters. Although it would be challenging for me to play a male on screen, I could get a lot of enjoyment out of it.’

The actress also talked about how women are faring in the local film industry.

‘Women are doing well compared to the past. When I started my career, I witnessed discrimination against women. However, women are moving forward in our mainstream film industry and they are creating waves in the independent film sector,’ said Deepanwita, who also spoke about her ongoing projects.

‘I am working in a film titled Chander Amabasya that is being directed by Anjan Zahidur Rahim. I am also working in two OTT productions, including Tanim Noor-directed Kaiser for Hoichoi and Raihan Rahman-directed Nikhoj for Chorki,’ she ended.