Rani Rashmoni’s family still treats me like Rani Ma, says Ditipriya Roy

For four years, she played the character of Rani Rashmoni on the small screen. Even though the show got over earlier this year, Ditipriya Roy decided to kick-start her Puja countdown by visiting the real residence of Rani Ma. The young actress recreated the
sabeki puja saaj in the backdrop of Rani Rashmoni’s thakurdalan at Rani Rashmoni Bhawan (Hazra Bari), Janbazar, for an exclusive festive photo shoot with CT.It was followed by a chat where she spoke about her experience of shooting at a bonedi bari, what her Puja fashion will be like this year and more. Excerpts:
You share a special bond with Rani Rashmoni’s family, isn’t it?
It’s been a while since I got done with the show and the character, yet my association with the family remains intact. I have been visiting this house for a long time, especially during Durga Puja. All the family members still treat me like Rani Ma (laughs). They don’t usually allow anyone to shoot in their house, so I feel privileged. Usually, people dress up like Ma Durga before Puja for such shoots, but being a big fan of sabeki puja saaj, I thought it would be interesting to recreate my imagination of the traditional makeover in a bonedi bari. And what could be better than taking these photos in the backdrop of a house I am so closely associated with?
Share with us your experience of walking into the real living room of Rani Rashmoni.
It was like all the props that we used for the serial suddenly became real objects which hold historical significance. In the house, I saw the real baithakkhana that was replicated at the show’s set. I also checked out the round table where Rani Ma used to host meetings.

So, will these be your Puja looks this year?
Right now I am imagining the lal-par-sada sari to be my Ashtami look and the green sari as my Nabami look.This (white sari) is my mother’s new sari that I wore before she did (laughs). She also wanted me to wear my Dida’s Benarasi, but I could not take that risk and wore the green sari instead. I will accessorise the lal-par-sada sari with some silver jewellery. Silver is an unusual combination with this attire but I really wanted to make it a bit unconventional despite the appeal of this traditional look. I am not sure if I would wear the green sari though. I go to Rashmoni’s residence every year during Puja. So, if I visit them on Nabami, I will probably sport this look (green sari).
What are your Puja plans?
I will be in Kolkata and plan to spend most of my time with my friends at the parar pandal in Tollygunge. Since this year I am not part of any megaserial, the pressure is slightly less. I am really looking forward to celebrating the festival with day-long adda sessions, dining out with friends and a lot of fun time.