Patrali Chattopadhyay is proving her mettle with the extremely complex character of Shreya Chatterjee that she is portraying in the Colors show Thoda Sa Baadal Thoda Sa Paani.
The show depicts the complicated relationship of a bhabhi and devar, and Shreya is winning hearts in the central role.
In a time where Bhabhi is actually considered as the mother figure in families, here comes an unconventional role and thought and Patrali has this to say on it, “I don’t think this concept is unreal. If there is a huge age gap between the bhabhi and the devar, ‘bhabhi maa samman’ can be the right approach. In earlier times, families were unplanned, and there used to be many kids, as many as 7-8 or more in a household. The age gap between the older brother and the younger one would be huge. Nowadays, it is not like that. Families of today are more compact and planned. Parents are friendlier than in earlier times. Having stated this, even Bhabhis are like friends. Here, I am focussing on my character, and the focus is more on the performance.”
“This role of Shreya in Thoda Sa Baadal Thoda Sa Paani gives me an opportunity to explore as an actor. It is interesting playing the varied layers and shades of a very complex character. Shreya is headstrong but is more possessive. I would also like to add that there is a lot of difference between glorifying a thought and narrating a story. There are a lot of sensitive issues picked up on TV like dowry, corruption, molestation etc. If they are narrating a story, it does not mean that they are glorifying the fact,” explains Patrali.
She goes on to add, “Also, we have celebrated and loved shows like Game of Thrones which have instances of diversified relationships. We have a lot of shows that talk about two marriages, and even remarriage as the family has not got a son. So you can take this show as one among the many.”
On her rapport with the cast, Patrali quips, “It is lovely working with Harshad and Ishita. Ishita is a sweetheart, she is also a Bengali and I am also one. We use our language as code signs and mingle really well. Sharupaji is also there, she is also a Bengali. We three talk a lot. It is lovely working with Harshad. He makes his co-actor very comfortable.”
Ask her about the responses got for the role, Patrali expresses, “My friends, family, well-wishers and people around me are loving it. I am getting good reactions for my portrayal. If somebody is hating me as Shreya, I would like to take it as a compliment. Actors who have played villains have been loved as well hated equally. If the feeling of hatred arises, I believe people are getting convinced by the portrayal. I certainly take that too as a compliment.”
Well-said, and best of luck, Patrali!!
