Daribaba is the King Lear to my Cordelia: Sohini Sengupta
Theatre maestro Rudraprasad Sengupta and his daughter Sohini Sengupta need no introduction. Known for their powerful performances, stage presence and strong social statements, the duo created a special moment for Calcutta Times on Father’s Day as they talked about their shared passion for theatre, their journey as one of India’s most respected theatre families and more...
I feel Sohini is one of the best actors we have today. I’m not saying this as her father, but as a veteran theatre critic: Rudraprasad Sengupta
People talk about nepotism. But I must tell you, I had to prove myself the most because I am my father’s daughter: Sohini Sengupta
As a professional, I never favoured my wife or daughter: Rudraprasad
On their strengths
Sohini Sengupta: Daribaba (Rudraprasad) can stay calm in any problematic situation. His ability to be present in a moment while simultaneously being detached is something I want to acquire. Thanks to him I now realise the importance of discipline. Moreover, he taught me how to never quit and take risks in life.
Rudraprasad Sengupta: Babua (Sohini) is an excellent learner with brilliant memory. She has the ability to absorb knowledge from her surroundings which I feel is a commendable trait. She is also straightforward yet kind.
The equation they share
SS: I never celebrated Father’s Day or Mother’s Day while growing up, but birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated religiously at home. My birthday is in November and baba starts wishing me from the end of October. He used to make me clean my bookshelves on my birthday every year, and I continue doing it till date.
RS: Babua scolds me more than I scold her, and I am actually scared of her rebukes. She shoots for TV serials throughout the day. One day I asked her whether she is living to work or working to live, and she responded saying she needs money to run a family with five pets. Most importantly, working for long hours helps her cope with the loss of her mother.
On the work front…
SS: The best part is that I can still argue with baba and he is ready to accept new things. At times, I used to wonder why he never referred me to anyone. But now, I understand that everything I have earned is because of my perseverance and hard work.
RS: From my position, never in my life have I favoured my daughter or wife in professional aspects. Whatever Sohini has achieved today, is self-earned.
From Babua, with love
Talking about her equation with her father in Shakespearean terms, Sohini says her father is like the King Lear to her Cordelia. “Baba is precious. Modern and inquisitive, even at 90. He still climbs up to the fourth floor to conduct classes, and can remember people he met 50 years ago. He always comes up to me after a show and asks for my feedback. I wonder how a man, with so much experience, can still be a student. If people think I am his sujogyo konya (deserving daughter), it is because of our shared passion for Nandikar (their theatre group). Eta amar kachhe khub boro paona.”
Remembering Swatilekha, a loving mother and wife
SS: As a child, I used to often have fights with maa (Swatilekha Sengupta). It was baba who used to calm me down and make me eat my dinner before going to bed. Now that maa is not there anymore, my husband (Saptarshi Moulik) and I make it a point to celebrate baba’s birthday in a grand way, with our students from Nandikar joining us.
RS: Swatilekha had an extraordinary sense of music. She used to play the piano, violin and flute. It is because of this atmosphere at home that Babua developed a love for art. When she was shooting for Ghare-Baire I used to surprise her by cooking innovative dishes. That was my way of making her feel relaxed after a hard day’s work.
Baba still calls me every night, 365 days a year, to know whether we are back home and have eaten. He signs off by saying ‘I love you’ – Sohini Sengupta
Babua was born in Allahabad at her grandmother’s place, but she was quick to learn Bengali once she moved back to Kolkata – Rudraprasad Sengupta