Parvi Barua: New face of Assamese Cinema

The editor of North East Film Journal, Parthajit Baruah, speaks with Parvi Barua about her experiences working on her first feature film, "Ata Nirjon Duporiya," directed by Khanjan Kishore Nath.

Please tell us how you were interested in film ?

Parvi Barua:  I have been passionate towards “Acting” from a very young age. I have manifested myself into the space of this artistic craft every single day of my life. So getting a golden opportunity of taking a step forth towards my dream and proving myself to the best of my ability is what raised my interest in this film. Furthermore, when I came to know about the storyline of the script, the thing which excited me the most was the protagonist of the film, ‘Aditi’, who is completely opposite to my own real life character. And that too raised my high interests in this film as the only thing which was going on in the back of my mind was that it will be the most remarkable experience of my life in imbibing such a challenging character’s journey and portraying myself as an absolutely different person on camera.

Is this your first feature film that you acted ?

Parvi Barua: Yes, this is my first feature film.

Image: Parvi Barua

How challenging was the character you have played in the film ?

Parvi Barua:  From the moment I made myself acquainted with the character ‘Aditi’ I could feel the pain of a woman who doesn’t have the strength or the privilege to voice her opinions freely and boldly or take a stand for herself in a patriarchal society. My thoughts shuddered with tears when I imagined myself in Aditi’s space. The only challenge that I faced if I have to be honest, is making myself just accept the fact that there are hundreds and thousands of Aditi whose existence is made unheard and unknown in the society. I have always been enough blessed as I have grown up in a very supportive environment, be it from my family or friends. So representing those marginalised women and be a voice for them was what kept me grounded to the character , during this entire cinematic journey.

How did you prepare yourself for the role ?

Parvi Barua: Once I was familiar with the entire script, I started pouring my being, heart and soul into it. The first and foremost was my own mental preparation into the fact that I cannot be untrue to myself, because I cannot lie to my audience. They will be witnessing the entire ride  of that particular character through me. I started exploring many films and from day one I have  greatly been inspired by talented actors like  Irrfan Khan, Radhika Apte, Vijay Varma and Gulshan Devaiah. So yes, imagining myself as Aditi and watching good films helped me in my preparation for this role. Also, reading various books has always been a part of me since I am a Literature Student. So, my reading experiences have served as a main base too for this preparation.

Image: Parvi Barua

Please tell us your academic background?

Parvi Barua: I did my schooling at Nagaon, and then shifted to Delhi, for my Graduation and Master’s. I did in English Literature from the University of Delhi.

What is your future plan?

Parvi Barua: Definitely, I aspire to see myself as a good actor and keep on gaining many new learning experiences from this field. Wanting to act on good scripts with dynamic roles and also to be a student of screen acting in one of India's most prestigious institutes, Film and Television Institute of India, Pune are what my future plans rest in.

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