How Anasuya Sengupta became the first Indian to win 'best actor' at the film festival

Anasuya Sengupta

A month ago, the 77th Cannes Film Festival concluded, with social media abuzz with red carpet looks from the entertainment world’s elite. However, amid the fashion frenzy, some exceptional cinematic projects stood out, including those from Indian artists. One of the significant highlights was Anasuya Sengupta winning the Un Certain Regard Prize for Best Actress for her role in The Shameless. This achievement marked her as the first Indian to receive this prestigious award.

Anasuya Sengupta's Historic Win

Anasuya Sengupta's award-winning performance in The Shameless captured global attention. At 37, the Kolkata-born actress made history with her exceptional portrayal of Renuka, a woman escaping from a Delhi brothel after killing a police officer. Her achievement was part of a larger celebration of Indian cinema at Cannes, with filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light also winning the Grand Prix.

“It’s about time that women received their due recognition. As an artiste and a woman of colour, I feel privileged to stand on the shoulders of those who persevered without receiving their due recognition,” Anasuya shared in an interview with Khaleej Times. Reflecting on the experience, she felt it was a significant moment for Indian women in cinema, symbolizing their growing influence and recognition.

Anasuya’s Journey in Cinema

Anasuya’s journey began with her first acting role in Anjan Dutt’s Madly Bangali in 2009. Shortly after, she worked as an assistant director on the Australian production The Waiting City in Kolkata. These experiences led her to Mumbai, where she initially struggled to find acting roles and instead found opportunities behind the camera as a production designer. This transition, she believes, was pivotal in shaping her career.

Anasuya worked as a production designer on several projects, including Netflix’s Selection Day and Ray, and the feature film Chippa. Despite her focus on production design, she continued to hone her acting skills through commercials and short films. Her diverse experiences on film sets contributed significantly to her development as an artist.

A New Chapter in Goa

After nearly 15 years in Mumbai, Anasuya relocated to Goa, a move that coincided with her landing the role of Renuka in The Shameless. “It feels magical that the opportunity for this film came to me around this phase of my life,” she recalled. Moving to Goa allowed her to explore new artistic expressions and ultimately led to her breakthrough role.

Embracing New Opportunities

Anasuya’s move to Goa marked a significant change, providing her with a fresh perspective and new opportunities. “There came a point where I felt artistically compelled to make space for new expressions,” she explained. This shift in environment fueled her creativity, allowing her to explore different artistic avenues, including illustration.

Recognition and Validation

It took Anasuya nearly 15 years to gain international acclaim for her acting. Reflecting on her journey, she feels that her growth and experiences have contributed to her success. “It’s clear to me that this was my path,” she mentioned. She believes that the maturity and acumen she developed over the years helped her approach her role in The Shameless with depth and authenticity.

Anasuya’s story resonates as an inspiration to many young women, highlighting the importance of perseverance and authenticity. “The ultimate goal is to be yourself,” she advised. “When you grow into who you truly are, things will naturally start falling into place.”

Looking Ahead

Looking forward, Anasuya is excited about future opportunities and collaborations. She expressed her readiness to explore diverse roles and projects without being confined by borders or boundaries. “Bring me over. I feel ready to do it all. Let’s collaborate and create great work together,” she concluded.

Anasuya Sengupta's journey from Kolkata to Cannes, marked by perseverance and a commitment to authenticity, stands as a testament to the power of believing in oneself and the importance of diverse representation in cinema. Her historic win at Cannes is a milestone for Indian cinema and a beacon of hope for aspiring actors worldwide.