‘Motherhood has made me more responsible’

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She may not be quintessential heroine material, but in every film she has done till date, no matter how big or small her role was, Konkona Sen Sharma has always managed to create a lasting impression. From offbeat films such as Mr and Mrs Iyer and 15 Park Avenue to commercial films like Wake Up Sid, Konkona has proved her mettle in every genre.

Her work in regional cinema has also been top-notch, especially in a few Bengali films like Ek Je Acche Kanya and Dosar. “Unfortunately, regional films don’t grab as much attention as Bollywood films,” Konkona says. “But that doesn’t make them any less popular. Luckily I have had a mixed bag of films in Hindi and Bengali cinema,” she adds.
Konkona admits that she loves challenging her capabilities. Stepping out of her comfort zone and surprising her audience has always been her style. “There is no big planning involved,” she says with a smile. “I choose my films with conviction and I usually prefer to follow my instincts. I don’t have a favourite genre. Page 3, Omkara, Life In A Metro were all very different from each other and I did my bit with conviction,” she says.
The actress has no qualms about working with an ensemble star cast. “I have done a few solo heroine films but I have done more multi-starrers. I believe that a film depends on how the director narrates and visualises the story and the characters. As an actor, I need to have absolute faith in my director. If I can make that happen, the rest will fall in place. Ek Thi Daayan had three heroines and Page 3 had many actors but both films succeeded in conveying the right message. That’s what comforts me.”
For quite some time now Konkona has been keeping a low profile. The last time she resurfaced was during the promotions and release of her film Ek Thi Daayan. Besides that, over the last two years she has worked on two Bengali films. Speaking about what has been keeping her busy, Koko (as she is fondly called) says, “I am a single parent and a complete hands-on mother. My two-year-old son Haroon keeps me on my toes.” Quiz her on the challenges of being a single parent and she says, “My mother (Aparna Sen) raised me all by herself. So I was aware of the difficulties. Thankfully, I have a great support system in my mother. Also I have a cook and maids to fill in for me from time to time when work beckons.”
It’s hard to miss the twinkle in her eyes when she talks about her little one. “Motherhood has certainly made me more responsible — not that I was irresponsible earlier,” she says with a laugh. “My work hours and meetings have to be planned according to Haroon’s schedule. Motherhood is the best thing that can happen to a woman,” she adds.
The actress makes it clear that questions about her failed marriage to Ranvir Shorey will not be entertained. For Konkona, despite the ups and downs, life has just begun. Her son and her work have redefined life for Konkona.