'Dear Ma' is about love that transcends blood ties, says director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury
Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury
, best known in the country for his Hindi film 'Pink', said his latest Bengali flick 'Dear Ma' explores love, romance, and responsibility, with adoption woven in as a sub-plot - not the central theme.
Speaking to PTI on Friday, Roy Chowdhury described the film as an emotional journey centered on an adopted child and her parents, touching on multiple aspects of familial love.
Starring Bangladeshi actor
Jaya Ahsan
, along with Chandan Roy Sanyal, Dhritiman Chatterjee, and Saswata Chatterjee, the film released in theatres on July 18.
Roy Chowdhury told PTI that 'Dear Ma' is an extension of his first film 'Anuranan', followed by 'Antoheen', 'Pink', 'Kadak Singh' to name a few where romance and affection are portrayed in various shades.
"Dear Ma is one of the most poignant, expressive phrases ever uttered by a child. The film's ultimate message is what I call mom's magic," the director said.
The film centres on an adopted child and her parents, production house sources said.
"Didn't we once write in postcards 'Sri Charaneshu Ma'? Even today, we utter 'Ma' instinctively when overwhelmed with emotion," he said.
Mandira Bedi's filmmaker husband Raj Kaushal no more; suffered massive cardiac arrest
"The story is rooted in personal experiences-mine and screenwriter Sakayajit Bhattacharya's - and I believe every viewer will leave the theatre with moist eyes."
While developing the storyline, the title 'Dear Ma' automatically struck my mind and it stayed on, he added.
On the decision to return to Bengali cinema after a decade since his last Bengali film, Roy Chowdhury said, "I had to make this in Bengali. It felt personal and essential. That said, 'Dear Ma' is also being released in other regions to reach a wider audience."
Asked whether the film aims to raise social awareness about child adoption, the filmmaker said, "Adoption is just a layer in the story.
The film delves much deeper - into the bonds between mother and child, a husband and wife, and the emotional crises people face in life. Adoption is only one of the subplots."
He added that 'Dear Ma delivers' the message that life itself is magic.
"What matters is the emotional bond, not whether it's biological. The connection between souls can be stronger than blood," he added.
Talking about Bangladeshi actor Ahsan, he said, "She is one of the finest actors I've worked with - obedient, spontaneous, and deeply immersed in her character.
In one scene, she had tears in her eyes."
He also lauded the performance of the child actor who plays Ahsan's daughter in the film.
"She's incredibly spontaneous. In one scene, she had to question her mother and then hold a gaze. She nailed it in one take. The mandatory three-month workshop we held before the shoot really helped the cast inhabit their characters."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
39 minutes ago
- NDTV
Exclusive: Mohit Suri Reveals His Wife And Paap Actor Udita Goswami, A DJ Now, "Is Asked To Play Saiyaara At Gigs"
New Delhi: The Saiyaara wave is everywhere from box office records to club dancefloors. Director Mohit Suri, in an exclusive chat with NDTV, revealed that the film's massive success has reached his home in the most unexpected way: his wife Udita Goswami, who's a DJ now, is getting flooded with requests to play the Saiyaara soundtrack at gigs. "Yes, my wife is a DJ, suddenly everyone is asking her to play Saiyaara," Mohit said with a smile, acknowledging the surreal moment the entire family is experiencing. The filmmaker added that while his wife has always been his biggest support system, this success feels like her moment just as much as his. "She has known me for the last 22 years. It's very difficult being in her position because the highs are not that high sometimes and the lows are very low but you still have to be there supporting," he said. For the unversed, Udita Goswami made her debut in the Hindi film industry with Pooja Bhatt's Paap (2003). She acted in Mohit Suri's directorial debut Zeher with Emraan Hashmi. She went on to act in films like Aksar, Dil Diya Hai, Kisse Pyaar Karoon, Apartment. But she left films a decade ago and became a DJ. Mohit, who married Udita after a decade of being in the film industry, said the couple skipped holidays and made sacrifices while he was working on Saiyaara. "There's always that one love you share which is your obsession with your film. She made all those sacrifices and never made it difficult for me," he said. Their daughter is now enjoying the spotlight too. "She suddenly realised I'm famous and she's loving the paps covering us. The last time when she was spotted, started making her hair and I was like what are you doing?" he laughed. "My son didn't care much. He's like what is happening?" Meanwhile, Saiyaara minted Rs 273.50 crore at the domestic box office within 13 days of its release. Globally, it crossed the Rs 400 crore mark.
NDTV
41 minutes ago
- NDTV
Pooja Batra In A Black Monokini Will Wash Away Your Monsoon Greys
Pooja Batra is a trendsetter. From traditional outfits to chic silhouettes, her wardrobe brims with versatile options. The actress, also a globetrotter, often drops travel-appropriate style pictures on social media. In her latest Instagram post, Pooja Batra raised the temperature in a black monokini. The outfit not only beat the monsoon blues but also dished out tropical-wear inspiration. "Going under the rainfall in the rain has its own splash of life and dash of nitrogen," the actress captioned the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pooja Batra Shah (@poojabatra) Pooja Batra seamlessly blended glamour and confidence in a black swimsuit that came with a scoop neckline and thin spaghetti straps. The mid-section of the swimsuit featured mesh panels, creating a subtle, textured detail in contrast to the solid fabric of the bust and bottom portions. In the pictures, the actress can be seen bathing under a natural waterfall. She left her hair open in all its brunette glory. Keeping her makeup minimal, she showcased her radiant skin and pink lips. The second-to-last image in her album showed Pooja Batra sitting on a cliff. In this picture, the star had a jacket tied around her waist. She wore black sports shoes to complete the look. Pooja Batra is an Indian actress, model, and former beauty pageant titleholder. She was crowned Femina Miss India International in 1993 and represented India at Miss International 1993. Pooja made her debut in the Hindi film industry with the 1997 film Virasat. She went on to star in over twenty films, including Bhai (1997), Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999), Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya (2001, and Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story (2005). The actress also starred in American television series such as Lethal Weapon, Timeless, S.W.A.T., The Rookie and SEAL Team.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Renuka Shahane Highlights Challenges In Marathi Cinema: 'We're Competing With Hindi Films'
Last Updated: Renuka Shahane discussed Marathi cinema's financial struggles at News18's SheShakti event, emphasising storytelling despite funding issues. Veteran actor and filmmaker Renuka Shahane was a guest speaker at News18's SheShakti event, along with Shriya Pilgaonkar. She recently shed light on the harsh realities that the Marathi cinema is currently facing, pointing out the financial limitations that restrict freedom in the industry. In a candid reflection, Renuka Shahane addressed the economic pressures that Marathi filmmakers routinely face. 'Unfortunately, Marathi films are governed by the economics of it," she said. 'If you go beyond that, then you can be completely free with your thoughts and content." Highlighting the risk-averse nature of film production, Shahane added, 'Right now, it's difficult for any producer to sit on a winged horse and fly off into the sunset, unless he is going to get his money back. That is a huge issue for us because distribution and everything. We are in direct competition with Hindi cinema. It's very tough." Despite these hurdles, she believes Marathi cinema continues to carve its niche through powerful storytelling. 'Yet we are trying to do that with content because that's where we can tell very rooted stories, which might not require that amount of money," she explained, expressing hope in the strength of regional narratives. Her comments resonate at a time when regional cinema is increasingly gaining recognition but still grapples with funding, distribution, and market competition — especially when up against the commercial might of Hindi films. The Hum Aapke Hain Koun actor also addressed pay parity in the film industry. Citing her own example, Shahane said, 'I was a character actor in films. That, in any case, is a huge parity between character actors and main actors. You must accept hierarchy with grace. You have to fight for what you think you are worth." Shriya, who was also a part of the panel, spoke about how films and OTT shows are, evolving for the better. 'A lot has changed for the better. You have seen love stories of women who are in a certain age bracket. The idea that there is a certain age bracket for an actor is also changing. Some battles like pay parity very much exist," quoted the Mandala Murders actor. First Published: July 31, 2025, 20:39 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
