We're honoured to have shared the screen with Mousumi Chatterjee, say Yash & Nussrat
Aarii
, directed by Jiit Chakraborty, is a poignant family drama that delves into the complex dynamics between a mother and her son. The film thoughtfully captures the emotional peaks and valleys that shape their relationship, offering a heartfelt exploration of the strength and fragility of familial bonds. Starring
Yash Daasguptaa
,
Nussrat Jahan
, and the legendary
Mousumi Chatterjee
, the film is extra special as it marks Mousumi's return to
Bengali cinema
after 12 long years.
Calcutta Times
caught up with Yash and Nussrat to chat about their experiences working on the film and what it was like sharing screen space with a veteran actress like Mousumi. Read on...
Tell us the story of Aarii.
Nussrat Jahan:
Aari
is an
emotional rollercoaster
that takes you through the highs and lows of everyday life. It's a film that feels real and familiar, capturing moments that make you laugh, cry, and pause to think. What makes
Aarii
so special is how easy it is to connect with—the characters, the situations, the feelings—they all feel like part of our own lives. With a perfect mix of nostalgia and modern storytelling,
Aarii
is a heartfelt slice-of-life movie that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Yash Daasguptaa:
Aarii
is a story that speaks to the heart—it explores emotions, love, and the weight of duties and responsibilities. It follows the journey of an ailing mother suffering from anterograde amnesia, and her son, whose life revolves around caring for her. It's a touching journey filled with laughter and tears—a true rollercoaster of emotions.
How did the title of the film come to mind?
NJ:
One morning, over a cup of coffee, Yash asked me, 'How do you like the name
Aari
for the film?' I couldn't resist the sweetness of the word.
Aarii
carries a lot of nostalgia. It has this soft, lyrical quality to it—almost like a whisper from the past. It feels personal, tender, and even a bit poetic.
YD:
We used this word innocently throughout our childhood. Whenever we had fights with friends, we used to say,
tor shonge aarii
. Even elders would tell us that
bhab
and
aarii
are part of life. Once the audience watches the film, they'll understand how perfectly the title fits the story.
How often do you two end up arguing and then say 'aarii' to each other?
YD:
The person I have the deepest emotional connection with is the one I argue with the most. So yes, Nussrat and I argue pretty often. But we always mend it—those arguments turn into
bhab
.
NJ:
During the filming of this movie, we've had fallouts and differences of opinion, which I believe are common in any workplace when you're striving for the best outcome. But there's an unspoken rule between us: no matter the issue, we resolve it before going to bed. If I'm at fault, I'm the first to apologize—and Yash does the same.
How is it working together as a couple? Do personal aspects get in the way?
NJ:
The decision to work together toward a common goal stems from a personal space. But on set, we're completely professional. Behind the scenes, we're often busy managing our respective responsibilities. Acting while also handling production is no easy task.
YD:
As producers, we have to ensure everything runs smoothly on set so the entire cast and crew feel comfortable and appreciated. Nussrat and I both make sure of that. Our professional chemistry is great—we always discuss things before making decisions. On screen, we play our parts with honesty, and I believe the audience enjoys our camaraderie.
Did Yash pamper you on the sets?
NJ:
I don't think Yash was in the mindset to pamper me as a heroine on set (
laughs
). Most of the time, we were focused on ensuring others were comfortable. That was our top priority as producers.
How was it working with a veteran actress like Mousumi Chatterjee?
YD:
We call her
Mou
, and she is the 'Shero' of our film. I play her son, and I must say, the affection she has for me is nothing less than what I received from my own mother. The whole team took care of her as much as we could—acting at her age is no small feat. And her acting prowess? Still as strong as ever. She'll always be a mother figure to us, and we're beyond happy and honored to have shared the screen with someone of her caliber. She's now a part of our lives forever.
In an interview with
Calcutta Times
, Mousumi said her chemistry with Yash is better than the Yash–Nussrat camaraderie?
NJ:
(
Laughs
) Absolutely true. A mother's place can never be taken by anyone. The bond between Yash and Mousumi Chatterjee goes beyond cinema—it's for life. I've seen them laugh and cry together on set, and they talk for hours on the phone. Their love is beautiful to witness, and it makes me so happy.
YD:
I'm truly grateful to God. We met for a film… but fell in love instantly, like family. In real life, I lost my mother a few years ago, and she lost her elder daughter. So, in many ways, we filled each other's voids.
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