Every day on set feels like a gift I want to unwrap slowly, says Hiya Chatterjee

Hiya Chatterjee is about to make her silver screen debut in Rahool Mukherjee’s upcoming love story Mon Maney Na, set in the misty mountains of north Bengal. From turning down her first offer because of college exams to portraying a layered romantic character, she opens up to CT about her journey so far – and the people who’ve shaped it.

All from Kalimpong.‘It was a no-brainer, I just knew I wanted to do the film’When Rahool first offered Hiya a role in Dil Khush, she had to turn it down because of college commitments. But fate circled back. “Later, when Rahool da called for Mon Maney Na and said, ‘There’s this character I think will suit you – why don’t you come and audition?’ I didn’t even think twice,” she recalls.“I absolutely adore love stories, so when I heard this was one, it was a no-brainer,” she says, her voice brimming with excitement.

“Plus, it’s a tribute to the ’90s romances – which I am a fan of, I knew this was something I wanted to be part of.”Her instincts were validated when her mother (Mohua Chatterjee) accompanied her for the script reading and instantly loved it. “Mumma said, ‘This is so lovely,’ and when I told Baba (Saswata Chatterjee) the story, he said, ‘This is a really good film to be your first.’ That approval from both meant the world to me.”

‘The role I play in the film is Gen-Z, but she is very different from me’The character Hiya plays isn’t much like her, and that’s precisely what made her choose the role.

“She’s a very Gen-Z girl, and very different from who I am in terms of attributes and attitude. But at her core, she’s totally Gen Z,” she says with a laugh.This contrast challenged her, especially as the love story revealed its many emotional layers. “I was nervous at first. Love isn’t just one feeling – it has so many shades. I wasn’t sure how many of those I could portray,” she says.But a solid team, workshops, and a supportive crew helped her keep calm.

“The first shot was scary in my head, but not in real life. From then on, it’s just been getting better.”

‘Ritwik doesn’t make me feel like this is my first film’Working opposite Bandish Bandits star Ritwik has been a grounding experience. “From our very first call, he’s been incredibly kind and welcoming. He’s so brilliant at his craft, but he never made me feel like a newcomer,” she says.She lights up when talking about their camaraderie, and adds, “We talk about our scenes, and he gives me the space to express myself. He makes me feel like I belong here, like I know what I’m doing — that this isn’t my first film.” The same goes for her director and the rest of the crew. “Rahool da has been the best mentor. He explains everything so patiently to me, even how to face the camera. DoP Madhura (Palit) di is helpful too.

Both of them have been my biggest support.” Hiya has been training with acting coach Daminee Benny Basu for two years and considers her as ‘Guru Maa’. ‘We follow the Eric Morris method. My parents trust her completely,” she says