Ankita Mallick set to make her film debut: TRP topper’s big-screen adventure

‘TV opened doors for me; it’s time to test my luck on the silver screen’Actress Ankita Mallick is moving towards a new chapter in her professional life – one filled with new experiences.

After wrapping up her popular television serial Jagaddhatri, Ankita is now set to make her film debut as actress Mahua Roy Choudhury in her biopic.

In a chat with CT, she opened up about coping with the show going off air, the memories she carries with her, dealing with social anxiety and her bond with co-star Soumyadeep Mukherjee. Excerpts.

Jagaddhatri is off air now. Emotionally and professionally, how are you processing this phase of transition?I miss the early call times – the alarm clocks, rushed packing, lunch breaks, makeup-room banter, and last-minute lines before the final take.

But I’m also stepping into my next chapter: films. Everything I’ve learned so far will guide me forward as I give my 100% to what comes next.

You’re entering films—starting with the biopic of veteran actor Mahua Roy Choudhury. Tell us about it. This opportunity means a lot. Even after so many years of her passing, people still remember Mahua Roy Choudhury with so much love and respect. To be able to step into her shoes is an honour and a huge responsibility.

I want to put my best foot forward to do justice to her legacy.How has your life changed since you stepped into the limelight?I’ve learnt that work will always come and go. Some projects click, while others don’t. But beyond the lights and cameras, what lasts is how you treat people. I want to be remembered not just as a good actor, but as a good human being.

Overcoming social anxiety has always been tough for you. Has acting helped you cope with that in any way?I do have social anxiety, which is why I avoid parties. Acting has helped me navigate it by letting me experience emotions and moments I might never have lived as Ankita.Through my characters, I’ve stepped into different spacesand that’s given me the courage to handle my own fears better.

But at the end of the day, I’m still Ankita. When I come back to real life, the social anxiety doesn’t just disappear but I’m trying to overcome it, taking one day at a time.

You are popular at macha shows. With social anxiety, how do you stay calm in front of large audiences? Tell us if you have rituals or habits that help your nerves before a public event?Honestly, no. Before public events or even a macha show I usually get excited and just go with the flow.

When at 2am I take the stage and the audience shouts: “We’ve been waiting since 4pm to see you,” all my anxiety melts away and their love gives me strength. Even after working 14 hours, I feel recharged because of their love. I simply show up and the audience’s energy fuels me.

Is Ankita dating her Jagaddhatri co-star Soumyadeep Mukherjee?(Smiles) The audience loved our on-screen pairing so much they think we are a couple in real life too – rather they want us to be together.

I feel as actors both of us succeeded where our pairing looked real to the audience. Now, when the serial is off air, I want to keep contact with a few people from the team and yes, Soumyadeep is certainly on top of the list.I am a private person so I steer away from social media. I do post, but I try not to succumb to the pressures of social media. Everyone needs some personal boundariesWhen a train leaves a station, it leaves something behind – a wisp of smoke, a mark, a memory. That’s how I feel now that my TV show is off air. I’m moving forward but I carry the experience with me