Life, like a film character, must be layered to be interesting, says Subhashree Ganguly

Actress Subhashree Ganguly opens up about her perspective on success, navigating tough times, the importance of financial independence, and much more. Read on...

People are saying this is the year of Subhashree Ganguly. What do you have to say to that?

This is all because of Him up there.

I have been in this industry for 18 years and those who know me personally are well aware that my professional life is just a part of my existence as a human being.

I am thankful to my audience if they say so, but I feel each year is mine.In my journey, all these past years have given me something which has enriched me and my failures have taught me to fight back. So, basically, I want to say, each year has brought its own set of lessons, shaping me both personally and professionally in meaningful ways.

I want to believe, protek ta bochor e amar! I only believe in hard work and rest is destiny. I will tell you why – if I think this year is mine then the next moment I will think what if the next few years are not mine – so I don’t let my mind get into all these thoughts.

What is that x factor that is clicking with Subhashree?

Ami erokom bhabe bhabie na... because if I start thinking about all these there will be no end to it and eventually it will hamper my performance. I work on myself as I don’t believe in anything that is temporary.

It is not that I am enjoying success for the first time as I have delivered many blockbusters in my career. I have only changed for the better and I can feel that, my surroundings say that as I believe in permanent things in life. I truly value the experiences I go through in life, as that would stay with me forever.

It also helps me to portray different characters on screen. I truly cherish the love and praise I receive from the audience – those warm hugs and kind words mean the world to me.

But I’m always aware that, in this industry, you’re only as good as your last film. And then I think about what’s next and I have to exceed that from my last film. So, my X factor is my dedication and hard work to do better.

You have been called the lady superstar of Tollywood...

(Laughs) The coinage has been given to me by the audience who love me unconditionally for the past 18 years and I feel grateful.All said and done, I remain grounded because I know the audience’s love will last only as long as I continue to deliver.

You are one of the most financially stable actresses of this industry. How important is this for any woman to have that independence?

I feel financial independence is one of the most crucial aspects of a woman’s life. Every woman deserves independence, identity, and the power to stand on her own terms. To me, financial independence is settlement. Period. Getting married is a choice but financial independence is non-negotiable.

There was a time when you were passing through a very rough patch in your personal life and also you were out of work. Do those days haunt you?

Those bad days taught me gratitude, built my resilience, and eventually made the brighter moments feel even more beautiful. So I am actually thankful for those times. Sob bhalo sob somoy boring kore dai jibon ke. Life, like a film character, should have layers to make it interesting. Moreover, you can’t control bad or good times. What is in your control is how you react to it or how you respond to it. How you conduct yourself in all situations is what maturity is all about.

‘Today’s generation should watch old films’

I really want today’s generations to watch old hits like Challenge and Poran Jai Jolia Re on the big screen to reconnect with a different era of Bengali films. Moreover, I feel watching films in theatres is always magical.

Quote blurbs:

I feel financial independence is one of the most crucial aspects of a woman’s life. Every woman deserves independence, identity, and the power to stand on her own terms

Acting is my profession, but at home, I’m just like any other woman, balancing responsibilities, caring for my loved ones, and taking care of myself

Success has never gone to my head – a grounding that I owe entirely to my upbringing and the values instilled in me early on

Getting married is a choice but financial independence is non-negotiable