Jaya Bachchan Film Turns 28: Actor Recalls 'Learning' Role

Govind Nihalani's critically acclaimed film Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa recently celebrated its 28th anniversary on March 20. Actor Joy Sengupta, who portrayed a pivotal character, shared his reflections on the film during a recent interview. He expressed that his initial aspiration was to work with director Govind Nihalani, whose previous works had a significant impact on him.

Sengupta described his role in the film as a profound learning experience, emphasizing its experimental nature rather than a pre-planned performance. He highlighted that Nihalani's directorial vision guided him, allowing him to understand the importance of integrating his performance within the film's overall narrative. The film's narrative extended beyond a mother's discovery of her son's secret life to encompass a fight for justice and human rights.

Reflecting on his co-star Jaya Bachchan, Sengupta found her to be very kind and sensitive. He noted that their on-screen chemistry felt organic, as they genuinely embodied their characters. Sengupta also commented on his presence in Hindi cinema, feeling underutilized in mainstream projects while actively engaged in theatre, OTT platforms, and other creative endeavors across multiple languages.