Bandit Queen Seema Biswas speaks out
Seema Biswas (or Bandit Queen as she is better known for her role of Phoolan Devi in Shekhar Kapur's film) has the reputation for performing strong character roles. This actress has won several awards and has worked in Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam films. She regrets not having worked in an Assamese film despite being born in the violence-marred state whose film industry is completing 75 years of existence shortly.
Seema said her mother was an early influence in her career. "She was a history teacher and a towering figure for female theatre artistes in Assam. Through her, I came into contact with artists like Bhupen Hazarika, Phani Sharma and Bishnuprasad Rabha early in life."
Of Red Alert screened here at IFFI, Seema said the film reflected the Naxalite movement in India strongly. "It did not support the movement but showed how people got trapped between system, law and the movement. The film is based on the true story of a farmer who is trapped amongst the Naxalites. As far as my role is concerned, I am a Naxalite strongly believing in fighting for her rights and against the system. Not just Assam, many other states are also affected by naxalism and every day, in the last four decades, we read about these happenings."
In Seema's view, script is the essence for the movie's success. "Deep inside, I am longing to work with director Ram Gopal Varma, who is in a league of his own," she said
Seema is confident that before the industry completes 100 years, she would have worked at least one Assamese film. "I am always proud that my roots are in Assam," said Seema in parting.
