Payal Ghosh is an Indian actress who has done films like Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi, Mr. Rascal, Prayanam, and others. She is also a politician in Ramdas Athawale’s political party. The Kolkata Mail Correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the actress in an exclusive chat about her upcoming works. Excerpts..

Can you tell us about how you began your journey as an actress?

Payal Ghosh- I was doing my 12^th at that time when I realized I should be in films. My family is very conservative. And I would not be able to pursue my acting career. So I came to Mumbai where my cousin stayed. I joined an acting school in Mumbai and I got an offer from BBC for a tele-feature film. After that, there was no looking back as I got offers from the South film industry. That is how my acting career began.

Has language even become a barrier when you have acted in the South film industry?

Payal Ghosh- When I started working in the South films, I hardly knew the language. The language was like Hebrew to me. I only knew about the heroes who worked in Bollywood like Nagarjuna, Rajinikanth, and others. But what I was good at is memorizing my lines. So even though I did not understand the language, I memorized the lines and acted. Later they dubbed it. Now after so many years, though I cannot speak the language, I know the language better. I can emote even better than before.

You have worked in a BBC Telefilm, a Canadian film, Telegu, Kannada and Bollywood films. How is the experience different for the different industries?

Payal Ghosh- Every different industry has their different way of working. The BBC film and the Canadian film that I have worked in were very professional. I find the South industry more professional than Bollywood. They maintain the shooting time. They never go beyond the shooting time. If they have to shoot at night, it is pre-planned. In Bollywood, there is always a delay in shooting time and as a result, the schedules get delayed.

What prompted you to join Ramdas Athawale‘s political party? How challenging is the job as the vice-president of the women’s wing of the party?

Payal Ghosh- It was more like joining a political party. I am a social activist. I do my bit for society and serve the people. When Ramdas Athawale sir approached me, I told them that I would not be able to devote myself full-time as a political worker. They then asked me to be the face of the party and inspire the women workers from time to time. I have been doing that now. I also joined the party so that I could get more chances in doing my bit for the party.

What kind of roles appeals the most to you?

Payal Ghosh- I have played school and college girl roles in the majority of the films as I began my acting career at a young age. However, I want to do challenging roles. I did a Kannada film directed by a National Award-winning director where I had a split personality. Roles like that appeal to me the most.

As a celebrity, you often have to deal with controversies. How do you deal with such problems?

Payal Ghosh- What can you do about it? This is a part of every actor’s life. If I have to say anything about a topic, I say it. If I feel that I can ignore it, then I keep my mouth shut.

When can the audiences in Bengal get to see you in a Bengali film or web series?

Payal Ghosh- I am looking forward to doing a Bengali film. In the beginning, I want to do offbeat roles. Later on, I might try commercial films. But as a Bengali, I want to do a Bengali film.

What is next in line for you?

Payal Ghosh- I am shooting for Red opposite Krushna Abhishek and I also have a few South films lined up.

All the best Payal!!