The timeless Sharmila Tagore recently flew to the Cannes Film Festival to represent Satyajit Ray’s 1970 classic Aranyer Din Ratri, which was restored and screened at the prestigious event. Now 75, Sharmila described the festival as an eye-opener. “So many luminaries from world cinema knew and recognized the film. The love for Satyajit Ray is undiminished. After so many years, it was so reassuring to know that Ray and his cinema receive the same love—perhaps even more now than when it was released.”
Sharmila Tagore reflects on Cannes, Satyajit Ray, and her legacy
The stunning diva began her cinematic journey with the legendary Satyajit Ray, collaborating on five of his most acclaimed films. When asked which directors had the greatest influence on her career, her response was immediate.
“Oh, definitely Hrishida (Hrishikesh Mukherjee). He was a major influence on my career in Hindi cinema. The range of films I did with him—from Anupama to Chupke Chupke—is staggering. Then of course Shaktida (Shakti Samanta). His Aradhana and Amar Prem are among the most important films of my career. There are many more… even Asit Sen, who remains relevant and underrated. In his Safar, the heroine was a doctor—which was quite rare for female protagonists in the 1960s and ’70s.”
Still deeply connected to cinema, Sharmila remains open to new opportunities, though she is selective. “But it has to be something worth my while. Otherwise, I’d rather be at home gardening, reading a good book, or spending time with my children and grandchildren. I was recently offered Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, but I couldn’t do it for health reasons.”
Also Read: Sharmila Tagore on Aranyer Din Ratri at Cannes; reveals, “Satyajit Ray did everything himself”
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