Tanusree Chakraborty Reflects on Her Acting Journey, ‘Deep Fridge’ Success and Strong Women in Bengali Cinema

Hyderabad: Acclaimed Bengali actress Tanusree Chakraborty continues to build an impressive body of work both critically and commercially, earning praise for her performances across a wide range of roles. Most recently, she received the Best Actress Award for her performance in Deep Fridge at the Telangana Bengali Film Festival (TBFF) – Aayna 2025, adding another milestone to her career.

Appearing at the festival in Hyderabad, the actress spoke about her cinematic journey, the challenges of portraying layered characters, and her belief that hard work and authenticity remain the keys to success.

A Career Built on Curiosity and Passion

Tanusree’s journey into the entertainment industry began while she was still in college. Although she started receiving modeling and advertising opportunities at an early stage, her parents encouraged her to complete her education first.

After earning a degree in Political Science, she pursued acting professionally and landed her debut film Bondhu Eso Tumi in 2010.

Her breakthrough arrived with Uro Chithi (2011), a film that brought widespread recognition and appreciation for her performance. Since then, she has collaborated with several respected filmmakers and established herself as one of Bengali cinema’s versatile performers.

Reflecting on her career, Tanusree emphasized that every film remains special regardless of awards or commercial success.

“For me, acting is about understanding the character, connecting with their emotions, and portraying them honestly on screen,” she said.

The Emotional Depth of ‘Deep Fridge’

One of Tanusree’s most talked-about recent performances is her role as Milli in Deep Fridge.

The film revolves around a divorced couple and explores the emotional complexities of relationships, memories, and personal growth. Tanusree described Milli as one of the most layered characters she has portrayed.

According to the actress, preparing for the role involved extensive character exploration and self-reflection.

She approached the script by asking detailed questions about the character’s past experiences, motivations, emotional wounds, and behavioral patterns. This process helped her build a deeper connection with the role.

“Even when I wasn’t performing as Milli, I felt like Milli. That’s how deeply I connected with the character,” she explained.

Why Bengali Cinema Produces Strong Female Characters

Tanusree believes that strong female representation in Bengali films is deeply connected to Bengal’s cultural heritage.

She pointed out that the region has a longstanding tradition of worshipping powerful goddesses such as Durga and Kali, which naturally influences storytelling and character development in cinema.

As a result, many Bengali films feature women who are independent, determined, emotionally complex, and central to the narrative.

Her character Milli, she noted, reflects that same strength and resilience.

Advice for Aspiring Actors

Having spent more than a decade in the film industry, Tanusree offered simple but meaningful advice for newcomers hoping to build successful acting careers.

“Listen to your heart, stay positive, and work hard,” she said.

The actress emphasized that persistence, dedication, and a genuine passion for the craft are essential qualities for anyone entering the entertainment industry.

A Love for Sarees, Food and Creativity

Away from film sets, Tanusree enjoys simple pleasures.

She revealed that her favorite comfort meal after a long day is home-cooked dal, rice, and vadi, describing it as both comforting and nostalgic.

When it comes to fashion, sarees remain her preferred choice, with a particular fondness for South Indian sarees.

Interestingly, if she had not become an actress, Tanusree believes she would have pursued a completely different profession.

“I would either be a chef because I’m a foodie, or a teacher because I’m naturally curious,” she shared.

Looking Ahead

From her debut in Bondhu Eso Tumi to award-winning performances in films like Deep Fridge, Tanusree Chakraborty has consistently demonstrated versatility, emotional depth, and commitment to her craft.

As Bengali cinema continues to evolve, she remains one of its most respected performers—an actress who combines artistic integrity with audience appeal while continuing to explore challenging and meaningful roles.