Bengali actress Madhumita Sarcar teamed up with Soham Chakraborty for Debraj Sinha's new-age detective film, Felubakshi which releases in theatres on January 17. In an exclusive chat with IBNS correspondent Souvik Ghosh, Madhumita speaks about the film, reveals her travel plans and reflects on life...

Q. How was the journey of playing a Radio Jockey and an assistant to a detective?

A. It was interesting because my role was very layered. On one hand, she was chirpy, bubbly and speaks well while on the other, she was as serious as a detective could be. She is involved in all aspects of mystery solving, not just in fight sequences. I got to portray both the soft and the hard aspects of the character. Adding to that, I could play a role in a film which was shot on a commercial scale. My wish to play a heroine materialised and that too with a commercial hero.

Q. How did you learn the art of being an RJ?

A. Being an RJ is very difficult. RJs can't show their emotions as they are not revealing their faces. All they have is their voices to attract the listeners. I got help from professionals. It was very overwhelming for me to see such setups. But it was a new experience for me and my respect for this profession has increased manifold.

Q. Like actors, RJs too can't reveal their personal emotions while going live on a show. Could you relate to that?

A. Yes, I felt it. There is a certain similarity between an RJ and an actor. An actor performs with his/her entire body, voice and soul while an RJ with attitude, perspective and voice.

Q. How did you prepare for the fight sequences?

A. I had learnt it for a Telugu film which is yet to be released. So the Telugu film had actually prepared me. I was very excited upon learning that I was going to have fight sequences in Felubakshi. I was also happy to break out from my soft onscreen image.

Q. How do you maintain your fitness and what regime do you follow?

A. I follow intermittent fasting, a protein-based diet, low carbs, and eating beetroot. I am always into physical activities. I try to hit the gym regularly though I have not been able to do it amid the festive season. But I am going to return to the gym once the festive season is over (smiles).

Q. You are a mountain lover. What's your travel update?

A. I haven't been on any tour in the last three months but I am all set to travel once Felubakshi is released.

Q. You told us in a previous interview that you were keen to learn drumming. Could you manage to do that?

A. No. I couldn't because of some bigger priorities in my life right now. I have always believed in keeping myself busy because remaining idle leads to depression. I have no interest in falling into depression by doing nothing in life. I believe in learning something which in a way will benefit me in the long run. I am looking forward to learning drumming once I manage to get some time. I am still in love with drumming.

Q. Do you have any New Year's resolutions?

A. I try to but ultimately it fades within a few months. I think it's the same for most people. So I am not going hard on myself. I usually jump from one thing to the other quickly as I get bored of anything very fast and that eventually leads me nowhere. So I have decided to develop perseverance this year.

Q. Netizens are interested in your personal life and any change in it as always. What's your headspace right now, personally and professionally?

A. I want to do meaningful work. As an artiste, I want to contribute to this industry and the world so that people remember me for ages. I want to live a fulfilling, happy life where the aim is not only to achieve professional success but also remain happy in life. I have realised the importance of remaining happy in life with age.

(Photo courtesy: Madhumita Sarcar Instagram handle)