Rituparna Sengupta, one of Indian cinema’s most versatile and enduring female superstars, recently shared an inspiring note on her life in films, calling herself a ‘shero’ who rose despite the odds. The National Award-winning actress, who has reigned over Bengali cinema for nearly three decades and successfully ventured into Hindi and regional industries, spoke candidly about power, gender, reinvention, and her unstoppable spirit.
‘I’m A Shero In A Male-Dominated Industry’
During a recent leadership conclave in Kolkata, Rituparna described her career as a journey filled with patriarchal challenges, perception barriers, and gender stereotyping. Yet she emerged as a ‘shero’ – a term she embraces to underline her distinct position as a woman leading with compassion, strength, and authenticity.
“Women are taught to be apologetic about their ambition. I never was. I believed in my craft, prepared for every role like it was my last, and showed up with my fullest self. In this male-dominated industry, I am a shero because I own my vulnerability and power together.”
From Tollywood’s Leading Lady To National Icon
Rituparna’s journey began with TV serials in the early 1990s, followed by her breakthrough performance in ‘Dahan’ (1997) which earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress. Over the years, she starred in over 200 films across Bengali, Hindi, Odia, and Kannada cinema.
| Key Milestones | Details |
|---|---|
| Debut Year | 1992 (Bengali television) |
| Breakthrough Film | Dahan (1997) |
| National Award | Best Actress for Dahan |
| Hindi Film Debut | Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh (2005) |
| Total Films | Over 200 |
| Production Ventures | Founder, Bhavna Aaj O Kal |
Breaking Gender Stereotypes In Films
Rituparna recalled instances when her pay was slashed for refusing glamour-centric roles or when her maternity break was viewed as a career-ending move. She challenged these structures by:
- Producing female-led films under her banner Bhavna Aaj O Kal.
- Selecting age-defying and socially bold characters, such as in ‘Dahan’, ‘Rajkahini’, ‘Muktodhara’ and the upcoming ‘Binodini – Ekti Natir Upakhyan’.
- Supporting young female directors and writers in regional cinema.
Her Perspective On Women In Indian Film Industry
1. Pay Parity Still A Dream
“There is progress but painfully slow. Top actresses are still paid one-tenth of their male co-stars.”
2. Ageism Remains Rampant
“Men get romantic roles till 60, women are pushed into mother roles at 35. This mindset must change.”
3. Gendered Narratives Need Overhaul
“Strong female stories remain rare, but OTT platforms are bringing some balance.”
Balancing Stardom And Motherhood
Rituparna, mother to a teenage son, shared how she struggled to balance filming in Kolkata and Singapore, where her family lives. She credits her husband and parents for being her emotional anchors, while emphasising that a woman’s personal life choices should not limit her professional aspirations.
Upcoming Projects
Rituparna is gearing up for multiple releases in 2025:
- ‘Binodini – Ekti Natir Upakhyan’ – A biopic of the iconic 19th-century Bengali theatre actress Binodini Dasi.
- ‘Datta’ – A film adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel.
- Hindi thriller series exploring psychological trauma and revenge.
On Reinventing Herself With Age
“I have never allowed myself to be caged by age, genre, or industry. Reinvention is my biggest strength. I am still learning classical dance, doing yoga, reading about psychology and cinema daily. A shero never stops evolving.”
Her Message To Young Women
Rituparna urged young female professionals to:
- Speak up without fear.
- Own their success unapologetically.
- Help other women rise.
She stressed that sisterhood remains a missing link in many creative industries, which slows systemic gender progress.
Industry Voices On Rituparna’s Legacy
Director Srijit Mukherji:
“She carries a rare blend of intelligence, glamour, and work ethic. Rituparna never rests on her stardom.”
Co-star Prosenjit Chatterjee:
“We created an era together. Her discipline and positivity make her a shero indeed.”
Why Rituparna Calls Herself A Shero
In a candid social media post earlier this week, she wrote:
“Being a shero is not about replacing the hero. It’s about standing rooted in your truth, in a world that wants to define you by someone else’s shadow.”
Industry Analysis: Female Representation In Bengali Cinema
| Year | No. of Female-Led Films Released | % Of Total Bengali Films |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 8 | 7% |
| 2018 | 12 | 10% |
| 2022 | 19 | 14% |
| 2024 | 22 | 17% |
(Compiled from regional cinema release data)
This upward trend indicates growing acceptance of female-centric narratives, with actors like Rituparna, Swastika Mukherjee, and Paoli Dam leading the way.
The Shero Phenomenon Beyond Cinema
Rituparna’s self-identification as a shero resonates with a wider movement of women rejecting tokenism and embracing leadership with empathy and courage. The term ‘shero’ combines heroism with feminine energy, underlining strength without patriarchal mimicry.
Conclusion
Rituparna Sengupta’s journey from a newcomer in Doordarshan serials to a reigning queen of Bengali cinema exemplifies resilience, reinvention, and rooted power. Her declaration – “I am a shero in a male-dominated industry” – is a clarion call for countless women to celebrate their journeys without seeking external validation. As she prepares for her upcoming biopics and digital debuts, the shero continues to redefine what it means to be an enduring star with purpose.
Disclaimer: This news content is based on public interviews, event speeches, and industry data. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice or endorsements. Readers are encouraged to verify facts from official statements and artist representatives for further details.
