I’m a sponge! I learn,” says Anangsha Biswas, who shot to fame with Mirzapur (2018). While the franchise gave her recognition, it also blurred the line between an actor and the character. Biswas says people often assume she is as “easy” as Zarina — a perception she finds both rewarding and upsetting. “It’s satiating and sometimes frustrating when people think I’m easy because of my character. Satiating because I essayed it so well that people think I’m actually easy and I can be bought for a night. Frustrating, exactly for the same reason. What a paradox!”
Rasika Dugal as Beena Tripathi in ‘Mirzapur’ franchise
The actor is now looking forward to Mirzapur: The Movie. “Initially, this part seemed a bit of a touch and go. Only two scenes and a Holi dance number was offered to me, but I had worked with Gurmmeet [Singh, director] before and we shared a similar passion for the craft, so I said yes. The rest is history,” she says. While she remains tight-lipped about the film, she hints that audiences will see a different side of Zarina. “She was a survivor — strong, ambitious, who was both judged and envied. Zarina is grey. All I can reveal is that she has many layers that will be discovered.”
On favourite character
Anangsha Biswas says watching Rasika Dugal as Beena is a treat. “Beena’s power of manipulation reminds me of Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth. It is so well-written, layered, and beautifully essayed by Rasika. Her silence speaks volumes.”