Bhubaneswar: Odia actress Sivani Sangita is set to make her Tollywood debut with Bollywood actor, Sharman Joshi, in the upcoming Bengali film, Bhalobasar Morshum, which has been shot in Kolkata and Darjeeling.
Her photos with Sharman Joshi, who is known for his roles in Golmaal, Masti, Kashi and several other Hindi movies, in Darjeeling went viral on social media. She is seen walking down the streets of Darjeeling along with Sharman. In this film, which is likely to be released early next year, features Sivani as the partner of Sharman, who is playing the role of a professor in her college. “The film has been shot in two schedules—one part in Kolkata and the second in Darjeeling. We had started shooting the film in Kolkata last year,” said Sivani.
The film’s story, which is mostly about love and relationships, presents Sivani’s character as a girl from a well-to-do family. “My character will evolve in the film and has several layers to it. From a carefree girl and an adventurous girl, she will transform into a more matured person as the film progresses. Moreover, she will fall in love with Sharman at the first sight itself,” she said.
Recalling her days from the shooting, Sivani shared how Sharman was a humble person as a co-star to work with. “When I am shooting, I only focus on my script and mostly stay quiet at the shooting set. But it was Sharman, who would talk and make me feel comfortable. Moreover, since both of us didn’t know the language, we would talk to each other regarding the script. For me it was easier to learn the language as Bengal and Odisha are neighbours and there’s cultural similarities. In fact, when I am with my family at home sometimes we utter Bengali phrases,” she said.
Speaking about her acquaintance with the Bengali film industry, Sivani shared that she had seen some of the Bengali films earlier when filmmakers or producers would offer her work and ask her to watch their works. “Prior to this film, I have known a bit about the Bengali film industry and watched works of actor Jeet and filmamker Raj Chakraborty. And, of course actor Rachana Banerjee is an inspiration. We look up to her. Though she is a Bengali, she has done so many Odia films. People often compare me with her in Ollywood because of our similar looks. I feel shy as she is much accomplished as an actor than I am,” she added.
This film marks another step in the actress’s journey as she explores opportunities beyond the Odia film industry. “I am connected to my Odia roots. I will never leave the Odia industry. This is not any shift from Ollywood to any other film industry,” she said.
Bhalobasar Morshum is directed by MN Raj. The film also featuees Bengali actress Susmita Chatterjee and Bangladeshi actress Tanjin Tisha. Sivani was last seen in Odia films, Bara Badhu and Ganda Bhairav.