Exclusive! Plabita Borthakur talks Sutliyan, Bombay Begums Season 2, her ‘dream role’ and upcoming projects

Plabita Borthakur has played a multitude of roles on the big screen and small, the last one being a SonyLIV movie #Homecoming and the newest, the ZEE5 series Sutliyan. Directed by Shree Narayan Singh, the series follows the reunion of a family after the pandemic, their interpersonal dynamics and more. Borthakur plays Ramni Chandel, who seems to function as the backbone of the family; more will be revealed after the show releases today.

Previously, OTTplay had spoken to the entire cast but this time we had a chat specifically with Borthakur, who also shed light on whether there has been any progress on the second season of Bombay Begums. 

Excerpts below:

Could you tell me more about your role?

My role is of a sister and a daughter, as a lot of us girls. My character Ramni has a lot going on in her life. She has issues with her mom, she fights with her brothers, but in the end, like most of us, she will go to any length to be there for her family. That’s also one thing about her I can also relate to.

What was it like working with the cast? You seem like a close-knit on set family already and have such a great rapport. How did that happen?

You know, it’s funny because usually you meet somebody and then you shoot for a long time with them, you meet them more often and then a nice friendship happens. For us, we instantly bonded like it was just meant to be. For me, Ayesha (Raza), Vivaan (Shah), Shiv (Panditt) and Lyra (Niharika Lyra Dutt), it probably took us a day or two. Lyra, me and Vivaan met at the airport, and since then I think it began. It was an instant bond. You know, a lot of times we shoot, we go outdoors, and everyone says ‘It’s been so nice, stay in touch,’ but then it never happens. With us, it has happened. We are keeping in touch. We are more than just friends, we have made our own family.

What have you taken home from playing this character on Sutliyan, from being a part of this story?

First of all, I’m fortunate to have been a part of this whole show because the shooting experience was amazing. We had a lot of fun shooting. What I took home was not about the character or the script, but the friendship and the love of all my co-actors and everybody on set. This will be there with all of us, this bond, for the rest of our lives. Apart from that, I really enjoyed playing this character because of the co-actors, because of the way our scenes were done and the way it was shot. As an actor also, I learned a lot. This was a long shoot and every scene was done very differently than what I’ve done in the past. I’ve done a lot of cuts but here we were shooting long one-take shots.

You’ve been in quite a few web series and OTT films, the newest one being #Homecoming. What attracts you to this format?

As an actor, there’s no difference for me between shooting a film or a series, ad shoots are obviously different. It is not about the platform, but mostly about the script, character and what the team is like, and who are the people who are making it. All of this makes me come to a decision. It’s mainly the script. If I like something and if I believe in it and relate to it, if I’m excited about it, that’s what works for me. I didn’t know #Homecoming was going to be on OTT, so I just liked the script and went and shot for it. It’s the same with Sutliyan and everything else I’ve done. If I want to be a part of something because of the creative process, it works.

What’s it like being a fairly new actor in the OTT age? What’s the best part? Is there a downside as well?

I don’t really know. If I planned and thought that much, I would have really reached greater heights. I don’t think so much. I’m honestly just happy to be here, do all these shows and films. I’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of nice scripts come my way. They are very different, very beautiful or edgy. I feel very fortunate to have done very different kinds of roles. Like when I used to do ads, all I got to play was the cute girl-next-door. So, when I got into the film space, I really enjoyed playing these different roles, which is so thrilling. Apart from that I don’t really think about where I’m headed because I like living in the now.

So, you don’t want to move on to Western or foreign language TV shows?

Sure, if it comes my way I would love to do it.

Do you have a role in mind or someone you would really like to work with?

If you’re not talking about foreign directors, then I would really like to work with Vikramaditya Motwane. And my dream role is to play a serial killer.

You also played a very relatable role of a young woman trying to make it in a big city in Bombay Begums. Have you begun shooting for the new season and when will it be out?

I’m not aware of when we’re going to start shooting. Not heard of anything yet. But I hope it happens soon.

The internet tells me that you’re also a musician. Could you tell me more about that part of you? Did you ever want to take this up full-time?

I did have a band. I’m saying ‘did’ because we’re not very active. My band members will kill me for saying this. It’s been a while since we met and jammed. And I really enjoy singing and composing. I love being on stage, when I’m performing and singing with my band. This is more than a hobby, for sure. It is something that I’m really, really passionate about. But after the release of Lipstick Under My Burkha, I got a little busy with the acting gigs, so music took a backseat. But I do keep feeling now and then that I should really do something about it.

What’s next for you?

My other show will be out soon, it’s called Escape Live. It’s a very exciting character that I’ve played. I’m also doing a film called Nayeka that we’re still filming.

Watch the series' trailer here: