Kolkata-born Anasuya Sengupta has made history as the first Indian actress to receive the prestigious Best Actress award in the "Un Certain Regard" category at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. She clinched this accolade for her performance in the film "The Shameless."
Sengupta, primarily known for her work as a production designer in Mumbai, has also ventured into acting, notably in the series 'Ray', directed by Srijit Mukherjee. However, it was her role in "The Shameless," directed by Bulgarian filmmaker Konstantin Bojanov,that earned her international acclaim.
The film, shot over several months in both India and Nepal, features Sengupta alongside popular actress Mita Vashisht. Sengupta's journey to acting in the film was serendipitous, as Bojanov, a Facebook friend, sent her an audio tape, igniting her interest in the project. Just four days after shooting, she emerged as the best actress.
"The Shameless" delves into the narrative of a sex worker who escapes after murdering a policeman in a Delhi red-light district, offering a compelling exploration of the character's psyche and the societal backdrop.
Anasuya Sengupta, an alumna of Jadavpur University's English Department, has been involved in Bengali cinema, notably portraying Taniya in Anjan Dutt's "Madly Bangalee."
Recently, she has been actively sharing glimpses from Cannes on her social media handles, marking a significant milestone in her multifaceted career.