An Exclusive Interview: Actor & Director Sasanka Samir

Absolutely. My engagement with the arts began very early in life. I grew up in a family and environment where storytelling was a natural part of everyday life. As a child, I was deeply drawn to films, literature, and theatre. I remember being captivated by the way stories could transport you to another world, evoke deep emotions, and make you think differently. That fascination never left me. Over time, it evolved from a childhood curiosity into a serious pursuit. I started writing, performing on stage, and eventually, making films. Each step felt like a natural progression — a deepening of that early love for storytelling.

The journey to Bhaimon Daa was long, demanding, but deeply fulfilling. The film took about five years to materialize from the initial idea to the final cut. The process was shaped by several challenges — creative, financial, and logistical. But I think the toughest part was actually the writing phase. Translating the raw, emotional core of the story into a compelling screenplay took time, patience, and many drafts. I wanted the narrative to feel authentic, rooted in real human experience rather than cinematic tropes. Once the script was locked, finding the right cast and crew who shared the vision was another challenge. Everyone involved had to feel a personal connection to the story. That sense of shared ownership made all the difference. There were moments when the project almost stalled, but the belief in the story kept us going.

Every film is shaped by the people who believe in it before it exists. For Bhaimon Daa, that early support came from my family who stood by me through uncertain years, from friends who offered honest feedback, and from a small but committed team of artists and technicians who worked beyond their call of duty. My mentors in the film industry, whose guidance has been invaluable, also played a crucial role. Their encouragement at critical junctures gave me the confidence to push through the harder phases of production.

Cinema has the power to transcend boundaries and bring hidden stories to light. Assamese cinema, in particular, has a rich tradition of storytelling that is deeply connected to the land, its people, and its struggles. I believe it is our responsibility as filmmakers to not only entertain but also reflect the complexities of our society. Bhaimon Daa is my attempt to contribute to that legacy — to tell a story that resonates with universal emotions while staying true to its cultural roots.

I want audiences to walk away from Bhaimon Daa with a sense of having experienced something real and heartfelt. I hope it stays with them — not as a film they watched, but as a feeling they carried home. If the story sparks conversations, stirs emotions, or makes someone see the world a little differently, then we have done our job. Beyond that, I hope it opens more doors for meaningful cinema from the Northeast to find its place on larger platforms.

One particular memory stands out. We were shooting a very emotional sequence late at night in a small village. The entire crew was exhausted, but there was this palpable energy on set — everyone was completely immersed in the moment. After we finished the shot, there was a brief silence, and then the entire village audience that had gathered around began to applaud spontaneously. In that moment, I realized that cinema truly belongs to the people. That memory has stayed with me as a reminder of why I make films.

On a personal level, this film has taught me patience and resilience. It has made me more observant of the world around me and more empathetic toward the stories people carry within themselves. The recognition validates the effort of the entire team and reaffirms that stories rooted in honesty and emotional depth will always find their audience. But the greatest reward for me is not the awards or acclaim — it is the quiet, private messages from viewers who say that the film touched them, that they saw themselves in it, or that it made them think about their own relationships. Those messages remind me why I embarked on this journey in the first place.

There is still so much more to explore, so many untold stories waiting to be brought to life. This feels like the beginning of a longer conversation with cinema. However, the greatest reward for us is something beyond awards — it is when the audience connects with the film emotionally.