Women are finding strength in ‘Aajo Ardhangini’: Jaya Ahsan

Acclaimed actress Jaya Ahsan is basking in the success of her latest Bengali film, “Aajo Ardhangini”, which has opened to packed cinemas across West Bengal and several other Indian states. Directed by Kaushik Ganguly, the film has struck a deep emotional chord with audiences, with many screenings selling out and bookings continuing to soar.

Currently in Kolkata for the film's promotional tour, Jaya has been attending premieres and visiting cinemas to meet moviegoers. Speaking to The Daily Star, Jaya shared her joy at the overwhelming response.

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“I'm receiving an incredible amount of love,” she said. “The film is doing wonderfully, and the audience response to ‘Aajo Ardhangini’ has been truly heartening.”

One of the most memorable moments for Jaya came during a screening at Kolkata's iconic Nandan film centre. 

“Nandan can accommodate around a thousand people and is one of Asia's most renowned cinema halls. That screening was full as well. The audience response was extraordinary. Some people were even shouting that they wanted a third instalment of ‘Ardhangini’. Those reactions are unforgettable.”

Jaya was particularly moved by the diversity of the audience embracing the film. “So many women are coming to watch it—mothers, students, young women and elderly viewers. Seeing people from different generations connect with the story has been incredibly rewarding.”

The emotional connection audiences have formed with the film has left a lasting impression on her.

"After the screenings, many people want to come close, hold my hand or simply speak to me. Some mothers bless me, while others are moved to tears. They tell me how deeply the story has touched them. Those moments have touched me just as much."

Despite being at the centre of the film's success, Jaya insists the credit belongs elsewhere. “All the credit goes to director Kaushik Ganguly. He created such a beautiful story and brought it to life with great sensitivity. This success belongs to him.”

She also highlighted what makes the film stand out. "Audiences have seen countless stories centred on male heroes. Here, there isn't one. This is essentially the story of two women. The two heroines are the heroes of the film."

Jaya was equally generous in her praise for co-star Churni Ganguly. "Churni is an extraordinary actor and a wonderful human being. She has been incredibly warm towards me, and we've developed a genuine friendship."

What pleases her most, however, is hearing how the film has empowered women. "So many women have told me they have found strength in this story. That means more to me than anything else. People are braving heavy rain to come to the cinemas. I've visited several theatres, spoken to audiences, and witnessed their emotions firsthand. It's been an unforgettable experience."

According to Jaya, such an enthusiastic theatrical response has been rare over the past year, making “Aajo Ardhangini’s” success even more significant.

As part of the film's promotional campaign, she continues to visit cinemas across Kolkata, including Nandan and theatres in South Kolkata. She also recalled receiving an enthusiastic reception at Binodini Theatre, adding that the film is performing strongly not only across West Bengal but in other Indian states where it has been released.

Yet amid the celebrations, one thought continues to linger. "My only regret is that audiences in my own country haven't had the opportunity to watch the film,” she concludes.