I didn't have the ideal launch that a star kid would otherwise get: Raima Sen

With a handful of Bollywood films to her credit and a successful career in Bengali cinema, actor Raima Sen has no complaints. The fact that she has come this far entirely on her own, without using her family’s connection in the industry, Raima says that’s something she takes pride in. “Right from the beginning, I went through my share of struggles. I didn’t have the ideal launch that a star kid would otherwise get, maybe because I came into films a bit too early. I never really had any backing as such,” shares Raima, daughter of former actor Moon Moon Sen and sister of actor Riya Sen.

The 37-year-old recalls how during her initial days in the industry, she went for several screen-tests and got rejected as well. “I struggled like any other normal person would. Not even for once I got any extra attention or special launch. But I don’t regret anything because I still, in spite of all that, got lucky with lot of directors who I have worked with,” she adds.

I am probably just relaxing now and enjoying the perks. Now I don’t have to do anything or don’t have to do as much hard work. Even while sitting in Calcutta, I am getting films.

With films such as Choker Bali (2003), Parineeta (2005), Manorama Six Feet Under (2007) and Teen Patti (2010) to her credit, Raima feels she has done her bit and now she is reaping the fruits of her hard work that she put in for all these years. “In Bengal, people work hard initially and enjoy the perks later. So I am probably just relaxing now and enjoying the perks. Now I don’t have to do anything or don’t have to do as much hard work. Even while sitting in Calcutta, I am getting films.”

The actor who has as many as five film lined up for release this year feels fortunate that her work helped her get more work. “Believe it or not, I bagged these projects while I was working in Calcutta, not that I was in Mumbai doing my PR or going for some meetings. So I think I am somehow lucky,” Raima quips.