Take a chance, shoot your shot, understand what your heart truly wants, find your "ikigai" and work hard for what makes you happy. The worst that could happen is that your shot won't go through but the best that could happen is it WILL, and that's where the magic lies.
Tell us about your background and journey.
My parents put me into Hindustani classical vocals and Kathak dance lessons when I was little. Throughout school, I spent most of my time in the dance and music room and participated in competitions. Eventually, the time came to make a choice between the two and I chose music and went on to graduate from Berklee College of Music.
I came back to India in 2016 and have since released a string of independent singles. I had the opportunity of playing festivals in the country like Hornbill and NH7 Weekender and abroad such as the Panama Jazz Festival as well as smaller intimate gigs which I absolutely love.
Acting happened quite by chance in the latter half of 2020 when I auditioned for an advertisement. One ad led to more and now I'm 11 ads and one Netflix series old. Feels like Ishq has been the highlight of my year so far!
How did you get 'Feels like Ishq' on Netflix & how was the experience?
I received an audition call on WhatsApp and decided to give it a go. I had my dad help me with the prompts, it was actually quite funny. I didn't imagine it would go through but I was elated! The cast and crew were incredibly sweet.
I was very excited to have Saba as my partner in crime in the episode because I knew her from the music scene already. I was a baby on set because I was excited by everything- it was so new to me!
I also fell asleep between shots which is now a running joke. Our director, Danish, made me feel at home and created the easiest, friendly atmosphere. Those 4 days in December were breezy and exciting!
What is your character Muskaan like & what challenges did you face?
Playing Muskaan felt great because she is literally me, but funnier! She is an ambivert, has a world of her own in her head, has a small circle of friends who know her best and is the worst at starting conversations first.
She is a riot once you get to know her though. Danish said the characters walked in straight from real life into the story, I feel the same.
Is format training required or can one train themselves purely on the basis of talent?
Some of the greatest musicians never went through formal training in the art form. Their skills were sharpened only through performing and writing more and of course, they were immensely talented.
I feel it surely helps you gather in-depth knowledge to study the art but if you have an inclination towards it, you can always practice and teach it to yourself.
For a complete outsider with inroads, what advice would you like to give?
Take a chance, shoot your shot, understand what your heart truly wants, find your "ikigai" and work hard for what makes you happy. The worst that could happen is that your shot won't go through but the best that could happen is it WILL, and that's where the magic lies.
What does your typical day look like?
On a regular day when I'm home and not travelling for work, I make myself a really healthy, delicious breakfast of fruits and smoothies. If I don't have a recording or shoot, I read.
I listen to music and dance- that counts as my workout as I actually hate working out. Answering emails and messages aside I make sure I message my closest people and keep in touch with them. I spend a lot of time on my roof garden writing and I end the day with a cup of tea and ticking off my to-do list for the day.
Brief Bio:
Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, 26, is an actor and singer-songwriter based in Delhi, India. Sanjeeta debuted in long-form on the Netflix series “Feels Like Ishq” in 2021 and is seen in advertisements for brands such as Bumble India, Instagram, Dream 11 and Samsung.
A graduate of Berklee College of Music, she has been a part of music festivals such as Panama Jazz, Hornbill, NH7 Weekender and Magnetic Fields. Her track, “Everything’s Fine?” put her on Spotify’s global emerging artist program, RADAR in July 2020.
Instagram - Sanjeeta Bhattacharya
Interviewed by - Vanshika Jain
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