In a world where young talents often choose between academic pursuits and artistic passions, Parijat Chaudhuri, an alumna of Techno India Group Public School (TIGPS) Konnagar, stands as a shining example of how to excel in both. With remarkable achievements in both her higher secondary examinations and a burgeoning career in the entertainment industry, Parijat’s story is one of dedication, unwavering support, and a deep love for what she does.
The Genesis of an Actress: A Filmy Introduction
Parijat’s foray into acting began at a remarkably young age, a journey serendipitously initiated by her parents’ existing connections within the film industry. “My journey as an actress began with the film Arshinagor by Aparna Sen,” Parijat recalls. Her father, a researcher for films like Rituparno Ghosh’s Chokher Bali and lyricist for Aparna Sen’s Goynar Baksho, was instrumental in this initial step.
“Aparna Sen, or ‘Rina Mashi’ as I call her, asked my father if I was interested in a character for one of her films,” Parijat explains. Her father, who always envisioned her in show business, readily agreed. What followed was a memorable audition where an eight-year-old Parijat, despite having all her teeth grown when the role required missing front teeth, bravely offered to have them removed. “Rina Mashi was very surprised that an eight-year-old girl was saying she would remove her teeth for a character!” she laughs.
This audacious spirit marked the beginning of a remarkable career. Parijat went on to star in films like Khato by Kamalesh Mukherjee and Parobash by Niladri Lahiri, where she had the profound experience of sharing the screen with the legendary Soumitra Chattopadhyay. More recently, her elder self graced the screens in the web series Indubala Bhater Hotel, directed by Debaloy Bhattacharya, and she is currently captivating audiences in the Zee Bangla daily soap Mittirbari.
School Days and Subject Love: English at TIGPS Konnagar
Reflecting on her school life at TIGPS Konnagar, Parijat speaks with evident fondness. “My school life was amazing, and I miss that life,” she shares. She credits the entire faculty for their immense support, especially given her demanding acting schedule. “I couldn’t attend school very often because I was very busy with my acting schedule and my academics,” she admits. “Even if I got one or two days’ break, I couldn’t go to school because I had other works, I had to go to tuitions and all.”
Parijat specifically highlights the pivotal role played by her principal, Sujit Sir. “My principal sir, Sujit sir, helped me in every way, not just through attendance or through giving me notes or other things or practical exams, but in every way, morally, every way he supported me.” As for her academic passion, she reveals, “My favorite subject is English, and that is the subject I want to pursue in the future as well.”
The Juggling Act: Balancing Academics and Acting
Scoring well in her higher secondary examinations while actively engaged in the entertainment industry is no small feat. Parijat readily acknowledges the difficulty. “It is difficult to manage both acting and academics,” she states. “Daily soap is a huge responsibility; you have to shoot every day 14 hours, and you barely get time to sleep, to eat.”
The decision to take on a daily soap, Mittirbari, was particularly challenging. “When I was taking this offer, when I was signing the agreement of Mittirbari, I was very perplexed,” she confides. However, her unwavering dream to pursue acting and her desire to give 100% to everything she does propelled her forward. “I slept barely, I barely slept one or two hours. I used to shoot 14 hours and then come home, study, have food, sleep for a bit, then again study, and then again come to shoot,” she recounts, describing the period as a “tufan.”
Despite the immense pressure, the rewards made it all worthwhile. “At the end of the day, when you score good marks, when your audience are liking you, you feel that one or two hours of sleep is nothing in this case,” she says, her voice radiating satisfaction. “So you can stay awake, I can stay awake all night, all day just to get this appreciation.”
The Pillars of Support: Family and School
Parijat is quick to acknowledge the crucial role her support system played during this demanding phase. “As I have said, my family, my school, everyone, my teachers, my friends were amazing, touchwood, and they are still supporting me in every way,” she emphasizes.
She reiterates her gratitude to her principal, Mr. Jana (Sujit Sir), and also fondly remembers her coordinator, Anuprata ma’am, who has since left the school. “I’m really, really grateful to both of them,” she states.
Words of Wisdom for Future Konnagar Achievers
When asked for advice to current TIGPS Konnagar students balancing their studies with other passions, Parijat humbly offers, “I’m too small and I’m too junior to give advice.” However, her simple yet profound message resonates deeply: “If you love what you are doing, if you genuinely love what you’re doing, whether it’s acting, whether it’s dancing, whether it’s painting, whether it’s singing, anything it can be, just give your best.”
She encourages students with her own journey: “If I can do what I’m doing, then you can do as well. Just keep confidence, just have your confidence, you know that whatever happens, you have nothing to lose in your life. So that’s it. That’s the only advice I’ll give. Love yourself, and others will fall in place.”
A Heartfelt Farewell to TIGPS Konnagar
Parijat concludes with a heartfelt message to her alma mater. “The only thing that I’ll say to my teachers and students of… to the school, all total, that I miss you guys.” Her gratitude is palpable as she expresses, “I’ll always, always be grateful to what this entire TIGPS, Techno India Group Public School, has done to me and always been by my side and always helped me through every case, through every steps in my life. I’m grateful to the entire company, to every teacher, to every classmate that I had. I’m grateful, and I’ll miss you guys.”
Parijat Chaudhuri’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the invaluable support of family and educators. She truly embodies the spirit of TIGPS Konnagar, proving that with dedication, dreams can indeed become a vibrant reality.