When Seema Biswas revealed she became possessive after reading the script for 'Bandit Queen'
Mumbai, July 30
Celebrated actress Seema Biswas once revealed that she became possessive after reading the script for the movie 'Bandit Queen'.
Speaking during a media interaction, Seema Biswas shared that she was looking forward to playing a challenging role like this.
"Bandit Queen has become a very good, strong, serious, and real film, I think. I feel very proud of it. I really want to play a challenging role like this," she said.
She further went on to share that after reading the script and familiarizing herself with Mala Sen's book on Phoolan Devi, she felt that only she would be able to play this character.
"The first time I read the book 'The Bandit Queen' by Mala Sen and the script of the movie, I was very moved. I became very positive. I felt that only I could do this role."
Made under the direction of Shekhar Kapur, "Bandit Queen" is based on the life of Phoolan Devi, inspired by the book "India's Bandit Queen: The True Story of Phoolan Devi" by Mala Sen.
With Seema Biswas as the lead, the project also has Nirmal Pandey, Aditya Srivastava, Saurabh Shukla, Manoj Bajpayee, Raghuvir Yadav, Rajesh Vivek, Anirudh Agarwal, and Govind Namdev performing crucial roles.
Backed by the banners Kaleidoscope Entertainment and Film Four International, "Bandit Queen" got a theatrical release on 26 January 1994.
Premiered in the Directors' Fortnight section of the 1994 Cannes Film Festival, it was even selected as India's official entry for the 'Best Foreign Language Film' at the 67th Academy Awards. However, it was not accepted as a nominee.
Nevertheless, "Bandit Queen" ended up bagging the National Film Award for the 'Best Feature Film' in Hindi.
The film enjoyed cinematography by Ashok Mehta, editing by Renu Saluja, and music by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I remember watching Bandit Queen in college and being blown away by Seema's performance. It's a shame the Academy didn't accept it for Best Foreign Film—those political dramas often get sidelined. Still, it's a landmark in Indian cinema.
Honestly, the passion she describes is rare. Most actors just take roles, but she *became* Phoolan Devi. The film's rawness and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's music made it unforgettable. Respect to Shekhar Kapur too for backing such a bold project.
Incredible how a film from 1994 still sparks conversations. I watched it last year and was stunned by the cinematography and Seema's intensity. The fact she read Mala Sen's book and then claimed the role shows true artistry. No wonder it's a classic.
Seema Biswas brings such authenticity to every role she does. Her possessive feeling about Bandit Queen is understandable—Phoolan Devi's story needed an actor who could capture the pain and strength. Good to see these behind-the-scenes insights still being shared!
It's fascinating when actors get possessive about roles—it shows they've truly invested emotionally. Bandit Queen was a game-changer for Indian cinema, though I wish the editing had been tighter. Still, Seema's performance is legendary. 🎬
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