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It's been awhile since deepti Naval acted in firaaq. Come March 20 and the actor  will be in town to do a bengali film titled Parapar(crossing). Sharing screenspace with her is director Rituparno Ghosh.

So, what prompted Deepti to take up an acting  assignment in Kolkata and that too, one which is derected by newcomer Bunty?

"The whole concept of the film is interesting. i like the feel of the film too. Today it's important to works with youngsters. They come with fresh ideas. As far as parapar goes, there is no money involved in my case. the film is, however, not completely in bengali. I'll be playing a bengali woman who lives in Delhi. So no cotton saris for me.Returning to shoot in kolkata is a nostalgic experience for me . I had shot there for Tapan sinha's Didi," she says.

Sources inform thet the film is about a mother coming to terms with her son's sexuality. Though Rituparno is playing a gay character again after having made his acting debut in Aar Ecti Premer golpo, he isn't playing deepti's son. i didn't know about AEPG. In Parapar, Ritu is also the creative director. I love Ritu's movies, especially Chokher Bali and Raincoat. his sensibility appeals to me," Deepti adds.

In recent times, some actors have claimed that acting opposite directors often put extra pressure on them because there is a possibility of being cast by the costar director in his/her next movie. Does Deepti herself  feel her pressure? "No, "she says, adding,"when in front of the camara, I am so consuned with the character that I don't think of that. as far as Ritu goes, he can only help me cram my bengali lines."

So, what's the status of her directorial debut- Do Paise ki Dhoop, Char Aane Ki Baarish? "I wish I could say when it's going to be released. The film is about the coming together of a sex  worker with a desabled child and a gay songwriter. While Guljar saab has suggested the title, sandesh shandilya has composed the music. Manisha( Koirala) plays the sex worker and Rajit Kapur plays a gay songwriter. "Tell her that her film has been described as a 'sensitive, unconventional love story told in a conventiona way and she says, "That's because there are no smart-cuttings and going back and forth. My attempt has been to say with the film's emotional track. perhaps, that's why the film has been described that way."

Finally, with so much debate over the Women's Reservation Bill, what's Deepti's take on it? "There is a lot of dichotomy in society where women need that extra push to be at par with men. In that context, the Bill is relevant," she signs off.