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#KetchupTalks: "It’s a miracle to have a film like The Great Shamsuddin Family in our times."- Joyeeta Dutta

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A Suitable Boy fame Joyeeta Dutta talks to us about her latest film The Great Shamsuddin family and the courage and beauty of telling honest Indian stories!

In an era where cinema often skims through uncomfortable realities of family, faith, and modern India, The Great Shamsuddin Family arrives like a breath of fresh air. Directed by Peepli Live fame Anusha Rizvi, this witty family comedy-drama has won hearts with its honest take on generational clashes, subtle social commentary, and the quiet strength of women navigating love, tradition, and intolerance. Among its standout ensemble, Joyeeta Dutta shines as Latika, whose layered presence adds spark and nuance to the story's tender chaos.
In this candid conversation, Dutta opens up about why this film feels timeless and essential right now, the magic of working with legends like Sheeba Chaddha and Farida Jalal, her memorable first steps on a Mira Nair set, the enduring lessons from her theatre roots and a lot more!

Read all about it here!

The Great Shamsuddin family opened to raving reviews by the audience and critics especially for its social commentary on today's times. How important do you feel a film like this is in the current era?

It’s a miracle to have a film like this in our times and I think this film will never be dated. I think it will always be relevant because it talks about the pains of what it means to live and does so in a very humourous way. It’s real, its silences speak. It’s light and deep both at the same time which is why it’s so important.

What stood out to you most about the film?

The courage to tell this story with vulnerability which for me is great strength.

How was it working with veterans like Sheeba Chaddha and Farida Jalal? And what was the best part about a female ensemble?

⁠They were the best actors on set and in the film and I love them and I’m deeply inspired by their kindness and depth. They are so loving and beautiful! The best part of a female ensemble is that you are so relaxed!

⁠What was it like stepping onto a Mira Nair set for the first time in A Suitable Boy, especially while playing Tasneem, a character from the margins whose voice we rarely hear in big stories?

Mira Nair is one of the greats! She is so passionate and funny and loving and herself. It’s very inspiring. The set was awe-inspiring for me. I felt a childlike curiosity on set.

You went from a high-powered job at McKinsey to full-time acting- how did that leap feel, and what finally made you say, 'This is it, I’m chasing performance full-time'?

⁠I got a role in a Mira Nair musical, of course I had to leave my job. This was a chance I wasn’t going to miss and told myself we will take it as it goes. And here I am.

Training with Act One under N.K. Sharma and then with Adil Hussain must have been intense. How did those experiences shape the way you approach a role today?

The work always goes on and it’s a journey of uncertainty that one has to embrace.

⁠You’ve mentioned loving old Hindi film music, and stories about complex women. What’s a classic Hindi song or character that always moves you?

Jalte Hain Jiske Liye from Bimal Roy’s Sujata comes to mind now.

What are you working on currently? What should the audience be excited about?

I’m working on the second season of a show whose season 1 I really loved! I cannot share more at the moment but I’m excited to work with one of my dream directors and really amazing actors!

What do you think of Joyeeta's work? Tell us in the comments below!

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Peepli Live Anusha Rizvi The Great Shamsuddin Family Joyeeta Dutta