The popular star to discusses her journey, Junooniyatt and interesting facts not many people know about her
By Eastern Eye Dec 01, 2023
A PROLIFIC two-decade career has seen Rinku Ghosh deliver perfectly pitched performances on film and television, across diverse languages. The versatile Indian actress played a key role in the recently concluded TV drama serial Junooniyatt and is looking forward to taking on more challenges in diverse projects.
Eastern Eye caught up with the popular star to discuss her journey, Junooniyatt and interesting facts not many people know about her.
How do you reflect on your acting journey?
It’s been a nice two decades of my acting career, but there is still a long way to go. I’m still hungry and excited for new projects like a newcomer.
Which project has been closest to your heart?
My very first serial Durgesh Nandini and my Bhojpuri film Bidai are closest to my heart for many reasons. Both projects have played an important role in shaping my career.
What was the experience of working on Junooniyatt like?
Junooniyatt was very special. Amazing production house with Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta – I’ve never seen such wonderful, down to earth producers, always ready to help and support everyone. Very nice, cordial unit to work with. Amazing ensemble of artists
. Wonderful director and his team. Junooniyatt became like a family in a very short span of time.
How did this character compare to others you have played?
Oh, I was in love with my character Maheep Mehta from Junooniyatt – her aura, attitude and style were totally different from the characters I have played till now. I have always played soft characters, but Maheep Mehta got me out of my comfort zone. I was loving playing a character that was completely different from the real me.
Why do you think the show was so loved?
It was a well-written show, a triangle love story with family drama. Each and every character was important in the show, with nice turns and twists, which kept the audience glued to it, and some very good performances.
Do you think it went off the air too soon?
Yes, I do feel it went off air too soon. There was so much more to give from the makers side – the audiences got hooked to it, with increased ratings the last two weeks. But alas it had to come to an end.
What do you enjoy watching as a member of the audience?
I love watching real life movies, documentaries, suspense, thrillers, and my favourite horror, but I cannot watch it alone.
Do you have a dream role as an actress?
For me, a dream role is anything that is challenging and allows my performance to exceed the characters I have done till now.
If you could master something new, what would it be like?
I would like to master singing and Kathak.
Tell us something about you that not many people know?
I am an introvert and not a very social person. If given a choice, I would prefer being at home with my family.
What inspires you?
Good work, great performances and humanity inspire me.
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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