Noida, March 12, 2025: Celebrated filmmaker, actor, and activist Aparna Sen takes center stage in the much-anticipated third episode of Duologue with Barun Das. Hosted by Barun Das, MD & CEO of TV9 Network, Duologue has established itself as a platform where icons from diverse fields engage in deep, often revelatory conversations. In this riveting exchange, Sen delves into issues of societal norms, feminism, storytelling, and the significance of her family legacy.
A fierce advocate for women’s empowerment, Sen revisited the controversies she encountered in her youth when she spoke openly about relationships, sex education, and personal choice—topics that were taboo in her era but now align with modern feminist discourse. Reflecting on her progressive views, she stated, “I said that I think, you know, it’s better for people to live together before marriage… and when I have children, I am not going to tell her not to go to bed with men because she is not going to listen to me. I am going to teach her about contraception.”
Sen maintains a pragmatic outlook on marriage, acknowledging its benefits while recognizing the legitimacy of alternative family structures. She champions the importance of emotional bonds over rigid societal norms, stating,
“I still believe in marriage because it can work very well for some people. It provides companionship; it provides a very stable environment for children… but I don’t see it as the only possible alternative or option for a man and a woman to stay together today.”
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Discussing the current state of Bengali cinema, Sen expressed concern over declining content quality, attributing it to changing audience preferences and the dominance of daily soaps. Drawing parallels with the UK’s film industry, she noted, “They could not compete with Hollywood; they had to rely very largely on their television industry. Only a few films were made from Britain.”
Barun Das reflected on Aparna Sen’s impactful journey, stating, “This duologue reflects that Aparna Sen’s journey is a testament to her courage, intellect, and unwavering commitment to social progress. Whether through her films, activism, or personal convictions, she is undoubtedly an enduring beacon of empowerment and artistic excellence. Such intellectual exchange caters to the purpose of the duologue; it ignites perspective-shifting discourse.”
Sharing her own thoughts on the experience, the National Award-winning director remarked, “It was great fun. The duologue that Barun Das and I did because we argued like mad, and it was very exciting. And I think you will find it fun to watch.”
Duologue with Barun Das continues its tradition of delivering insightful and thought-provoking conversations. Viewers can tune in to News9 to witness more such engaging exchange of ideas.
