In one of the most heartfelt cinematic comebacks in recent times, the legendary Rakhee Gulzar returns to the silver screen after a 22-year hiatus in Aamar Boss, a Bengali-language film directed by the acclaimed duo Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy.
The film, grounded in deep emotional insight and social commentary, not only reintroduces Rakhee to a new generation of audiences but also showcases her enduring grace, simplicity, and remarkable professionalism.
In an exclusive interview with MoneyControl, the directors candidly shared their experience of working with the veteran actress, her unwavering dedication, and how she seamlessly slipped into the role of a loving mother with elegance and authenticity.
The concept of Aamar Boss stemmed from an increasingly relevant social issue. Nandita Roy, who co-wrote and co-directed the film, explained the inspiration behind the story: “I have seen many nuclear families where both parents are working and they are struggling to bring up their children and also look after the elderly parents. What happens is when they cannot look after elderly parents, they usually shunt them off to old age homes… I felt, what if we create creches for elderly people also? They can spend time with like-minded people, play games, enjoy music, and stay in a happy frame of mind. It’s time we give our elderly something to look forward to,” she added.
The decision to cast Rakhee Gulzar in the lead role was not merely a creative one—it was deeply personal. “I could not imagine anybody else playing this role,” Roy said. “She and Shibu look so much alike, they look like mother and son.”
Shiboprosad Mukherjee, who not only directed the film but also played the role of Rakhee’s son, recalled the emotional connection that sealed the deal: “She kind of replaced her brother with me,” he revealed.
“Her brother, whom she deeply loved, had passed away. His name was also Shubh. When she met me, she saw that connection, and that emotional bond brought us even closer.”
However, her agreement to do the film came with one heartfelt condition. “There was one condition,” Mukherjee shared. “She said, ‘You have to play my son. If you play the role, then I will do the film.’”
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Despite being one of the most revered actors in Indian cinema, Rakhee Gulzar arrived on set with a humility and work ethic that left the entire team awestruck. “She said, ‘You don’t have to buy a costume for me… I will wear my own sarees. Just come and choose from my wardrobe,’” Mukherjee recalled with admiration.
Her simplicity extended further—into her makeup routine as well. “She did her own makeup,” Mukherjee added. “She only needed basic assistance but otherwise took care of everything herself. That’s how professional she is.”
Despite her stature in the industry, Rakhee Gulzar came to set with a readiness to collaborate, learn, and listen.
“She’s a director’s actor,” said Nandita Roy. “She listens carefully to what has to be done. Then she asks, ‘Can I also suggest something?’ And if I found her suggestion better, I’d say, yes, go ahead. She was very particular about understanding what we wanted,” Roy said. “She made sure to internalize it while also offering insights that could elevate the scene.”
The warmth Rakhee brought on screen translated just as deeply off it. Shiboprosad Mukherjee shared touching anecdotes that illustrated the motherly affection she extended toward him. “Like a mother, she’d scold me at the airport if I drank too much coffee,” he chuckled. “She’d say, ‘You won’t be able to sleep later!’ She didn’t have a team with her, so I told her, ‘Didi, you don’t have to worry. I’ll come pick you up, travel with you, and take care of everything.’”
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