EXCLUSIVE - ‘Working with Manoj Bajpayee was like an acting masterclass’: Priyanka Bose on ‘Jugnuma – The Fable’

Actor Priyanka Bose has consistently chosen roles that defy conventions—from ‘Lion’ (2016) to ‘Agra’ (2023) to her most recent release on September 12, 2025, ‘Jugnuma – The Fable’. In an exclusive conversation with Mathrubhumi, the internationally acclaimed performer spoke about working with Manoj Bajpayee, her instinctive approach to acting, dealing with creative blocks, and why she thrives on stories that unsettle. 

‘Jugnuma – The Fable’ hit theatres across India on September 12, presenting a hauntingly lyrical tale directed by Raam Reddy. In the film, Bose portrays Nandini, Dev’s wife, a character marked by stillness and deep emotional weight within the magical-realism tapestry of the story. 

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: What was it like sharing screen space with Manoj Bajpayee in 'Jugnuma – The Fable'?

Priyanka Bose: Working with Manoj was like attending an acting masterclass without it ever feeling like one. His stillness and presence are contagious. In one scene, he said very little, but his silences gave me so much to work with. That reminded me of how generosity between actors truly elevates a performance. I’ve worked with male leads who weren’t as generous in sharing space—when your character is placed with the intention of interconnectedness, choices become less complicated.

Q: How did this role come to you in 'Jugnuma – The Fable'?

Bose: Raam sent me the script. Before saying yes, I went back and watched his first film—that’s what drew me in. I realised he wasn’t just asking me to play a part but to bring myself into it. That’s rare. When that clicked, I knew I wanted to take the plunge.

Q: Did you prepare differently for this character?

Bose: I like to prepare until I can throw the preparation away. For this one, I researched deeply into the context and emotional landscape, but also left space for instinct. Sometimes I’ll write pages in the character’s voice, sometimes just observe people. It’s always a balance of structure and surrender.

Q: Do you see yourself as instinctive or a method actor?

Bose: Instinctive, but with scaffolding. I don’t lock myself into one way of working. Every character demands a different entry point—sometimes physical, sometimes psychological, sometimes even as simple as finding the right shoes. But when the camera rolls, I forget everything and trust my instincts.

Q: How would you describe your career arc so far?

Bose: Unpredictable, and that’s the beauty. From the intimacy of ‘Agra’ to the scale of ‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021), each project forced me to grow and question myself. It doesn’t feel like a linear arc—it feels like a mosaic, with each piece adding to the bigger picture.

Q: What kind of stories excite you the most?

Bose: Stories that make me uncomfortable in the best way. Characters who are messy, contradictory, and unapologetically human. I want narratives that ask questions rather than give answers. I love the push and pull of restraint, control, and letting go.

Q: Have you faced creative blocks?

Bose: Of course. Sometimes nothing flows, and you feel lost. For me, stepping away helps—I dance, travel, listen to music. Creativity can’t be forced, but it can be nurtured. I’ve wanted to walk away so many times this year. Things get dark but then there’s this inner ember, and sometimes friends, who remind me why I started. I’m here to honour my parents’ struggle and mine, and to reach a place where we can all thrive in possibilities.

Q: What’s the one thing about acting or the industry you don’t enjoy?

Bose: The waiting. Not just on set, but waiting for projects, for decisions out of your control. As actors, we give so much, yet so much is uncertain. It teaches patience, but it’s the hardest part.