Actress Tannishtha Chatterjee recently shared her thoughts on her upcoming drama film Pastt Tense during a media interaction at the Jagran Film Festival. The actress attended the film’s premiere alongside veteran actor Paresh Rawal and filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan, celebrating a project that explores complex human relationships and painful truths. Speaking about her experience, Tannishtha praised the film’s layered storytelling, appreciated the opportunity to work with an experienced team and expressed happiness at finally watching the complete film with an audience. Her response offered a glimpse into the emotional depth of the project and the creative satisfaction she found in bringing her character to life.
When asked about her experience working on the film, Tannishtha said, “My experience working on this film was amazing. I have worked with Anand-ji before, and he always writes complex roles—this one is no exception. As an actor, it’s always a joy to take on such intricate characters. It was also wonderful to have the opportunity to work once again with Paresh-ji, Aditya, and Adil.” Her words highlighted how much she values roles that challenge her as a performer. For an actor, characters with emotional complexity can offer opportunities to explore different shades of human behaviour, and Tannishtha's comments suggest that Pastt Tense gave her plenty of material to work with.
The actress also spoke about the special experience of watching the film with an audience for the first time at the Jagran Film Festival. She explained that seeing the finished project with its complete sound design and music allowed her to experience it differently from the filmmaking process. “I shouldn't be the one to sing my own praises, but the film has turned out really well; I truly liked it,” she added. Her positive response reflected her satisfaction with the final outcome and the way the story comes together on screen. Watching a film in a theatre, surrounded by an audience, can offer filmmakers and actors a fresh perspective on the emotional impact of their work.
Directed by Ananth Mahadevan, Pastt Tense is a Hindi drama centred on Raunak, a 26-year-old man whose life changes when he discovers that he was adopted. Determined to understand his past, he begins searching for his biological parents and eventually uncovers the painful circumstances surrounding his birth. His biological mother is a survivor of sexual violence, and the truth leads him into an emotionally difficult journey involving identity, trauma and the pursuit of justice. Rather than relying solely on dramatic revelations, the film explores the lasting impact of past events on the people involved, giving the story a serious and thought-provoking dimension.
The film features Paresh Rawal as Aseem Rana, a negative character, while his real-life son Aditya Rawal plays Raunak. Tannishtha Chatterjee, Sharib Hashmi and Adil Hussain also appear in important roles. One of the most talked-about aspects of the project is that it marks the first time Paresh and Aditya have shared screen space. Interestingly, they do not portray a father and son in the story but instead play strangers, allowing both actors to approach their characters without relying on their real-life relationship. This contrast between their personal connection and their fictional roles adds another interesting layer to the film.
With its premiere at the Jagran Film Festival, Pastt Tense is drawing attention for its sensitive subject matter and ensemble performances. Tannishtha Chatterjee’s appreciation for the film’s complex characters underlines the importance of strong writing in stories that deal with difficult human experiences. Her enthusiasm for the finished film, combined with the collaboration between Ananth Mahadevan, Paresh Rawal and Aditya Rawal, has added to the curiosity surrounding the drama. For audiences looking for cinema that explores identity, family and justice beyond conventional storytelling, Pastt Tense promises an emotionally engaging experience.