By Tanmay 
MLA Papia Adhikari Exclusive Interview: ‘There Was a Culture of Humiliation; Now, Work Will Proceed Without Anxiety’
By [PrimeInsight Magazine Staff]
In an exclusive and heartfelt conversation, newly elected MLA Papia Adhikari from Tollygunge opens up about her big win, her plans for Tollywood, and the changes she wants to bring to the film industry. Here are the highlights from the MLA Papia Adhikari exclusive interview:
How much has your life changed since becoming the MLA for Tollygunge?
Papia Adhikari: Quite a lot. It feels really gratifying to know that such a big constituency is now in my hands. But the work is challenging. I never do anything without proper study and preparation. Every night I read the Constitution, and I’m doing deep research on every area in my constituency. Without that, you can’t truly serve the people.
Defeating a four-time MLA was tough, but I went door-to-door and spoke to everyone. That’s when I understood that people were completely fed up with the old system. They wanted change — and that change has finally come.
Did you expect BJP to get a majority this time?
Papia Adhikari: I had a strong feeling even during the last election. In 2021, I contested from Uluberia South. If you check the VVPAT records, you’ll see I was actually winning until noon on counting day. But I was pushed out of the counting centre. This time, thankfully, nothing like that happened.
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Your fans haven’t seen you in movies for a while. Will you return to acting?
Papia Adhikari: Yes, definitely. Acting is my profession. But as Papiya Adhikari MLA, my first duty is to serve the people of Papia Adhikari Tollygunge, and I have already started that work.
What are the biggest problems in Tollywood right now?
Papia Adhikari: The industry hasn’t really formed as a proper, professional entity yet. We are trying to build it correctly. Corruption and Tollywood syndicate culture have spread everywhere. They were taking “cut money” from everyone. The Federation’s records show only 24 names, but there are thousands more who aren’t listed. It’s like a complete farce.
What about the “ban culture”? Will artists with different political views now be able to work freely?
Papia Adhikari: Yes. Tollywood ban culture ended. The concept of ban no longer exists. In this Papia Adhikari Interview, I want to make it clear — everyone will now work with complete peace of mind. There was a culture of humiliation that pushed many to the edge. That era is over.
Will old cases related to Tollywood be reopened?
Papia Adhikari: Nothing will be overlooked. Under the Chief Minister’s leadership, old files are being reopened. If any crime is found, the guilty will be punished.
After Rahul Arunoday Banerjee’s death, there were demands for better safety on film sets. Has anything been done?
Papia Adhikari: Safety is very important. Whether the team is shooting in the mountains or by the sea, their security must be guaranteed. Production houses also have a big responsibility. Sadly, Rahul’s child and family still haven’t received any support.
You had promised that Messi would come to Kolkata. Any update?
Papia Adhikari: (Laughs) I got heavily trolled for that! But I have spoken to Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik. I gave my word, and I will bring Messi to Kolkata. He will definitely come.
Papia Adhikari’s clear message is that Tollywood will now move forward without fear, anxiety, or political pressure. In this MLA Papia Adhikari exclusive interview, she presents a hopeful blueprint — one where talent gets priority and every artist can work freely and peacefully.
তন্ময় ‘প্রাইমইনসাইট’ (PrimeInsight)-এর প্রতিষ্ঠাতা ও প্রধান লেখক। কলকাতা-ভিত্তিক একজন উৎসাহী ব্লগার ও স্বতন্ত্র ভাষ্যকার হিসেবে তিনি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ বিষয়গুলোর ওপর তীক্ষ্ণ ও বাস্তবসম্মত দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি তুলে ধরেন।
সঙ্গীত, সমসাময়িক ঘটনাপ্রবাহ এবং রাজনীতি—এই ক্ষেত্রগুলোতে গভীর জ্ঞানের অধিকারী ইন্দ্রজিৎ তাঁর লেখায় সাংস্কৃতিক উপলব্ধির সাথে রাজনৈতিক বিশ্লেষণের সমন্বয় ঘটান। জাতীয় ও বৈশ্বিক ঘটনাবলির সাথে সংযোগ বজায় রাখার পাশাপাশি তাঁর লেখায় কলকাতার বৌদ্ধিক ও শৈল্পিক সত্তার প্রতিফলনও ফুটে ওঠে।