Raima Sen 2024 experienced deep personal loss – she lost her father; Bharat Dev Varma November. The actress, who has until now kept to herself, is still dealing with grief, and she spoke to us about her relationship with her father, how losing him has impacted her life, her plans for 2025, and more.
“My father often told me that one should be ambitious, but it is very important to spend time with your family so that you can have no regrets in the future in 2024. It made me realize not to take people and time for granted. What matters is you Relationships with Family “I feel my dad’s presence wherever I am; the people you love; everything else is temporary. ”
Raima and her father Bharat Dev Varma
What has 2024 taught you as a person?
I lost my dad, who was my best friend. It taught me that death is the most real thing in life; it is inevitable. My father’s sudden death made me face my worst fears, so now I have nothing to fear. Moreover, I will return to work and life will continue, but now, it is time for me to reflect on myself.
Would you say you’re smarter now?
I don’t know, but I’m a converted person now. Before, my father took care of everything, but now, I know I have to take on more responsibilities. He used to take care of everything at home for us, so we didn’t have to think about anything. This emptiness is something I can’t explain.
What to expect in 2025?
I just want to live life to the fullest, enjoy every moment, and do what I want to do. I don’t even know what tomorrow will bring, so I want to live today like it’s my last.
I am reviewing some Bengali scripts and I will select the best ones after I finish shooting for Hindi films in January. I also plan to only take on projects that I feel are worthy of my time and energy, otherwise I would be spending time with my family. And I won’t go the extra mile to please anyone anymore; I’ve had enough.
Raima Sen shares a candid moment with her furry best friend Dasho at home Image: Tathagata Ghosh Makeup and Hair: Ujjwal Dutta Styling: Ayan Hore
Do you now understand the life lessons your father gave you?
Dad always lived in the moment; he was a fun-loving person. Now that he’s gone, I realize how important his lifestyle was. Furthermore, the only way to cope with grief is to live in the present moment. He also once asked me about my value interpersonal relationshipsbecause nothing else is real. That’s what I’m doing now.
How do you deal with grief?
I can’t go back in time and change anything; I can’t change my future. So, I live in the moment and deal with it. Sometimes I cry, but I believe going through these emotions makes me stronger.
We heard that you used to share everything with your father.
Yes. I used to tell him everything after a long day at work. The only thing we didn’t talk about was my boyfriend because he was very possessive of me. He used to think that no boy was right for me. Dad often said: “You have so much, so live happily.” Why get married? Have some assistants with you 24×7 who will take care of you. That’s his philosophy (laughs).
Dad used to cut out all my articles and file them away. I would tell him that everything is digital now, but he would do it anyway.
Raima Sen admits that she is a total daddy’s princess, adding that she is the closest person to her father in her life
We heard he was a great foodie.
Yes. He is the life of any party – from arranging the food and drinks to the music, he is an expert at it all. So, after his christening, we organized an evening on the terrace where his friends came to celebrate his life through food and music.
You have also had a relationship──Do you still believe in love?
I do believe in love because I see it up close. But I wanted someone like my dad; someone I could date or marry. He understands me, forgives me, loves me unconditionally, and is on my side. Even if my mom was angry with me before, my dad would say, “Get some money and get out.” Once she calms down you can go home.
Picture: Tathagata Ghosh Makeup & Hair: Ujjwal Dutta Styling: Ayan Hore
So, are you waiting for Mr Right to settle down?
I believe in fate, especially after my father passed away. The right thing only happens at the right moment. So, I’m not in a hurry, everything should happen organically. I elevated my father to a position that no one else could. Maybe that’s why I haven’t found Mr Right yet. Now let’s see how things develop. I can’t go back in time, so I live in the present and deal with my grief. Sometimes I cry, but I believe going through these emotions makes me stronger.
“Dad once told mom (Moon Moon Sen) and me not to read all the gossip about us. His advice was: ‘Ignore, do your job and always keep your head high,'” Raima said
Dad is the peacemaker in the family and my biggest supporter. I believe only the truly lucky find the kind of love my parents had for each other.
