Dr. Santwana Bardoloi, a paediatrician by profession, is a film-maker by choice. Her maiden directorial feature film Adajya (The Flight) has been widely appreciated both in India and abroad. The film bagged the prestigious G. Arabindan Puraskaram (1997) and Jury Awad in "Asian Directors" competition, Delhi (1998). It also bagged the National Award for Best Cinematography (1997). Actress Bhagirathi received Jury’s special mention. Adajya was screened in 15 film festivals the world over.

Basically, an actress of repute, Dr. Santwana Bardoloi made debut on stage in her school days through the Assamese version of Henrik Ibsen’s Wild Duck. Since then, she has been performing in selective works on stage, radio and television. She won the Best Actress Award with her immaculate performance in the play My Fair Lady by George Bernard Shaw at the All India Drama Festival at New Delhi in 1973.Dr. Bardoloi recently talked to this correspondent about her acting career and debut movie. Excerpts from the interview:

How do you feel about the success of Adajya?

As a director, yes, I am happy that the film has been taken seriously. When you complete a film, particularly in the North-East, you need to cross many barriers. And we have crossed many hurdles in completing the film.

What are ‘those many barriers’ involved with film production in the North-East?

These involved both pre and post production difficulties. Film-making is a serious job. One needs basic infrastructure, both technical and non-technical. Here, in Guwahati, while shooting a scene if a generator fails, you will have to search for a mechanic. Then, for final editing, for almost everything, one has to run either to Calcutta or Madras or Mumbai. All these increases the cost-per-unit of film-making. Also, there is lack of finance for serious and quality film.

But Jahnu Barua and others are too making films of calibre here in Assam.

That’s true. As regards to quality, we have this factor on our side, but not the basic infrastructure required for film-making.

What are the remedies?
Development and growth of the basic infra-structure needed for film-making in the North-East. Guwahati, in the context, can be the nerve centre. We need a film city like in Noida, near Delhi, or like the one in Hyderabad. All the State Governments of the North- East region with the Central assistance, should come forward to develop such a film city in Guwahati, the gateway to the region.

Who produced Adajya?
An association of close friends, well wishers and family members.

How much money did you require for the final screening of the film?
Rs. 14 lakh were spent
to produce and another Rs. 2 lakh for the release of the film. A total of Rs. 16 lakh was spent.

What do you think about the growing violence in Indian cinema? Doesn't depiction of violence on the screen affect the society?
See, screening of violence within limit for script’s shake is OK. Very recently, I saw Dushman (Hindi) where the rape scene crossed the limit. But in original Hollywood version of Scent of Woman and An Eye For An Eye, the same theme was shown in a more decent manner.

As regards the second question, yes, depiction of limitless violence does influence the young minds.

What about Fire controversy?
It’s basically about two lonely women and their emotions.

What about the role of Censor Board in this context?
I happened to meet one of the jury members who confessed to me that many of the board members do not actually go through the set norms of the board. That’s why many unwanted scenes sneak through.

Your next film?
I am still looking for a subject.