Riya, Raima, Moonmoon Sen are new face of lifestyle brand

Riya, Raima and Moonmoon Sen.

Bollywood's mother-daughters trio Moonmoon Sen, Riya and Raima are the new brand ambassadors of lifestyle store chain Maya.

This is the first time that they will appear together in a campaign.

"We are very excited about joining hands with Maya by Gitanjali Lifestyle to celebrate womanhood and every little aspect associated with it. It's a pleasure to be part of a brand which caters to women across age groups and addresses their lifestyle needs, all under one roof," said the Sen trio in a press statement.

Riya, in the past, was associated with a jewellery brand while Raima did a few commercials for a watch brand.

Maya offers a melange of over 150 domestic and international brands with a mix of apparel, jewellery, watches, cosmetics, perfumes, footwear and accessories.

Nothing really bothers me: Riya Sen

Frankspeak is her forté. TOI gets Riya Sen to confess on sibling rivalry, sibling revelry and her much-talked about singleton status

This is your first film with sister Raima. Who will you give the credit for bringing the two of you together, the director, your mother or simply the wishes of the two sisters to be paired together?
The credit goes to everyone who has been a part of the making. My producer, for agreeing to make this
project possible, my parents for planting the seed of thought that it's inevitable that Raima and I should come together. We're just a year apart and belong to the same industry at the same time. And, of course, the director, who author-backed us.

The two of you have no scene together. But once back home, were there any sisterly squabbles over the day's shoot?
Rightly so, we don't share screen space together. We have never even shot on the same days. And when we met, we never really discussed our scenes. We talked about, just maybe our work experiences and what a great time we had being part of the unit.

Since this is your first with Rituparno and Raima can be said to be a veteran in this department, did she try to take an upperhand when it came to giving tips on the way to conduct oneself with the director?
Yes, she is a veteran. She called up the crew on the first day of my shoot and would ensure that I'm taken care of, in terms of my make-up, hair, clothes and food. I was simply pampered throughout — being Suchitra Sen's granddaughter, Moon Moon Sen's daughter and, of course, Raima's younger sister.

Pampering apart, who got scolded more by the director and who managed to get away?
We were both equally scolded and loved by him. I love him as a person. He has a fantastic sense of humour. I can spend hours chatting with him.

Rituparno has said that you are capable of doing things with such a straight face that people won't even know it's you. Any particular prank that you managed to get away with?
My pranks were never-ending. I was never stopped by the unit and, so, carried on. Actually, I do have a knack of pulling things off with a straight face, guess it runs in my family.

Did you go through the Tagore novella after you were roped in for the part?
Yes, I read it after I got the script. It's quite different from the film. My character, Kamala, is supposed to be quite a looker, whereas, in the film, I'm not portrayed so.

There are two women who come into Jisshu's life. In reality, have there been occasions when Raima and you have fallen for the same guy? Or a case where the same guy has shown interest in the both of you?
Well, we have very different tastes and my principles wouldn't allow me to like the same man as her. It would be terrible to have compromised in liking someone who has liked her too. And there's plenty of fish in the sea. Why target one? (Laughs). I get enough attention. I can't believe you popped this question at me.

Will it bother you if one sister gets more accolades than the other post-release?
Nothing really bothers me. I'm too engrossed in my own world to care less. Raima and I are sisters! Come on. Obviously we will always want the best for one another. We've grown up together.

Fair enough. Filmwise, why don't we get to see you in more Bengali films? Do you think directors here have a set image in their mind about you? Or would you blame it on yourself?
I have been offered several Bengali films. Due to destiny and good luck, "Noukadubi" will be my first. About impressions, I don't know and don't care. This is definitely setting all records straight as my director willed it to be.

Your Hindi projects...
My next release is " Tere Mere Phere", opposite Vinay Pathak and directed by Deepa Sahi. It's a romantic comedy that has me playing a very different role than my earlier ventures.

Films apart, you are the brand ambassador of Team Kochi. But had you been present at the match between Team Pune and Team Kolkata, who would your loyalty be with considering how Sourav is playing with the former?
I have been for many matches for Team Kochi, Pune and the Royals. I go at my convenience and depending on my work schedule. I love the game.

Rubbishing rumours of you dating Sreesanth, what would it take to woo Riya Sen?
Yes, I am single. Why is it that in every interview I'm asked this question? Does it matter?

Why date married men: Raima Sen

To get work in Mumbai, one can't go out of circulation, owns up Raima Sen.

With sister Riya becoming the face of Team Kochi, aren't you having loyalty issues?
There's no such issue. I'm only supporting Team Kolkata. When I was recently at the Eden Gardens, the producer of my Malayalam film called up to ask whether I would be cheering for Team Kochi. But I have a clear stand: I'm all for the Knights.

Didn't sister Riya insist on you supporting her team?
That Riya is the face of Team Kochi is her professional commitment. I think she's supporting Team Kolkata from her soul.

Are you open to being the face of any other team?
If it's a team other than the home franchise, it would again be a professional commitment.

Sometime back you made it to Goa on Mamata Banerjee's invite to be part of the then ongoing IFFI. Now that she is the CM of the State, any expectations from the new government?
Mamata Banerjee is known to put her words into action. She had expressed the desire to make a film city like the one in Hyderabad. I've not spoken to her after her win, but I think such a project will happen for real. I'm hopeful of a greener Kolkata.

Greener Kolkata? Literally or figuratively?
Literally (laughs).

How was it seeing Riya play a non-glam role in " Noukadubi"?
I think, my sister has done a brilliant job. And, it's not a difficult thing when you are working with a director like Rituparno Ghosh. The best part is that Riya looks so believable as Kamala. For me, it was like working in the same environment as that of " Chokher Bali", but Riya's case is different. It might have come as a surprise for those who haven't seen Riya from close quarters, but to me, it didn't come as a
surprise at all.

As someone, who is senior to Riya in both age and experience, were you benevolent in giving away acting tips?
Riya went by her instinct. I didn't have to give her any suggestion. But yes, I'm like Rituparno's daughter, who shares a good camaraderie with his unit. Riya, that way, is not familiar with the Tollywood set-up. When on the sets, I would ask Riya if she needed anything and at times, helped her break the ice with unit members.

With the two of you together, it must have been a mad house on the sets...
Riya and I don't share screen space in the film and even our shooting dates were different. So, that way, we were never together on the sets. Rituparno and Riya are friends and I'm sure they must have had a lot of fun shooting. Sadly, I missed out on all of it.

These days, you spend more time in Kolkata, while Riya is away in Mumbai. Are the two of you perfectly clued into each other's lives?
Of course. We have the same set of friends and we are always on the phone. Whenever Riya is in town, she drops in and we catch up during weekends.

You've suddenly been flooded with meaty Tollywood offers...
Yes, suddenly there are a lot of offers. Apart from "Abashesey" and "Baishe Srabon", "Chitrangada: The Crowning Wish", "Hason Raja", there are two more good offers. Actually, there are a lot of offers that way, but I'm keen on these two. But so much of work is scary. Thanks to all these commitments, I had to spend a major part of last year in Kolkata. I've just completed shooting for Tanuja Chandra's "Raakh"
opposite Rajeev Khandelwal. But you need to be in Mumbai to get enough work there. My
manager there had called up to say how there were a lot of enquiries last year as against 2011. 'Do we take a package deal of 10 shows and five appearances?' I was asked. So, you basically need to be there to make your presence felt. You can't go out of circulation. Because, in my case, a lot of people have started wondering if I've shifted base to Kolkata.

So, there's a dilemma?
My parents think I should stay back...

And make it to the top slot...
That's there. But they also genuinely want me to be with them. I would say, it's both. See, my
parents are here, my grandmother is here, so there are reasons why I should stay back. But I can't help miss the fast-paced life in Mumbai. In Kolkata, things move at a snail's pace. Also, I'm thoroughly missing my puppies and my pad there.

Who's taking care of the puppies?
There are a lot of good people in Mumbai. Also, Riya's there.

So, you mean you are here but still not going to be part of the rat race?
I don't want to do all kinds of films. There has to be exclusivity in my work. If I have five offers, I might take up two. But those two will have to bring me creative satisfaction.

Not eyeing the top slot then?
Umm... I want to come down and do good work. I want people to come up to me and say, 'I loved you in the film'. At the same time, I want to make the most of the little work that I get in Mumbai.

Coming to your latest film, how was it getting under the skin of Hemnalini?
Unlike my character in "Chokher Bali", I had to work on the body language here. I kept thinking for two days about the role. I didn't know how to pull it off. Hemnalini is a dignified lady, and I had to walk the part, talk the part. Though I haven't seen the Hindi version of the film, I think, it should have the same impact.

Hemnalini loves Ramesh, waits for him, without knowing he has got married. Do you think love transcends social boundaries?
Love transcends every boundary.

Does that mean you have no qualms about dating a married man?
Why would anybody date a married man? There's no point in doing that. One needs to think about one's own future. Relationship with a married man is not going to lead you anywhere.

Raima Sen flaunts her vocals!

For Raima Sen's role in Nouka Dubi, based on Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore's work, director Rituparno Ghosh went out of his way to make sure that Raima gets her Rabindra Sangeet perfect.

The actress was required to sing a Tagore song in the film and flaunting her vocal skills being a new arena for her, Rituparno decided to help her master it perfectly.

So, he learnt the music first and then he would sing it for Raima so that she made no mistakes and sang it perfectly.

Raima Sen prefers Bengali Cinema to Bollywood

We wonder what's keeping this Bong beauty away from the Bollywood circuit these days.

A close friend of Raima Sen's informs us that more than socializing, the actress wants to work! And Raima isn't sitting at home twiddling her thumbs, she has her hands full with Bengali films.

Raima, who was last seen in the bold Mirch, has just finished shooting for Tanuja Chandra's Raakh where she is paired opposite Rajiv Khandelwal.

When asked her reason for being away from Hindi films, she said, "I just finished Tanuja Chandra's 'Raakh'. So if a good role comes my way, I do it. Else, there is enough and more happening in Bengali cinema. I'll be shooting two Bengali films, Chitrangada with Rituparno Ghosh and Hason Raja with Mithunda."

The actress is happy doing Bengali films as she is getting the opportunity to work with renowned Bengali directors like Rituparno Ghosh, Buddhadev Dasgupta...

Currently, Raima has returned to Kolkata where she is spending quality time with her grandmother Suchitra Sen, after a grueling schedule in Ujjain. It's not too hard to guess then where her love for Bengali cinema stems from.

Raima Sen: Why is She Worried About Her Mother Watching Her Film Mirch?

 Actress Raima Sen comes from a family where acting in the genes. Her mother Moonmoon Sen and grandmother Suchitra Sen were renowned actresses in the Bengali film industry. So, it has been quite easy for the 31-year-old actress to convince her family while performing sizzling and intimate roles in the movies.

However, as per the reports, Raima Sen has become very conscious about her lovemaking scene in her latest film Mirch. In this Vinay Shukla directed film, Raima has an intimate lovemaking scene with her co-star Arunodoy Singh, who was last seen in the Sonam Kapoor starrer movie Aisha.

Mirch has four parallel stories, which deals with the female sexuality from the angle of women, who are quite candid about sex. Raima shot a bedroom sequence with Arunodoy but the director Vinay Shukla found it not passionate enough and asked her re-shoot the scene. He also convinced her that the other actress Konkona Sen has also re-shoot her sex scenes. Raima agreed to do that and during the second time, the sequence was shot in more elaborate way.

However, when Raima watched the final graphic detailing, she was almost shocked to see that her seen was too much elaborate and Konkona’s scene was same as it was earlier. The actress was almost in tears and requested her director to tone down the sequence. She was feeling embarrassed thinking that how her mother will react watching this too intimate sequence.

The director has got his work done by making his film more sizzling with the re-shot sequence and he does not seem to have any interest in toning it down. Well, Raima you must have thought about this before going so passionate with Arunodoy. Now, your mother must have heard about it at least through media so there is no use of feeling so shy about it!

hottest sen sisters Riya sen And Riama sen going Social

Riya and Raima Sen are indeed doing some socially conscious work!!
The Sen Sister's are known for making news when teamed up together. But this time it's no movie or fashion walk, it's the noble deed of Charity!!

Well, this is what Riya had to say, "We believe in contributing in some way or the other so that we can make a difference in another's life. There are millions waiting to be reached so what's the point in wasting time. Making a mark on other people's lives makes a mark on yours too."Well said Riya. We sure are proud of the wonderful work on your part!!

Recently, the two sisters donated food and dozens of clothes to the under privileged. They distributed clothes to the poor at every single main junction of Mumbai! Both Riya and Raima are sensitive towards the issue of poverty. Knowing the importance of education, in the past, they have also sponsored education for children.

Raima Sen pose hot of Maxim November Issue

So, this time we have the younger Sen sister Raima shed her inhibitions and clothes for the November issue of the famous Men’s magazine Maxim. The actress appears in a sexy makeover with black and white lacy lingerie set.

Raima has already made her presence felt with films like Chokher Bali, ‘Antar Mahal’ or bit parts in big films like ‘Eklavya’, ‘Parineeta’, ‘Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd’ or flops like ‘C Kkompany’, ‘Mukhbir’ and ‘Manorama Six Feet Under’. Currently she has ‘Teen Patti’, ‘Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye’, ‘Sunglass’ and ‘Mumbai Cutting’ on her cards.

The issue has Raima speak about herself saying, “My birthday is on November 7th. I’m a typical Scorpio. Last year the party was at China House, but this year, I’m planning to have it at home. Nothing’s been decided yet. My parents are really cool. The best part is that I won’t have to worry about organising anything as they’ll take care of everything.”

Raima confesses that she has a pretty bad taste in men. When Raima was gifted a lifetime subscription of the mag, a happy Raima said that ‘It might help me understand men better’. Raima finds ex-Bond man Pierce Brosman pretty charming and good-looking. About her ex-love Kunal Kapoor Raima says, “We do talk occasionally, but it’s just that his friend circle is different from mine. And if you want to beat him up, please be my guest”.

Raima Sen gets new sexy look

Source: Rediff news

Who would have thought that pretty Raima Sen could be so hot. The latest issue of the men's magazine Maxim featured the Bengali bombshell in black and white lacy lingerie set.
We bring you some melting moments as well as excerpts from the interview she had given to the magazine.

Your birthday is coming up quite soon, we hear. Where's the party at?

(Laughs) Yes, it's on November 7th. I'm a typical Scorpio. Last year the party was at China House, but this year, I'm planning to have it at home. Nothing's been decided yet.

Home! Won't your parents prevent you from doing anything naughty?

No, not at all. They are really cool, you have to meet them to actually find out. And the best part is that I won't have to worry about organising anything as they'll take care of everything.