Introducing Dr. Subhraja Chatterjee, a woman who defies categorization, breaking boundaries in fields as varied as medicine, music, acting, modeling, and fashion. With a grace that is effortless yet meticulous, she strides across different paths, leaving a trail of influence. Today, we delve into the journey of this exceptional woman, discussing her multi-faceted career, the challenges she faces, and the inspiration she provides for those who dare to follow their heart.
Retro Kolkata: Dr. Chatterjee, you wear so many hats with such grace - as a doctor, singer, fashion influencer, model, and actor. How do you manage to excel in all these fields simultaneously, and what motivates you to pursue such diverse interests?
Subhraja: My goal is to do what my heart wants. From my very childhood, I have done things which I wanted to do. I try to balance things at my own convenience and I guess I am doing that well, haha!
Retro Kolkata : As a medical professional, how has your knowledge of the human body and health influenced your approach towards fashion, if at all?
Subhraja: Yes, surely my knowledge about the medical profession has made me aware that being in fashion, or to be precise, the fashion industry, has a lot to do with taking care of the body. As I am aware of the physiology, I always try to choose my brand promotions as per that. I don’t indulge in faddism. I always choose brands which will provide benefits for my viewers.
Retro Kolkata : Can you describe your journey from medicine to modeling, singing, and acting? Was there a pivotal moment that steered you towards the arts and fashion?
Subhraja: Since my childhood, I was a creative person. I used to paint, my paintings used to get selected for school exhibitions. I used to perform dance in various functions and got so many prizes. In my very childhood, I discovered that I could sing too. My love for acting was innate… I used to do mimicry of my teachers and several actors and actresses. I also love stitching. I am still trying to find what more qualities I might possess and that can truly help mankind, maybe?
Retro Kolkata : With your multifaceted career, you're certainly breaking stereotypes. How do you feel about being an icon in promoting the idea that one doesn't need to be confined to a single profession or passion?
Subhraja : Ahh, thank you for the best question. Well, I believe no one can truly tell you to get confined to a certain sector or a stream. It’s you who decides. People will judge you, will question about your capability, but it’s you who have to break all the shackles and come out straight like a winner. I believe in what I do and I am confident. So people, gear up and do what your heart wants.
Retro Kolkata : As a fashion influencer and model, you're consistently in the public eye and setting trends. How do you maintain your individuality and ensure you're staying true to yourself in an industry that's constantly evolving?
Subhraja :Yes, this is a thing which I believe is strongly to be maintained. As I am always under scrutiny, there is a pressure that what I am posting and what I am sharing has to be appropriate. Well, I won’t say it's peer pressure, but I would say it is definitely a responsibility for a public figure to guide the followers in a right direction. I myself educate and try to learn things before creating or sharing information about it.
Retro Kolkata : Given your wide-ranging talents, can you share how you use your platform to raise awareness about important health issues? Have you faced any challenges in doing so?
Subhraja : I myself was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder last year. I know what I had to go through. I have counseled myself as a therapist and I now know how to do it like a pro. So, I make sure that if anyone is suffering from any sorts of mental issues, I can be of little help to them. Also, during the covid second wave, I have given free services to my followers, who consulted me. It came out naturally.
Retro Kolkata : Could you shed some light on how you prepare for your roles as an actor? Does your background in medicine play a part in your method?
Subhraja : Well, medicine sometimes comes as a boon. But I remember last year, I was given a role for a big banner OTT movie in Bombay, but couldn’t go for my health issue. It comes out naturally to me… I feel I need to nurture it a little bit, maybe? I am very camera-friendly.
Retro Kolkata : Music and fashion are forms of expression. How has your musical journey influenced your fashion sense, and vice versa?
Subhraja : I belong to a family where almost everybody knows how to sing. My aunt used to be a radio singer back in the '90s. My father and mother, they are naturally so well singers. My grandmother still sings so well in her late 80s. My brother is much into bands, but I have figured out that he too sings well. So, haha, it is in our genes. Also, I am not a trained singer. I myself love singing and I continue to do so. It brings me peace. I have a versatile choice in terms of music. If I am dressing for some fun today, I will be listening to some quirky music to elevate the mood up.
Retro Kolkata : What advice would you give to individuals who have multiple interests like you but are afraid to explore them because of societal pressures or fears of failure?
Subhraja : It doesn’t matter to anyone if you are successful, rich, poor, earning well, not doing anything, sitting idle… It’s you who pushes through and makes a breakthrough. Society will judge you cause you are judging yourself by not even giving chance to yourself. Just break the shackles and you are free to live what you always wanted. Go for it! Leave the rest.
Retro Kolkata : Looking ahead, are there any unfulfilled ambitions or new fields you'd like to venture into? Can we expect to see Dr. Subharaja Chatterjee venturing into any new exciting projects soon?
Subhraja : Hehe, yeah, absolutely I have projects coming up real soon. I might launch my own music video/audio soon. It’s still in the processing ground.
Engaging, charming, and radiating a vibrancy that is as contagious as it is inspiring, Dr. Chatterjee leaves us with a profound message: to break the shackles, live what we've always wanted, and remain true to ourselves. As we anticipate her upcoming projects, we take away not just an insight into her diverse career, but also an inspiring mantra to live by.
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