In an age defined by digital distraction, the acclaimed trans-border actress Jaya Ahsan has issued a compelling plea for mindfulness, identifying the mobile phone as the “greatest barrier” to human connection. Speaking on a recent podcast, the National Award-winning star argued that the constant pull of the screen is severing our ties with the natural world and, by extension, our ability to empathise with one another.
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The “Therapy of Presence”
Jaya, known for her immersive performances in both Dhaka and Kolkata, revealed that she maintains a strict personal protocol regarding technology, especially while working. Her philosophy is simple: to be a better artist, one must first be a better observer.
“On a film set, I avoid my phone as much as possible,” Jaya explained. “We have become a society that leaves the house only to look back into a screen. We ignore the trees, the flow of traffic, and the small, human moments—like the way a rickshaw puller wipes his brow in the heat. If I am not connected to these realities, how can I hope to portray them on screen?”
For Jaya, this is more than just professional discipline; it is a form of sensory therapy. She believes that by silencing the digital noise, an individual’s senses—hearing, smell, and sight—become heightened, allowing for a deeper emotional resonance with the world.
Quick Profile: Jaya Ahsan’s Latest Insights
| Category | Summary of Views |
| Digital Habits | Recommends using phones only when absolutely necessary. |
| Creative Process | Uses the “observation of nature” as a primary acting tool. |
| Mental Health | Views morning birdsong and fresh air as natural antidepressants. |
| New Release | OCD (Release Date: 6 February 2026). |
| Personal Branding | Addressed Filmfare memories and plastic surgery rumours in the same talk. |
Mental Health and the Digital Divide
The actress extended her critique beyond the arts, linking the “always-on” culture to a decline in mental well-being. She highlighted the restorative power of nature, describing the “birds’ dawn chorus” and the “coolness of the morning breeze” as essential elements of human health that are often sacrificed for mindless scrolling.
“Our phones prevent us from seeing the very things that heal us,” she noted. “When we disconnect from our devices, we allow ourselves to truly feel. When one person touches another, that contact should carry emotion; it should bring tears or a pulse of joy. You cannot learn that from a screen; you learn it from life.”
Anticipation for OCD
The wide-ranging interview also delved into Jaya’s career milestones, including her Filmfare triumphs and her experiences in the Kolkata film industry. However, her focus remains on the future. Fans of the actress are currently counting down to 6 February, when her highly anticipated new film, OCD, is set to premiere in West Bengal. The film is expected to showcase the very depth and observational nuance that Jaya championed throughout her podcast discussion.