Why Was Tillotama Shome’s ‘Passport Photo’ Rejected?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tillotama Shome reflects on a nostalgic moment regarding her rejected passport photo.
- The importance of passport photos as markers of time and emotion.
- Her film ‘Baksho Bondi’ is set to open the IFFM 2025.
- Explores themes of resilience and strength in everyday life.
- Significant recognition for independent cinema in the festival.
Mumbai, Aug 11 (NationPress) Reflecting on her past, renowned actress Tillotama Shome recounted a passport photo from 2004 that was rejected due to her smile.
She posted the passport image on Instagram, sharing: “2004 The rejected passport photo because of the smile. Yet, we kept it because I was embarking on a journey to study in New York, having received a full scholarship and opting for a short haircut to save both time and money on hair care.”
“Passport photos represent a unique world. They not only signify the passage of time but also capture the nervous anticipation before venturing into a distant land.”
She continued: “As the first in my family to study abroad, I needed proper documentation, and this additional photo felt like a grand gesture. Good things do come to pass. Hair eventually grows back, most of the time. Nostalgia often feels like memory without pain, but there’s only so much one can endure.”
In other news, Tillotama’s Bengali movie “Baksho Bondi – Shadowbox” is set to premiere as the opening night feature at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025.
Co-directed by Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi in their directorial debut, Baksho Bondi, which had its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival 2025, is co-produced by Tillotama and Jim Sarbh.
The film stars Tillotama Shome as Maya, situated in a dusty Kolkata neighborhood, and weaves an impactful tale of love, resilience, and the quiet fortitude of a working woman navigating her daily life.
The opening screening is scheduled for August 14 in Melbourne.
Funded by the Victorian Government, the festival will take place from August 14 to 24, with the IFFM Awards Night slated for August 15, celebrating cinematic brilliance across film and OTT categories.
Tillotama is primarily recognized for her contributions to independent cinema. She began her acting career with a supporting role in Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding. She has also appeared in A Death in the Gunj and Lust Stories 2, along with television series such as Delhi Crime, The Night Manager, and Paatal Lok.