New Delhi: Bengali actor Parambrata Chatterjee will soon be seen in Sujoy Ghosh's 'Kahaani'. A well known face in Bengali film industry, Parambrata is also a director. He talks about the experiences of working with Vidya Balan and Sujoy Ghosh in a candid interview with IBNLive.
Q: How did 'Kahaani' happen?
A: I started acting some 8-9 years ago and with god's grace carved a niche for myself in Bengali film industry. But in 2009 I left for England to pursue masters in filmmaking and I was slated to come back after one year. Just when I was about to return, I got a call from Sujoy. He had seen my work and we had met in Bombay too. I remembered him praising my work but I never expected a call from him. I was in Amsterdam at that point of time. He said you have to come back as soon as possible. He just gave me five days to return. Then we had a Skype conversation about 'Kahaani' would you believe that. I was having really long hair and beard at that time and I looked like a perfect vagabond. When I asked Sujoy about my hairstyle he simply said," Yes, you have to remove them". So, I had to shorten my trip. He said that "if we will end in making a good film, I will send you on a trip." Very soon I landed up in India and started shooting after just one day's workshop.
Q: How was the experience of working with Vidya Balan?
A: There is a funny thing. One of my earliest films when I was just a kid was a film which happened to be Vidya's first Bengali film. The name was 'Bhalo Theko'. But this was like meeting her after 7-8 years.
Q: Why did you decide to learn filmmaking despite being a successful actor?
A: I always wanted to be a director rather than an actor. I wanted to go to a film school but started acting really young. Initially I kept working in TV but later graduated to films. In 2007, I quit TV completely. But then this bug of going to a film school was still inside me so I decided to give it a try.
Q: Your background must have helped you in choosing film as career.
A: I hail from a culturally rich family. My grandfather from my mother's side happens to be one of the most regarded filmmakers of the country, Ritwik Ghatak. Both of my parents are film critics. So I knew if there is any field I want to be in that is films but yes, I wanted to work as a director. Acting happened accidently when I was just 19.
Q: You also got the most promising actor award by the Bengal Film Journalists' Association. That’s kind of acknowledging your talent by the critics.
A: That's not the only award I have got.(Laughs) I received that award for Sandip Ray's 'Nishijapon'.
Q: When are we going to see your next film as director?
A: 'Jiyo Kaka' was my first film as a director and I am about to start my second film now. The name is not final yet. We just call it production number blah blah blah.
Q: You're one of the prominent faces of Bengali films these days.
A: Bengal now is experiencing a kind of resurgence in terms of cinema because the scenario has really changed in last five years. Enjoyable as well as sensible work is being made here. Bengali cinema is going through a new wave and I am part and parcel of it. I am doing almost a film per month. My plate is quite full but if there is a good opportunity at the national front I would definitely love to grab it. I like to boast that I am a key part of this change.
Q: Have you signed any Hindi film also?
A: Hindi films, no. I have not signed any Hindi film.
Q: You are working with Srijit Mukherji again.
A: I am kind of soaking in the success of 'Baishe Srabon'. My next is again with Srijit Mukherji. He is one of the most sorted out director in Bengal. Our film 'Autograph' was a runaway success. Then we were again successful in 'Baishe Srabon'. This time too we are hoping for success. But yes I also have high hopes from 'Kahaani'. The buzz is tremendous and I am happy being a part of the film.
Q: Don't you feel bad that the entire focus of 'Kahaani' would be on Vidya Balan?
A: It should be. It's a Hindi film. I will be brutally honest with myself because on the national scenario I am no one, in Bengali films yes I am a name to consider. It's a Vidya Balan starrer Sujoy Ghosh film.
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