With his versatility and charm, he has won the hearts of millions - from young girls to children - through a wide range of memorable roles. 'Millennium Post' caught up with the versatile actor for an exclusive tête-à-tête, where he opened up about his journey, his craft and much more.

Early Journey & Career

You began your career on television before making a successful transition to films. Today, you continue to balance both television and cinema. Which medium do you enjoy the most as an actor and how does your approach differ between the two?

As an actor, I am enjoying doing films because that is where most of my work is at the moment. Yes, I am back on television, but not as an actor - I am there as an anchor and host of a reality show. Of course, reality shows come in different formats and although we call 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' a reality show, it is still different from real life. At the same time, it is not acting altogether.

So, if you ask me purely as an actor, at this point, I'd definitely prefer films over television. But at the same time, television has been my learning ground. Whatever I have learnt as an actor, I have learnt from television. That was my training ground.

Looking back, what'd you say has been the turning point in your acting career?

There have actually been quite a few turning points in my journey. I've been very lucky to work with some exceptionally talented directors who have guided me like mentors. My producers have also always placed their trust in me and I remain deeply thankful for that. I have always acknowledged how fortunate I have been in that regard.

I have also been extremely lucky when it comes to my co-actors and colleagues. I remember that during my early days on television, I was still working in my corporate job and trying to balance that with my acting career. As a result, my schedule was often completely haywire. I had to finish office work and then rush straight to my shooting slot or the floor to complete my scenes. Most weekends were spent shooting and there were really no holidays.

But what touched me deeply was that none of my colleagues from the industry ever complained. Instead, they were always accommodating and supportive. I still remember that phase as a newcomer in television - the industry truly welcomed me. People adjusted, made things flexible and helped me settle into the environment. For that, I'll always remain grateful to my colleagues and the people I worked with. I have always acknowledged that support.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the love and support of the audience. We may do what we do out of love for our craft, but at the end of the day, it's the audience that decides our fate. Their love and encouragement are what keep us going and what make us successful.

On Roles & Acting

Audiences often associate you with sophisticated urban characters, detectives and romantic leads. Yet you have consciously experimented with diverse roles. Which type of character challenges you the most and which comes most naturally to you?

It depends. I'd rather say that my directors and producers have given me the opportunity to experiment with different kinds of roles. Yes, most of my characters have been urban-centric and that is perhaps natural because I was born and brought up in an urban setup. I am a city boy, a Kolkata boy, so my sensibilities, my experiences and my outlook towards life are all very much urban.

Having said that, on a few occasions, I've had the opportunity to play characters who are not so urban. For example, 'Bisorjon', which Kaushik Ganguly gave me. But yes, most of my characters are urban and I don't see any harm in that, because those stories also need to be told. It's not necessary that every kind of film, story or character has to be portrayed in the same way.

As far as the challenge is concerned, I'd not exactly call it a challenge. Rather, I look forward to such opportunities because that's when an actor can really experiment with his craft. One can break oneself and mould oneself into different characters. So, I'd not call it a challenge in a negative sense. I'd rather say I am happy when I am given challenging characters.

Detective roles, of course, have become one of my fortes and for that I am ever thankful to my audience and to my makers. I have been given the responsibility of playing Byomkesh Bakshi, one of the most legendary characters and the fact that people accepted me in that role with open arms is something I will always remain grateful for.

At the same time, Sona Da has become a very special phenomenon over the years. It has been around eight years now and what I find beautiful is that the entire family goes out to watch these films together, especially children. The kind of unadulterated, innocent love and enthusiasm I see in their eyes whenever they watch Sona Da on screen or whenever I interact with them is perhaps the biggest takeaway for me.

You have successfully played both Byomkesh and Feluda, two of Bengali literature's most iconic detectives and now Sona Da has become a phenomenon in his own right. Which of these characters is closest to your heart?

I'd still request that you not include Feluda in this discussion. I am very proud that I got the opportunity to play Feluda once, but let us keep that aside, because I was not allowed to continue playing Feluda after that. There were decisions behind it and I'd not like to get into that here.

As I have often said, I'll always acknowledge Byomkesh as perhaps the starting point of whatever fame, recognition and love I have received from the audience. In that sense, I'll always remain indebted to Byomkesh Bakshi. I myself am a great Byomkesh fan, so for me it was a matter of immense pride and a truly special opportunity to play him on screen and to be accepted by the audience in that role.

At the same time, the kind of love I have received as Sona Da over the last five or six years, especially from children, has been very special in a completely different way. It is always difficult and challenging to entertain children because they are innocent and have no filters. If you are able to entertain them, the love you receive from them is the most spontaneous and genuine. And with Sona Da, the fact that children connect so deeply with the character, while the entire family can enjoy the films together, is perhaps the biggest takeaway for me.

So, I'd say both Byomkesh and Sona Da are extremely special to me, each in their own way.

The 'Guptadhaner' Franchise

The 'Guptadhaner' franchise has become one of the most successful adventure series in Bengali cinema. What, according to you, is the secret behind its enduring popularity?

I think one of the biggest reasons behind its popularity is its easy relatability. People can instantly connect with these three characters. Yes, they love and adore Sona Da. He is someone we hero-worship, but at the same time, he feels very real and very close to our hearts.

You know, we often admire our heroes from a distance, but Sona Da is different. He is the boy next door. He feels like someone you can actually go to with your problems, whether it's a girlfriend problem, a social problem, anxiety or even something as simple as not being able to solve your Maths paper. You feel that Sona Da will always have a positive solution. I think that is what makes him so dear to the audience.

At the same time, the other two characters - Abirlal and Jhinuk - are also deeply Bengali in nature. In fact, Sona Da too, despite being Oxford-returned, is very Bengali at heart. The films beautifully bring together Bengali culture, Bengali traditions, folklore, mythology and beliefs and that makes the whole experience very engaging and interesting.

What also works is that the films make you feel like you are part of the same adventure. It almost feels like a family outing - there are riddles, history, mystery and that eternal search for treasure. All these elements come together in a very entertaining way.

And then, of course, Bengalis love two things: food and travelling. We love to explore, we love to go places and we love discovering the world around us. These are traits that are deeply embedded in the characters as well and that's why they feel so close to the Bengali audience.

Above all, I think the films bring back a certain childhood innocence that many of us miss today. That is why adventure appeals equally to both adults and children, because somewhere, it makes us feel like we are going back to our childhood.

Among all the 'Guptadhaner' films, which one is your personal favourite and why?

See, the first one will always remain special because that was the beginning of the journey. So 'Guptodhoner Sandhane' will always be a favourite for that reason. But I think 'Durgeshgorer Guptodhon' also holds a very special place in my heart.

Having said that, all of them are special in their own way. 'Saptadingar Guptadhon' is still running in theatres and doing wonderful numbers. But more than the numbers, what really matters to me is the enthusiasm and the kind of energy the film has created, especially after a four-year hiatus. That has been very heartening for all of us.

We are extremely grateful to the audience for the love they have shown us and for the way they have embraced the film and the entire franchise over the years. That kind of acceptance is truly special.

In 'Saptadingar Guptadhan', audiences noticed a noticeably sharper and fresher look. Was that the result of a specific fitness regime, dietary discipline or a conscious effort to prepare for the role?

I feel I owe something to the audience for the kind of love they have given Sona Da. Sona Da is growing old, but he is still very young at heart and especially for children, it's important that they continue to see him as an energetic and very agile person.

At the same time, in 'Saptadingar Guptadhan', Sona Da's look was a conscious decision. For the first time, he is not clean-shaven because the characters have been abducted and are going through a physically exhausting situation; they are not eating properly, not shaving, not really taking care of themselves and are wearing the same costume. So that fatigue and dishevelled look were very much planned for the screen, though interestingly, barring a very few reviewers, no one pointed it out.

Personally, I believe fitness has to be a part of your daily lifestyle. It's not about six-packs or showing muscles; it's about staying agile, taking care of yourself and being fit enough for the demands of your profession and for life ahead. If you stay physically fit, you stay mentally fit too. For me, fitness is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Consistency is the key. No matter how hectic life gets, I try not to skip it. I'd say discipline and consistency are the real keys and if the results are visible, I'm happy about that.

One of the biggest mysteries of the franchise remains the unseen character, Semanti Sarkar. Do you think audiences will finally get to meet her in a future instalment or is the mystery itself part of her charm?

I have no idea. Dhruv is the only person who can decode it.

Personality & Life Beyond Cinema

Despite being a leading star, you have maintained a remarkably low-profile personal life. Is staying away from public controversies and political discussions a conscious choice?

It's a conscious choice because I strongly feel that as an artist, I should be politically aware and I do have very strong political opinions. But it's up to each person to decide whether they want to share those opinions publicly or keep them private.

Personally, I'm a very private person, so I prefer to keep these views to myself and to my close friends and relatives. I don't feel the need to share my political opinions publicly with everyone. Of course, if something comes through my work, my speeches or my expression as an artist and people feel there is a political undertone in it, I have no problem with that.

But yes, I believe everyone, especially an artist, should have a clear political understanding and awareness. At the same time, it's entirely their choice whether they want to share it with the larger public or not. For me, being low-profile is not something very calculated or planned; it's simply the kind of person I am. With age and experience, I have become even more private and I am quite happy and comfortable in this zone. So, I'd like to continue this way.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not shooting?

I enjoy doing nothing, actually. I can spend time doing absolutely nothing - just lying down, staying quiet and being with myself. That, in itself, is something I really enjoy. Apart from that, I have also gone back to one of my old hobbies: reading books. I listen to music also. Nothing very fancy, but yes, that's something I genuinely enjoy when I'm not shooting.

If you hadn't become an actor, what profession do you think you would have pursued?

I really don't know. I don't think I could have done anything else, to be honest. Acting is everything to me. I don't know how good I might have been professionally in any other field, but I genuinely feel this is what I am meant to do. Beyond acting, I don't think I could have done anything better.

What is one thing about Abir Chatterjee that audiences would be surprised to know?

Let it be a surprise!

How would your family describe you in three words?

Let it also be a surprise. Let it be in the family only. I think my family is very happy with me. I don't think they will feel comfortable sharing with people outside. I am not comfortable sharing with anyone outside. It happens in every family. There are other sides of people that only family members know. Let it be that way.

Legacy, Inspirations & Bengali Cinema

Who has been the biggest influence on your acting journey?

There have been so many influences on my acting journey, but first and foremost, my parents. Acting came to me very spontaneously and very naturally because I grew up watching it. The process of acting, the preparation, the rehearsals, stage performances, even camera acting… None of these things was alien to me, because I had seen my parents and family members doing them from a very early stage of my life.

So, in many ways, acting and the whole process around it became a very natural part of my upbringing. I was surrounded by that atmosphere while growing up and that's why stepping into acting never felt unfamiliar to me. Of course, at different stages of life, I have also been influenced by many actors, both from India and abroad. It would be very difficult to single out just one or two names.

What would you like your legacy to be 20 years from now?

I don't think about it, honestly. I don't know what will happen in two days. So honestly, no thoughts about it.

Among the legends of Bengali cinema, where do Uttam Kumar and Soumitra Chatterjee stand in your personal pantheon? What do you admire most about each of them?

Soumitra Jethu is someone I was fortunate enough to act with and I truly wish I had got the opportunity to work with him more. I did have the privilege of sharing screen space with him and I will always remain grateful for that, but I'd have loved to be on screen with him much more. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.

As for Uttam Kumar, I personally call him Guru and I think that it summarises everything for me. I genuinely feel there will never be another Uttam Kumar anywhere in this world. His work, his screen presence, his acting… All of it still needs to be explored more and more. In fact, I feel exploring Uttam Kumar's career and craft is like a treasure hunt; it can go on and on and you will still keep discovering something new.

Which film of yours are you personally most proud of, regardless of its commercial success?

See, most of the films I am very proud of didn't do very well commercially. 'The Royal Bengal Tiger' is one film I'd always keep right at the top among my own films, even though it was not a box-office success.

Then there are films like 'Abby Sen', 'Hrid Majharey' and 'Bastu Shaap'. All of them are very close to my heart. Those were the kind of characters that challenged me as an actor. I have also done a film called 'Aami Joy Chatterjee', which I think very few people know about.

In recent times, I really enjoyed 'Putul Nacher Itikotha'. While doing that film, I got the opportunity to explore myself as an actor and I could feel my own growth through the process.

Bollywood & Future Plans

Bengali audiences often feel that your talent deserves a larger national platform. Do you have any concrete plans for Bollywood or Hindi-language projects?

If Bengali audiences feel that way, I'd be very happy and grateful that they think so. Unfortunately, perhaps the casting directors, national filmmakers or producers don't feel the same way, because I've not really received those kinds of offers. Maybe they don't think I fit their bill and that's absolutely fine.

Of course, as an actor, I'd love to explore a bigger market, wider opportunities and a larger audience. I think that's a natural aspiration for any actor. At the same time, these things don't depend on me alone. If those characters or opportunities don't come my way, there is very little I can do about it. So yes, I'd love to believe what the Bengali audience says, but as of now, I have not really received those offers.

You did a Hindi web series. How was your experience?

Yes, I really loved the experience of acting in 'Avrodh: The Siege Within'. It was my Hindi web debut and I genuinely enjoyed the entire journey. 'Avrodh' also did very well commercially, which was, of course, very encouraging. What I especially appreciated was the kind of positioning they gave me, the camaraderie I experienced during the shoot and the overall environment on set. We were shooting during the COVID period, which was not easy, but the kind of reception and respect they gave me meant a lot. They also promoted the show very well. Overall, I am very happy and proud to have been a part of it. I truly loved the whole experience.

Given the popularity of the 'Guptadhaner' franchise, do you think it has the potential for a Hindi adaptation or a pan-India release in the future?

No, never. It is very Bengali in its nature and essence. So, I don't think it should have a Hindi adaptation.

What's your next film?

My next film is scheduled for a Pujo release. It's a historical drama titled 'Emperor vs Sarat Chandra', directed by Srijit Mukherji, marking the centenary of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's iconic anti-colonial novel Pather Dabi. Tota Roy Chowdhury is playing Sarat Chandra and I am playing Sabyasachi, the legendary character from the novel.

Do you have a plan to direct or produce a film in future?

I do have plans to direct someday, but nothing concrete as of now. As for producing, I don't think I can take that risk.

What type of roles will you be doing after 20 years?

I don't think beyond the next two days, so I definitely don't think 20 years ahead.

On Director Anik Dutta

The untimely passing of director Anik Dutta was a great loss to Bengali cinema. Having worked with him, how would you describe him as a filmmaker and as a person?

As a person, he was extremely upright and had very strong opinions. He never, ever believed in suppressing them. Very often, with age and experience, we begin to hesitate before expressing our views so openly. But he was never like that. He was honest, fearless and deeply upright as a human being, and people like him are very rare.

As a filmmaker, of course, he was immensely talented. His sense of humour was very unique and I have often seen that not everyone could immediately grasp the sharpness of his satire. He was an extremely intelligent, cultured and well-read Bengali, with a very distinctive mind and voice of his own.

I feel we are gradually losing a certain breed of people like him and that's deeply saddening. And the way he said goodbye to the world has left all of us very disturbed and perturbed. It just doesn't feel right.

Social Media Scrutiny & Advice To New Actors

How do you handle criticism and social media scrutiny?

Earlier, I used to get angry very easily, but with time I learnt to let things be. That's my motto now. I have actually been off social media for the last two years. Whatever you see is handled by my sister. For me, social media is only a tool to reach a wider audience, nothing more. We need to use social media; social media should not start using us.

As for criticism, I believe everyone has the right to have and express an opinion. As an actor, you must learn how to filter it. If the criticism is constructive and comes from people who matter to me, I take it seriously and work on it. But if you start listening to every opinion around you, you won't be able to move forward. So, I think it's important to know yourself, stay grounded and take only what genuinely helps you grow.

Your favourite co-actress?

I have done the most films with Sohini Sarkar - seven films with her as hero and heroine - and she is a very talented actor. My pairing with Raima Sen is also one of the high points of my career. I have done many films with Raima as well and she too is a very talented actor.

What advice would you give to young actors entering Bengali cinema today?

Enter at your own risk. But having said that, I'd say your love for the craft is the most important thing. If you are passionate enough, you can overcome all hurdles. It's easier said than done. There will be criticism and backbiting, but if you truly love acting, stay focused. If you are honest about your craft, that will show.