‘Vidya is the hero of the film’

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Unless you have been an avid Bengali film buff, there is a good chance that the name Parambrata Chattopadhyay would need some Googleing. But thanks to Kahaani, this chocolate boy of Bengali filmdom is now a known face and a known name, even among Bollywood aficionados.

But don’t mistake ‘Rana’ as yet another regional actor trying to make it big in B-town. He hails from a family of Bengali film legends. Ace filmmaker and scriptwriter Ritwik Ghatak is his maternal grandfather. And Parambrata admits that he has been a director by default, “I was only 24 when I directed Jiyo Kaka starring Rituparna Sengupta and Rudranil Ghosh.”
Today of course Parambrata is in love with his career and even has his own production house to promote new talents. Hugely appreciated for his role as the silent lover and companion of Vidya Bagchi (played by Vidya Balan), Parambrata recalls the kahani behind him being a part of Kahaani.
“It is really funny how it all came together. You see, director Sujoy Ghosh had seen my work in Bong Connection, but we first met during the release of Jhankar Beats. Since then we have been in touch, but never had the chance to work together. Then in 2009, I was in England on a short break when Sujoy called me and offered me this role. Although he had made it clear right in the beginning that the film was heroine-centric, he explained to me the magnitude of the role I was to play. He even said that it was a cop’s character for which I had to shave and cut my hair really short. I remember, at the time, I had really long hair and sported a beard.”
However, what Parambrata didn’t comprehend was the reaction of Vidya, who was a much bigger star. But on the first day of the shoot, the actor was completely floored by the actress’ down to earth and happy nature. “You see,” he continues, “Not many know that Vidya and my first Bengali film was the same, Bhalo Theko, which released in 2003. Working with Vidya then was a pleasure and I am glad to admit that the feeling is the same even today.”
But prod him further on a possible change in Vidya then and now and Parambrata smiles. “Vidya is still extremely polite and easy-going. She has no inhibition working with a newcomer. She has no airs about her being such a big star. In fact, she is the ‘hero’ of the film,” he says.
Talk about being overshadowed by Vidya’s presence in the film and the screen ‘Rana’ disarms you with his grin, he says, “My Bengali film Baishe Shrabon, which released towards the end of 2011, was a big hit. The lead was played by Prosenjit Chatterjee, a superstar of Bengali films. And yet I was noticed. It has been the same story with Kahaani too. While Vidya was the undeniable star, the film’s success also brought each one of us into the limelight. What more can an actor ask for? The reviews, critical appreciation and praise have been humbling. Before signing Kahaani, I was confident about the importance of my character. However, it was not overpowering and Sujoy had made this clear right at the start.”
Currently busy with his production house, Workshop, and the two Bengali films that are being made under its banner, Parambrata isn’t averse to acting in Bollywood, provided good offers come his way. “For an actor performing a character is of utmost importance, language notwithstanding. But by no means would I like to participate in the rat race of the Hindi film Industry. Also right now I am busy with direction, production and acting here in Kolkata. I’m also directing a film, which is likely to go on floors by May 2012,” he says.
Ask him if he would approach Vidya to play a part in the film and Parambrata says, “It would be a pleasure to direct someone as beautiful and intelligent as Vidya. But I am aware of her busy schedule and would not like to force my way. However, if she agrees then I would be the happiest person.”
Of the two films being made under the actor’s production banner, one is being directed by National Award winner Anjan Dutt.