For Prosenjit Chatterjee, this birthday is extra special as it marks the countdown to his Puja release, Srijit Mukherji’s Dawshom Awbotaar, where he reprises his iconic character Probir Roy Chowdhury from Baishe Srabon. The Tollywood star has also recently left his footprint in the pan-India OTT world with two web series — Vikramaditya Motwane’s Jubilee and Hansal Mehta’s Scoop. We caught up with the birthday boy whose looks defy his age.

Happy birthday to you! What’s the plan for today?

Prosenjit Chatterjee: This year’s birthday is all about Dawshom Awbotaar. Like every year I will celebrate the day with my close friends who drop by every birthday to meet me. My birthday coincides with Durga Puja every year. This time, it is pre-Puja. I will visit my NGO and spend time and celebrate with the people there. My big fan club will also come over to meet me. The best part is that the Dawshom Awbotaar team is planning a surprise for me in the evening!

Any fond memories of your birthday from childhood?

Prosenjit Chatterjee: I’ve beautiful memories of my childhood. Every year big directors like Tarun Majumdar and some actors would come to my home and celebrate my birthday. I would play go-as-you-like. I remember dressing up as a Chinese girl! (Laughs)

How does it feel to be in this phase of your career?

Prosenjit Chatterjee: I have been a student of cinema for 40 years and built my legacy. It feels amazing for the kind of work that I have been doing. I am blessed to have a beautiful year.

Looking back at your career, what do you feel?

Prosenji Chatterjee: God has been very kind to me. I have got more than I wanted. People have given me a lot of respect and love over the years. Retaining their respect and doing good work is a huge challenge. And my greatest challenge as long as I live is that people should love me as a human being.

What are your aspirations on the personal front?

Prosenjit Chatterjee: I want to direct films; the process has already started. I will then ask my audience who they like more — director Prosenjit Chatterjee or actor Prosenjit Chatterjee!