Tollywood actor Bonny Sengupta, who celebrated his 32nd birthday recently, feels he has become a calmer person with age. The son of filmmaker Anup Sengupta tells us what’s on his bucket list and his plans around his relationship with actress Koushani Mukherjee.

What do birthdays mean to you? Is the excitement the same as it was when you were a kid?

Bonny Sengupta: I always enjoy birthdays. In fact, I have the same excitement as I had as a kid. Koushani (Mukherjee) makes it special every year. I’m always excited to see what she plans for me every birthday.

This was your 32nd birthday. Anything special than you did?

Bonny Sengupta: I celebrated this birthday with the people who are close to me. I am not much of a party person but Koushani never fails to surprise me.

You have been acting for many years now. How do you look at your journey and the challenges?

Bonny Sengupta: It has always been challenging. I started in 2013 and it has been a great journey altogether. I am still processing how I have come this far. There have been ups and downs. In Bombay, every actor works in different kinds of movies. In Bengal, you are typecast.

So, any plans to work in Bombay?

Bonny Sengupta: Yes, I want to. But I am already established as an actor in Bengal and I cannot start a new struggle there. I am open to giving auditions in Bombay. But I cannot start from scratch again.

What goals are you setting for yourself for the next 10 years?

Bonny Sengupta: Leaving behind whatever I have done in the past and starting fresh and doing the best. I want to give my everything. Not being late is my new resolution. I am always late. These are the changes I need to make in myself.

What’s there on your bucket list?

Bonny Sengupta: I want to try skydiving. I had planned to do it this time when I was in Dubai. Koushani backed out at the last moment, so I had to cancel it. I didn’t want to go alone and make her feel like I did it and she couldn’t.

Apart from that, working in Bombay is there on the list for sure.

What are your plans for work?

Bonny Sengupta: Right now, Koushani and I are concentrating on finding new scripts for our production house. It has been a year since we produced Daal Baati Churma. We want to do different things but within our budget.

I have worked on a lot of movies that are up for release — Hungama Dot Kom, Ahalya, Shob Koro Prem Korona, Ayu Rekha, Dear Diaries. I am trying to do different kinds of roles. I am going to start shooting new films in October.

Previously I had to do roles because I needed money and recognition. Now I want to do different types of characters. Nowadays when I listen to a script, I collaborate with the scriptwriter and the director and discuss, so that they get the best out of me. If you have to survive in Kolkata, you will have to do regular roles as well as projects that come with a big amount of money. This is the truth. But at the same time, I am being a bit choosy. I really want people to appreciate what I want to do.

In the personal space, any plans to take your relationship with Koushani to the next level?

Bonny Sengupta: Yes, we both have been talking about this with our families. We are targeting 2025 to tie the knot. We had planned to get married in 2023 but couldn’t because of Covid.

What are some of the qualities that make a relationship stable under the pressure of limelight?

Bonny Sengupta: I think it is the trust that we have for each other. If someone comes and tells me something about her or vice versa, we confront each other. We communicate with each other. Mutual understanding is very important. When we both are working with other actors, obviously it is difficult for one to see their partner hugging or kissing someone else. But if you are working in the same industry, you respect each other’s work. I feel you understand more if you are in the same industry, but deep down we do feel bad because we are humans at the end of the day.

What has been the one big change in you in the past few years?

Bonny Sengupta: I have calmed down. I was very short-tempered. Nowadays when Koushani and I fight, I become silent. Earlier I used to shout back. I think staying calm is the best policy.

If a wish of yours could be granted immediately, what would you ask for?

Bonny Sengupta: I would wish to have a successful career in the coming years.