Bela Bose, Alibaba, Haripada, Samson, Mary Anne, Ronjona, Jeremy’s ghost… are not just songs but real people to Anjan Dutt. “They gave me the courage to grin, bear it and move on,” said Dutt whose words also ring true as a conscience call in the December 23 film Haami 2 in which he plays a school teacher. Directed by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee, Haami 2 revolves around an eight-year-old boy, who is a prodigal child. A candid chat with Dutt.

What was it about the story of Haami 2 that appealed to you?

That talent cannot be judged through a competition. I believe in that. It has to grow. I found my role to be really interesting. I was convinced by it. I liked the story.

Tell us about your character?

I play a school teacher who runs a library. He is a loner. He tells the father (played by Shiboprosad) that he is not doing justice to his son’s talent by putting him in a competition. The father was also one of his students years ago. So the father brings the boy to me, and then a bonding develops between my character and the boy.

You tell the boy: ‘Don’t try to be a wonder. It’ll overwhelm you.’ Do you also believe in it?

Yes, I agree with it. I think there is too much of competition happening all around to establish oneself. There can be more space given to people... there should be a little more understanding between people... there’s too much of a mad rush to be the winner today... to be the best doctor, or to be the best film-maker, best musician, best writer.

When you were growing up was the nature of competition like this?

When I was growing up, we were encouraged to do various things. We did not feel this pressure. The time was such... we could do whatever we wanted to do rather than do what is socially valid. None of us were interested in this strange word called ‘celebrity’.

How was your shooting experience?

We go back a long way. Many years ago they (Nandita and Shiboprosad) were instrumental in sanctioning some of my telefilms. In Haami 2, I was convinced about my place in the film, and so I did it. My takeaway was that after a long time I was on the sets of a film that was conducive to focused work. It was very calm. There was no chaos. Because of so many restraints and crises, we are used to a certain kind of chaos during shoot. Here I found everything to be very planned. There was a quiet atmosphere which helped to do the shoot. They gave me the space to rehearse as many times I could. I worked with them for the first time and I felt very happy.

Did this role remind you of your teachers as well?

Not really... my teachers were far more demanding. I understand this man, and I have seen such people... I understand where he is coming from.

Is your character more compassionate?

Yes, compassionate, caring and quiet.