Tell us about your role in the new web series Dream Boutique?

I play Animesh Sen, who is a businessman and a scientist. He has invented a technology through which he can place ads in dreams. See, one can skip a channel on television if one does not feel like watching an ad but that cannot happen in your dreams. You are bound to watch the ad there. The series goes on to show what he wants to do with the technology and how he uses it. Does he want to hatch a bigger plan? Or is he only interested in the business?

What was the best part for you about Dream Boutique?

That I am associated with this project! As an actor we always try to explore different characters. In the process we learn a lot about ourselves too. I found both the concept and my role really interesting. I really liked playing this character, and the process of becoming Animesh Sen. Somehow, the lines of reality and fantasy got blurred and it was really interesting for me to explore that space.

Talking about dreams, what kind of dreams do you have?

That I get to play many, multi-layered, complex characters. I have one more dream — to travel the world and soak in the sights and sounds! Another dream would be to lead a peaceful life.

What’s changed for you since the success of Eken Babu?

I’ve been doing theatre for many years, and the success of Eken Babu gave me recognition. Many, many people have appreciated my work. Many even call me by that name. It started in 2018 and we have already done four seasons.

So what kind of roles are you looking to play now?

After the success of Eken Babu, I have resisted the temptation to play characters that bear any resemblance to Eken Babu. I have not played them. Luckily I have played quite a few interesting roles in different films and web shows.

Do you share any similar trait with detective Eken Babu?

Hahahaha! Not really. However, there is one similarity... I am a keen observer. I like to observe things, how people react to certain situations.

You blend into any character you play. Do you follow a process?

Thanks for the compliment! For us, that’s the aim... we always try to flesh out and give life to a character. As an actor, I am self-taught and I have learnt on the job. The characters I play are informed by my sensibility and the skill I have developed over a period of time. To get into the skin of a character I try to understand his inner life... how is he as a person. And then I follow the director’s instructions and react in the way the character would.

Tell us about the feedback you got for playing Jatayu in Chhinnomostar Obhishap?

The series got an amazing response... it was so overwhelming. And it was a dream-come-true situation for me. I am really thankful to Srijit Mukherji for casting me in the role of Jatayu. Srijit was happy with my performance — that was the first feedback I got.