The story of the December 23 film Haami 2 revolves around an eight-year-old boy, who is a prodigal child. He can perform difficult mathematical problems, understand tough social and economic issues and can pop answers within seconds of asking a question. Haami 2, which is the sequel of 2018’s Haami, is directed by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee. The movie stars Gargee Roychowdhury, Shiboprosad Mukherjee, Prosenjit, Kharaj Mukherjee, and Anjan Dutt. A t2 chat with Prosenjit.

Haami is a special film for you....

Mishuk (son) used to love watching it on a regular basis. He had memorised all the dialogues of Haami. He loved the film because he could relate with the characters on some level. I have seen Haami around 25 times. After the pandemic I wanted to work in a film where I could relax a bit. I was going into a shoot after experiencing a really stressful time because of the pandemic. I would feel really good on the sets of Haami 2. The kids saw me as their friend. I really cherished that. And personally, it was really important for me. I needed that space... that breath of fresh air, that environment.

It makes me so happy when films are made for kids. Our film Dostojee received so much love from the audience. To be a part of Haami 2 is really special. I’m like Santa Claus in Haami 2 who comes with lots of gifts. You’ll wait for him and he’ll surprise you.

How was life for you as a child actor after Chhotto Jigyasa?

After Chhotto Jigyasa, directors like Raj Kapoor and Shakti Samanta approached my parents. It was huge. But I acted in my next film after many years... and that worked in my favour. A child can be good at many things... just don’t put so much pressure on him or her to deliver the best. You have to guide him or her in a proper way. I got all the support when I decided to become an actor. Everything has to be balanced. We enjoyed a very normal childhood.

I remember going to Flurys with my friends when I was in Class X. It was our fun time. From there we would go for our tuitions. We have gone through all the experiences of 16-year-old kids. Of course, there was no social media at that time and no one knew about it. No one could post anything anywhere.

Mishuk is on social media now....

And he was one of the firsts to post the song from Prosenjit Weds Rituparna and make a Reel and it went viral. It was an emotional post. And if Mishuk goes to a place that is frequented by mostly Bengalis, people recognise him. That’s the difference.

How does he deal with the attention when people ask him to pose for selfies?

He is a bit shy... but he poses for pictures. He is really in his element when he is with his school friends.

How was it like to work with Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee once again?

I have known them for so many years. We go back a long way. The best part about their work process is that they complement each other so well. The respect they have for each other is amazing... they understand each other so well. And all of this has remained the same after delivering so many successful films.

How important is the message of the film?

It’s in that space where one has aspirations, dreams and also has to deal with reality. When a child does something, it feels wonderful. But when that child grows up and turns 18, society has different expectations. He or she has to perform.

Being competitive is not bad but it should never adversely affect the mental health or well-being of a chid. They have to grow. We have all gone through those moments of childhood that would bring us great joy and we have experienced not-so-great days also. Someone will win and someone will lose in, say, sports. Right? But winning and losing is a part of life. We know that now. It is important to make the kid understand that.

If someone is good in sports, we have seen how people around that child want him or her to become the best and bag all the awards. But what about the child’s wish? He or she may have other dreams. One has to guide, motivate and inspire them, and that is the responsibility of today’s parents.

Did the Haami 2 kids have questions for you?

Yes! They are calling me Bumbada jethu or Bumbada uncle. Kakababu is also a huge connect for them! They ask me about the crutch. The girls on the other hand would ask me questions about my chemistry with a heroine in a film. I bond with kids really well on the sets. I had done a film called Raju Uncle and there were 22 kids throughout that film with me. Shooting with the kids took me to a pure, innocent space.