A few days before Mithun Chakraborty was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, we chatted with him about his Durga Puja release Shastri where he reunites with his long-time colleague Debasree Roy. Mithun plays Parimal, a factory worker who suddenly gets extraordinary powers that help him predict the future, in this film based on Debarati Mukhopadhyay’s short story, Dolgobinda Babur Chashma.

What made you say yes to Shastri?

Mithun Chakraborty: I never say yes to films that do not convince me. I don’t have the time or energy to spend on projects that are mundane. I choose subjects which are unique and have something different to offer. I chose Shastri primarily because of its underlying theme of the conflict between science and faith. My character’s resolute faith in God’s ability to help him tide through moments of crisis drew me to the film.

Do you believe in astrology?

Mithun Chakraborty: I am a firm believer in astrology — that stars control everything but I don’t believe in wearing astrological stones and neither do I wear them. The attraction between the earth and the moon creates waves and that, in turn, influences human actions. All the planets revolve around each other magnetically.

I’ve consulted astrologers as I believe stars and planets do influence our lives. There are always things beyond the grasp of science. My stardom was destiny, and destiny is nothing but magic. However, I also believe that no astrologer can make 100 per cent correct predictions. We look for miracles in our lives. My character, Parimal, is a poor man who waits for something magical to happen to him. He worships gods and idols, and wears stones – this is where the vicious cycle of exploitation begins. Debasree, who plays my wife, witnesses a human’s transformation into the inhumane. This creates a distance between the couple.

You and Debasree Roy worked together in Shukno Lanka (2010) though you were not paired opposite each other. How was it to reunite with her after so long?

Mithun Chakraborty: It was enjoyable shooting with her again for Shastri after so many years. Debasree began her career with me and our energy remains the same. The adda sessions have reduced, now that I mostly stay in Mumbai. We’ve worked on so many films together that we share a camaraderie, a kind of understanding where we can openly point out each other’s faults during filming.

It is always fun on the set when we both have shoots. We would always pull each other’s leg on the set. I irritated her all along. I’ve only aged physically, mentally I’m still 28 (laughs)!

Troyee (1982), starring you and Debasree, was a box office hit. What are your memories of the film?

Mithun Chakraborty: Our chemistry in Troyee was unrivalled. It was something never seen before. The film was referred to as ‘today’s Sholay’ by many on its release; it was a super-duper hit!

How is it working with Pathikrit Basu? What would you say about his vision as a filmmaker?

Mithun Chakraborty: Pathikrit is a very intelligent boy. He’s technically brilliant. His choice of subjects is vivid and different.

How was it working with Soham as your producer for the first time?

Mithun Chakraborty: I have known Soham since he was a child. It has given me immense joy to watch him make a name for himself in the industry and grow, despite the cut-throat competition. He is full of humility and has a professional temperament, which makes him a brilliant producer. He has an essence of maturity. I’m sure he will scale greater heights if Shastri becomes a success.

What is next in the pipeline?

Mithun Chakraborty: I am shooting for Pathikrit Basu’s next, Sreeman Vs Srimati.