Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee’s film Bohurupi, starring Abir Chatterjee, Shiboprosad Mukherjee, Ritabhari Chakraborty, and Koushani Mukherjee, is generating considerable anticipation. Set for release on October 8, the film’s captivating songs have already taken the city by storm.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Bohurupi is the unexpected pairing of Shiboprosad and Koushani. Their on-screen chemistry shines through in the delightful numbers Shimul polash and Dakatiya bashi. The film has garnered significant buzz and appears to be the complete package that audiences expect from a festive Puja release. t2 recently caught up with the dynamic duo for an exclusive interview and photoshoot. Excerpts...

Shimul polash and Dakatiya bashi have become instant hits. How did you conceive and approach the song?

Shiboprosad: Collaborating with the talented artistes who crafted the film’s soundtrack was an enriching experience. Our year-and-a-half-long search for a Bohurupi vocalist proved arduous, but the discovery of Nanichara Baul was a precious find. His distinctive voice, lyrical prowess, and authenticity gave us an intimate take on the Bohurupi landscape. Bonny Chakraborty, who has worked with A.R. Rahman, generously contributed his musical expertise to Bohurupi. We are very grateful to him for his invaluable contribution.

Another key element that elevates the film’s aesthetic is the performance of Koushani Mukherjee.

Shiboprosad: Jhimli was the perfect opportunity to cast her. The freshness and her contagious energy added on to her presence. The response from viewers has been amazing, everyone has liked both Shimul polash and Dakatiya bashi.

Koushani: After Dakatiya bashi released, I got endless texts from the entire industry! Yesterday I got the sweetest text saying, “I am jealous of you but I am also really proud and happy for you!” Even directors have messaged me expressing their appreciation because they didn’t utilise my presence the right way. Shibuda and Didi (Nandita) did that. Shimul polash is a wedding song so obviously there are lots of romantic sequences. It had to look like the story of a couple next door. The biggest compliment I got for that song is that we look so natural.

So how did the romantic scenes shape themselves? You both look stunning on-screen!

Koushani: I made him do it! What Didi told me is that we don’t always have to kiss and hug to show that there is romance. There is a scene where he is feeding me and it looks so natural that Didi was very happy! That was an improvised scene as well.

Tell us about your looks today...

Shiboprosad: We have seen the characters in a certain way in the film. I wanted Abhishek to make us look a little different in real life. While I maintained a clean-shaven appearance throughout the film, I was eager to depart from this familiar look during the promotional activities. The clean-shaven look is specifically tied to the film’s narrative and aesthetic.

Koushani: I wanted the colours to represent who I am — vibrant and full of energy. The green colour is such a pretty one that I liked the outfit instantly and the peach is a much more subtle tone that looks great in sunlight.

Koushani’s sequins and pearls: Vivek

Jewellery: Jhalak The Designer Store

Make-up and hair: Babusona Saha and Kunal Saha

Hair stylist: Gini Haldar

Stylist: Soumya Nandy

Shiboprosad’s styling : Abhishek Roy