With a career spanning 37 years in the Bengali film and television industry Soham Chakraborty has made his mark as an actor. With the release of his new film Shastri, based on Debarati Mukhopadhyay’s short story, Dolgobinda Babur Chashma, he also turned producer for the Mithun-starrer. We caught up with the actor to talk about his character in Shastri, working with his idol, Mithun Chakraborty, his journey as an actor and his hopes for Soham’s Entertainment – his production banner.
You have been a part of Shastri from its genesis. Tell us its backstory.
Soham Chakraborty: The journey of the film and its concept began a few years back. I approached Mithun uncle (Chakraborty) and narrated the story. He agreed to give us just 10 minutes but the meeting went on for almost one hour. He said that he’d heard a unique story like Shastri’s after ages. After that, we decided to approach Debasree Roy to play the character of his wife. There were over 40 to 50 drafts of the script over the next one-and-a-half years before we started shooting.
Do you believe in astrology or astronomy?
Soham Chakraborty: My character, Saikat Majumder (an astrophysicist), believes in astronomy but I personally believe in astrology. There is something above and beyond science, which we call supreme power or a miracle.
You’ve worked with Mithun Chakraborty as an actor but this is your first time working with him as a producer. Tell us about it.
Soham Chakraborty: Yes, I have worked with him as an actor. But our relationship has evolved over the years. It was unbelievable to work as a producer with someone I've idolised since childhood. I felt like I was inching towards something unattainable (when I reached out to him for the film) but things panned out well with him and Shastri. Mithun Chakraborty and Debasree Roy are legends. I'm simply a part of this film helmed by stalwarts such as them. It's a matter of great honour for me.
As a producer, what is the type of content that you’re looking for?
Soham Chakraborty: It will definitely be content that the public will not only like and admire but also relate to. Shastri's performance will decide my choice of ventures in the future.
You started working as a child. It’s been a journey of 37 years. What are your takeaways?
Soham Chakraborty: I am still learning – going through ups and downs and hurdles. It's all a part of the process. When I was a child actor, the ambience was different. Now, with time, I am adapting to different things. It has been a thrilling journey for me.
What comes next?
Soham Chakraborty: I am yet to finalise scripts for my home production.
