For Mithun Chakraborty, Kabuliwallah has been a deeply emotional journey. “In stepping into Rahmat’s shoes in Kabuliwallah, I find myself traversing the timeless corridors of Tagore’s narrative. It’s not just a role, it’s a profound connection with a story that transcends eras, reminding us that love is a language understood by the heart, regardless of time or borders. The character’s unwavering affection and strong bond with Mini evoke profound nostalgia,” says Mithun, who got together with director Suman Ghosh after a period of 12 years, this time bringing to the silver screen an adaptation of Tagore’s classic story Kabuliwallah. Excerpts from a t2 video chat with the veteran actor who plays the titular role in the film that hits theatres today.

How was it like working with Suman Ghosh after so many years?

His storytelling is very simple. He doesn’t make unnecessary use of technology, which I also dislike. You see Kabuliwallah is a Tagore story, so you cannot take any liberties. And he did not. He has told Tagore’s story with complete simplicity and I think he has done an excellent job. As far as my working relationship with him is concerned, I did not observe any change. He is just the same as he used to be.

Could you share your experiences from the days you spent in Kargil? Did you face any hazards?

When you see the film, you will know how the place looks like. It is situated very close to Pakistan and to its north is Afghanistan. These places are at very high altitudes and I had been forbidden by my doctor to go to any place higher than 10,000 ft. But when we finished, I found out that we were at a height of 12,000 ft. Fortunately, I was fine and didn’t feel any discomfort. Maybe it helped that I am used to hilly weather as I live in Ooty most of the time.

Otherwise, it is a fantastic locale.

Years ago, you had a brush with a ‘real’ Kabuliwallah (Afghan). Did that help you add more nuances to your character?

You see, I had never ever thought that I would get to play a Kabuliwallah. But in my life, incidents have shaped themselves in such a way that I have come across most of the types of characters that I needed to portray. Jamaluddin Khan was a good friend of mine. He was a cook and he taught me to cook as well. He loved me so much that every day he would get a bowl of fish, mutton, chicken or vegetables for me, and also made sure that I ate all of it myself! He was a really nice guy. He was quite possessive about me and had great faith in my abilities. He would often say, “Tu ekdin number one banega hee banega”. At that time I had just entered the world of films, and was on the verge of making a name for myself. But he would always tell me that he had prayed to Allah that I would become “number one”.

Well, what he prayed for has come true. But he had already left before I became famous. His daughter was getting married, and I had asked if I could help him in any way. But he had refused. Anyway, he left. I have not heard from him since then. I hope he is alive. And this character that I have played, Rahmat Khan the Kabuliwallah, is my tribute to my long-lost friend.

A moment from the film Kabuliwallah, which releases today Sourced by The Telegraph

What was it like working with Abir Chatterjee?

There is not a single actor in Bengal now who you can underestimate. And as for Abir, he is a very good person. He is definitely one of the most decent actors you will find today. He is also very good-looking. Most important, he is a very natural actor. His work looks very effortless and you never feel that he is acting. I enjoyed working with him and I would love to work with him even in the future. We spent some lovely moments together joking around and occasionally having a nice adda.

What were some of the main reasons that made you agree to do this film?

Actually, I did not agree to do it in the beginning. I had refused Suman initially. Look, I knew that doing this film would be no joke, and that it certainly had its pitfalls. Two doyens of acting — Chhabi Biswas (in the Bengali film by Tapan Sinha) and Balraj Sahni (in the Hindi film by Hemen Gupta) have played my part in the earlier film adaptations of this tale. I was very scared to do this role. I had declined as I knew that if I made the slightest slip, everyone would just tear me apart. I thought that it was not worth it. I am also satisfied with the success I have gained over the years and did not wish to achieve anything more. But Suman just would not take no for an answer. He kept telling me that he would only make the film if I accepted the role of the Kabuliwallah. Then finally I gave an audition to the producers and director and that was completely my version of the character. I modelled my character on my friend Jamaluddin Khan, who was asthmatic. Sometimes he would lose his breath while speaking, and his voice became inaudible. I imitated this way of speaking at the audition and told them that if they liked what I did, I would do the film, otherwise not. Anyway, they instantly liked my approach to the character and that’s how I came on board.

Why do you think this film, whose story is more than 100 years old, and which is being remade after six decades, is important for the audience to watch in today’s day and age?

Before that, I wish to say that as an actor, I only did my best to support those who were courageous enough to decide to make this film. This was not an easy text to adapt into a film nor an easy character to portray. It required a lot of hard work, effort and mental preparation. It is for the audience to judge whether we have succeeded in our attempt.

And the reason why this film needs to be watched is because society is going through a very difficult phase. In my opinion, while politicians are trying to divide people in every way, our film tries to unite them. Apart from that, this film reminds us of the simplicity and beauty of universal human relationships. That is unfortunately lost in our time, but you see, we cannot teach people through our films. We can only tell them what is right, how life should be lived and what needs to be done. After that, it is the choice of the people.

You are vacationing abroad now. Tell us how you are enjoying your time.

I am in Los Angeles currently, staying at my daughter and middle son’s house. It is in Burbank, one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods and is some miles away from the city. It’s a beautiful place and I am spending my days doing my own work and relaxing in their company. I am here again after two years and I have come to visit my children as I was missing them very much. Plus I have some personal business to attend to as well.

It is a quiet, peaceful place and throughout the week you won’t see a soul outside after dark. Only on weekends, people can be seen socialising or enjoying themselves. They are very punctual and professional and I admire them for their dedication and approach to life and society.