Stories from certain genres take us back to childhood, detective fiction being one of them. And sometimes there comes a sleuth who manages to tap into the child in us. Eken Babu is one such character, whose new film The Eken is running in theatres now. The Telegraph chats with actor Anirban Chakrabarti, who plays Eken Babu.
What was your first reaction when you got to know that The Eken will be made into a film?
I was really, really happy. When we did Season 1 in 2018, we didn’t know whether Season 2 would be made. Since the audience showered so much love on the series, the seasons came one after the other. In four years we have made five seasons. Then a decision was made to make a film. Over the years, the actors, directors and technicians have changed but everyone was really happy when the announcement was made.
How has Eken Babu evolved over time?
When I first got the call to act in Eken Babu, I read the screenplay first. Then I got an idea about the person. I was guided by my sensibility when we started the shoot. While we were shooting, I could gauge from the reactions all around that people were appreciating it. They had accepted the character. With time, the character has become very close to me. I started to discover different layers of the character. Now I know how the character will react if he is put in a certain situation. I can improvise accordingly. It has become easier. The seasons were directed by various directors and each had their own interpretations. They had their view points and I had my understanding of the character. Over the years I have maintained the essence of the character. It is also about recall and recreation at the beginning of the shoot for a new season. Now it has become easier for me to portray the character.
How have you shaped Eken Babu?
After I had started shooting, I became familiar with the illustrations of Eken Babu in the stories, which are quite different from my physical features. They might remind you of a Tenida or Ghonada. Then certain changes were made in the script. Padmanabha (Dasgupta), the scriptwriter, knew me, so he started including my behaviorial pattern in the script. That has increased over time. Eken Babu is mischievous and Joydeepda (Mukherjee; director) feels that it comes from me. Of course I don’t irritate people like Eken does. But I feel some of my nijoshota has seeped into Eken. I have tried to understand and discover the various layers of Eken Babu.
Why do you feel Eken Babu has this huge connect?
Because he is very adorable and loveable. We have not seen detectives like Eken Babu before. Eken is not larger than life like the others. He is the guy next door. He loves to eat, talks a lot, comes up with poor jokes. He is unassuming. At the same time he is very intelligent, sharp and properly trained. The contrasting characteristics have made him very interesting. Eken Babu is admired by all, from the youngsters to the elderly. Eken Babu is never gloomy. He is jovial, always doing something, which connects with the kids as well. Eken is a refreshing change for all.
Can you identify with Eken Babu at any level?
I can at some level, especially the friendship he has with Bapi and Promotho. I have friends like Bapi who are protective about me. And he has a Tom and Jerry-like relationship with Promotho. I have friends like Promotho as well. Also Eken Babu loves to travel, is a foodie, and I can connect with that. I am attracted to his intelligence. He sees life in a cheerful way with a lightness of touch and I can also connect with that.
Do you see people expecting funny lines from you all the time? How do you deal with the situation?
Since people adore and admire the character, many feel I’ll be like Eken Babu in real life. And at gatherings, those who don’t know me, expect funny lines from me. And I go quiet in front of people I don’t know. People of course then understand my situation.
What can the audience expect from the film?
The mood of the film matches the festive vibe of Poila Baisakh. The treatment of the film is larger than life, and one has to watch The Eken in the theatres. It is an entertaining film that the whole family can enjoy. The visuals are great and the storyline engaging. And the film has a feel-good factor.
Anirban and Paayel Sarkar