You cannot bracket anyone as a television actor or a film actor or a theatre actor. You only have good actors.” “Bumbada has everything. He has achieved everything. He doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone now. But he is still experimenting with his roles.” “I look for good characters, and I say yes when I feel that I can do justice to a character.” — These are some of the many important observations made by Prosenjit and Sohini Sengupta as they got together to talk about films, theatre and Aay Khuku Aay (produced by Jeetz Filmworks Private Limited and Grassroot Entertainment), which releases today.
Bumbada, you had worked with Sohini’s father (Rudraprasad Sengupta) in Autograph...
Prosenjit: It was a memorable experience.
Sohini: A few years ago I had worked on a play with the lifers in Dum Dum Central Jail. After it got over, they came up with a request — they said that they would like to see Bumbada once. Immediately I started thinking... how could I invite him there? There was a risk factor. Then I called up Bumbada and told him about this. I was sure that Bumbada would say no. But he was like, ‘When do I have to go?’ He said it just like that. He agreed immediately.
Prosenjit: See, it felt good to be a part of that endeavour.
Sohini: He arrived on time... and he could not enter with bodyguards... only I was there with a couple of members from my theatre group, my parents were there and the jailer. It was crowded... and Bumbada entered like a king. They maintained their distance respectfully... did not come too close. I remember when Bumbada was about to leave, a group of people started running, and then I got a bit scared. Finally, the event went off really well.
I have always known Bumbada as a star, as a hero. But I got to see a different side of Bumbada on that day. It was an amazing experience.
Prosenjit: I have seen her plays and films. I was really moved by her performance in Icche. I have watched all her films. And I had told Sohini once that I had thought of her for a film... a love story. But then Ayushmann Khurrana came up with a film on a similar subject... he did Dum Laga Ke Haisha.
Many people from theatre have done very important roles in my films. Some of them would have one request... they would ask me to watch their plays, and I would go. And now no one segregates between actors... you cannot bracket anyone as a television actor or a film actor or a theatre actor. You only have good actors. That’s the scenario all across India.
Sohini Sengupta in 'Aay Khuku Aay' which releases today
What’s the common factor between the two of you?
Sohini: His films! I have seen so many of them. He is such a passionate actor. He says his lines with so much conviction and passion. For the shoot of Aay Khuku Aay, I had scenes with him that were shot at night, and I did not see Bumbada sitting down even for once throughout the night. He is so disciplined. The passion that he has is just amazing. Even if one would feel sleepy you could not show signs of tiredness, since he was there standing all through.
Prosenjit: We had an elaborate sequence that was shot across three-four nights.
Sohini: Now we see many people just running after fame. But for a true artiste, the fire is always burning within. Bumbada has everything. He has achieved everything. He doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone now. But he is still experimenting with his roles, he is still innovating... still changing... and he’ll be like this even when he is 80. That hunger to do good work will always be there.
Sohini, you are very selective when it comes to acting in films....
Sohini: I look for good characters, and I say yes when I feel that I can do justice to a character. Those kinds of offers are few and far between.
Prosenjit: I have been asked, why did I produce a film like Nirontor. It is because I wanted that film to happen. The industry got a talented director in Chandrasish Ray. I have always tried to support talented people and good cinema.
Sohini, how do you look at the issue of getting typecast in films?
Sohini: That happens after every successful film and performance, be it Paromitar Ekdin or Icche or Alikh Sukh. I would start to get offers for similar kinds of characters. But I always tell them that I cannot repeat myself... cannot do the same roles.
Prosenjit: The character she plays in Aay Khuku Aay is very unique.... I have not seen her playing such a character in films. She has her own aura and such a tremendous screen presence. There’s so much to learn. And I am constantly learning... from the youngsters too. I ask them questions. The younger generation is bringing in a new wave... we have to learn from them. I want to be a student throughout my life.
Sohini, there’s a line in the film where your character uses the words ‘rogre debo’ against Bumbada’s character....
Sohini: Gola shukiye gechhilo (smiles)! After all it is Bumbada. But then we were both performing. I am very proud that I am big, so I use my body in my acting. The way he looks in the film... is fascinating.
Prosenjit: And she saw a variety of looks, from the glamourous to the deglam.
Sohini: I made a video of him when he was dancing... I showed it to members of my theatre group. We have Bumbada as an example... it is not only about the success... it is also about how you are doing it every day. While performing he would try out different things and never get irritated.
Bumbada, do you feel like acting in plays again?
Prosenjit: Yes... I would like to be a part of a play soon. I would like to learn more.
Sohini, have you thought of a character for Bumbada in plays?
Sohini: He can do any role. He is an actor. As Nirmal in Aay Khuku Aay, his personality changed.
Sohini, you play a politician in Aay Khuku Aay....
Sohini: I had a great time playing a negative role... because of the shades. I told my father about my character... and he was like, “Bumba ki bollo?!” He’ll watch the film and enjoy it tremendously. Baba is synonymous with books. He would always get me books. I would watch Tarkovsky films when I was in Class IV. Even now, he asks me, “Which book did you read recently?” And if I had done something wrong, he would write me a letter explaining things. He says, one should take all the chances. As a parent he is too liberal.
Picture: Pabitra Das