Sabyasachi: I am not that great of an actor

The northern star of West Bengal—Sabyasachi Chakrabarty came to Bangladesh for shooting his movie 'Gondi'. The Business Standard had the wonderful opportunity to take an interview of the prominent actor amidst his busy schedule.

Making a name in both the silver screen and the small screen, he shot to fame after starring in the TV series 'Tero Pabon.' But he rose to stardom with the role of the famous Bengali detective, Feluda.

TBS team interviewed him in a hotel in Uttara. His tall and broad structure gleamed with grace and sophistication as entered the lobby.

The actor, with a proven calibre in theatre, small and big screens, spoke with true modesty. Even after starring in Bangla, Hindi and Tamil movies with commendable dedication, he opined that he had not done anything worthy.

Are you truly ambidextrous in the field of life?

He laughed, "I don't think I am that good. I can hardly realise the true essence of Sabyasachi."

What do you think of Bangladeshi films?

"I haven't watched many of them. However, I have acted in three Bangladeshi films; one directed by Afsana Mimi, the other is 'Shikari', and lastly, Gondi", said the actor sipping from a warm cup of coffee, and the conversation was only getting interesting from hereon.

What preparation does an actor need to do to get into the skin of a character?

"Using common sense is the most important matter, and an actor must listen to the director carefully." He further elaborated on this matter by stating that, "I cannot change my face, but I can use it to do expressions, and try my best to talk like the character might. It is impossible for me to do more than that."

Unfolding the mystery behind Feluda

When we think of Sabyasachi, we think of Feluda. We cannot picture anyone apart from him in this role, such is his indulgence into a character. As an actor he has donned many other praiseworthy characters.

Have you taken any kind of extra preparation for enacting the character of a detective?

"It's a plain 'no.' Acting is acting. If you are a credible actor then you can easily get into the skin of a character. In reality there are a lot of detectives who do not look like James Bond or Feluda, but the simple-looking detectives have solved the greatest of crimes."

A lot of actors have tried to play the role of Feluda. Who do you think suits this role more? 

"There is not a single person who has repeatedly tried to enact the role of Feluda. I would say all of them did a great job bringing the character to life, but it does depend on audience acceptance quite a great deal. If the audience think they are good, then they are good."

The story behind Gondi

Sabyasachi landed in Bangladesh for the shooting of his movie 'Gondi.' Director Fakhrul Arefeen Khan held a special program for the movie. There, the humble actor playfully said that, clearly his face is not charming enough, and the director took a pity on him.

Why would you say something like that?

"I am not that special. If people think I am an extra-ordinary actor then they are wrong. There are tonnes of people out there who are more smartly dressed, good-looking and highly talented. The saddest part is they are not being utilised properly."

Do you see any difference in Kolkata and Bangladeshi movie industries? 

"Other than some slight variance in direction styles, I didn't see any significant difference between the two industries."

What character do you play in 'Gondi?'

"I am a retired Government officer who lives all by himself. His children live abroad. The story reflects a person's loneliness, friendship and happiness amidst the struggles of life. The main theme of the movie is about friendship without any boundaries or expectations."

How did you like to work with your co-star Suborna Mostafa?

"I have heard a lot about her but I have never interacted with her before. She is a wonderful human being and a great actor."

Towards the end of this lovely interview session with the enigma of a personality—Sabyasachi Chakrabarty, like a true actor he insisted that we watch the film at the cinema.