‘Content in Hindi is considered national content, it reaches a much wider audience’
Parambrata Chattopadhyay, who has predominantly worked as an actor and director in Bengali films, has also made a mark in the Hindi film industry with some powerful performances in the movie Kahaani (2012), web film Bulbbul (2020) and web series Aranyak, among other projects. In a chat with us, he talks about playing a pivotal role in his recent web release, Jehanabad - Of Love & War, gaining recognition through Hindi projects, and more. Excerpts: of Deepak Kumar is the person around whom the entire show revolves. His appearance comes like a lightening in every episode and goes away again. He is well-read and intellectual. Hailing from a lower caste, he has seen how they have been tortured in certain areas in Bihar, where he comes from. He has figured out that picking up arms is the only way to put an end to this torture.
What are your thoughts on resorting to violence to bring about a revolution?
History has seen that revolution has come through violence and armed struggle. But in today’s time, I feel it is not an option. If you want to be heard, you will have to go for democratic and peaceful protests.
You have done many Hindi projects now. Do you think these have made you a familiar face across the country?
Of course. Hindi is not our national language, but it is spoken by the most number of people. Content in Hindi is considered to be national content and it reaches a much wider audience. Take Black Widows, Bulbbul or Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi (2019); the amount of recognition they brought me is a lot.
You made your Hindi debut with Vidya Balan in Kahaani and she made her Bengali debut with you in Bhalo Theko (2003). Can we see you two together again?
Let’s hope so. I would love to work with Vidya, she is a lovely person. We meet now and then at parties. We share the same warmth.