Shaheb Bhattacherjee
Bengali OTT still in nascent stage: Actor Shaheb Bhattacherjee
Bengali actor Shaheb Bhattacherjee plays a significant role in Sunny Ghosh Ray's upcoming web series on Zee5, Shwetkali. In a candid conversation with IBNS correspondent Souvik Ghosh, Shaheb speaks on the series, OTT and more ahead of the Feb 24 premiere...
Q. What made you choose this series?
A. I chose this series because of its plot. The concoction of blind faith and religion in this thriller was interesting. It was kind of risky as well. The plot raises the question who would we turn to if trouble is created by faith in God only?
Q. Tell us about your character.
A. My character, Palash, is very interesting. There is no 'x factor' in Palash, who is like any other businessman. He has no heroism which comes in contradiction with my general image of being flamboyant, colourful, metrosexual. So I opted for this role considering the stark contrast between myself and Palash.
Q. Were there any adjustments you had to do to slip into this character?
A. I gained some weight and tried to assume the image of a typical Bengali person. Palash doesn't become a hero due to any situation, rather he remains helpless but tries to help with intellect though he has his limitations.
Q. So your character was very realistic unlike the conventional heroes.
A. Yes, Palash is very close to reality. We rarely come across a character who is helpless despite being a hero. I approached this character through this angle.
Q. Do you think OTT has given this space to actors to explore these varied characters?
A. I feel Bengali OTT is still in a very nascent stage. It's more an extension of television. It will take time to craft a hero in a different way.
Q. So is it a big challenge for Bengali actors to pick and choose roles?
A. That is what makes someone a better actor than a normal actor. It's what we can bring to the table as an actor. It is an actor's responsibility to make a character unique.
(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)
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