Abar Proloy A lot of people didn't want 'Abar Proloy' to be made: Saswata Chatterjee
Actor Saswata Chatterjee reprises his role as Inspector Animesh Dutta in Raj Chakraborty's debut web series 'Abar Proloy', a spin-off of the filmmaker's 2013 film 'Proloy'. In an interaction with IBNS correspondent Souvik Ghosh, Saswata Chatterjee speaks on the Zee5 series, his recent success in Mumbai and more...
Q. How much did Animesh Dutta (Saswata Chatterjee's character) grow louder in action in 'Abar Proloy'?
A. The trailer is reflecting just two percent of what Animesh Dutta did in the series. The rest 98 percent of his actions can entirely be felt only when the series starts streaming online.
Q. Did you discuss the need for a sequel to 'Proloy' with Raj Chakraborty over the last 10 years?
A. Yes, we have been discussing it since 'Proloy' was released. We were thinking of the sequel seriously because the audience was craving for it. But somehow, we were not able to make it. Makers were not agreeing to invest on such a huge Bengali project. I would like to thank Zee5 for making the project. Both me and Raj are aware that there were a lot of people who did not want the project to be made. That's all I can say.
(From L to R) Raj Chakraborty, Subhashree Ganguly and Saswata Chatterjee | Photo courtesy: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
Q. Tell us about the risk factors during the shooting.
A. Risk factors are always there in a shooting. But our Fight Master was from the south (South Indian film industry) so we got considerable support from him as he was familiar with such stunts. We all were anxious too. Though we got the support, the risk factor was always there.
Q. Recently in an interview, you stressed on the importance of workshops before shooting.
A. As far as I know, Raj had conducted workshops for the young batch (in 'Abar Proloy'). Even for Ritwick (Ritwick Chakraborty) and Gaurav (Gaurav Chakraborty), who had different kinds of dialogues in the series, workshops or rehearsals for days were conducted. The audience has never seen Ritwick or Koushani (Koushani Mukherjee) or Gaurav in this manner ever.
Q. You have been highly appreciated for your work in two recent web series 'The Night Manager' and 'Toothpari'!
A. I am just trying to utilise the opportunities I am being offered. I thank the makers entirely for believing in me. I can't speak enough for Anil Kapoor (who played one of the leads in 'The Night Manager'). I haven't come across too many people like him. After every scene, he (Anil Kapoor) would say 'You acted better than me, I will get it edited' (laughs). But he used to applaud after my scenes and none was edited. I am fortunate to work with someone like him. My scenes could have been edited if I had worked with someone else, it was very much possible.
Saswata Chatterjee | Photo courtesy: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
Q. You are also gearing up for 'Project K'.
A. 'Project K' is huge. The film is being shot for three years. It’s unimaginable! As far as I know, the film is being made with a budget of around Rs. 700-800 crore. Money and time do not matter for them (the makers) until they achieve perfection.
Q. You were offered Tota Roy Choudhury’s character initially in 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' but you turned it down due to a dance scene. Do you regret it now?
A. I haven't watched the film yet. But of course, turning down Karan Johar's film will always remain as the biggest regret of my life. But I feel communicating to the makers about my inabilities is more important than choosing a project and failing.
(Photo courtesy: Avishek Mitra/IBNS)
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