Exclusive: When Soumitra Chatterjee Said âNoâ– And Then âYesâ

In the realm of Bengali cinema, few collaborations are as revered as that of Soumitra Chatterjee with directors Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee. However, securing the iconic actor for a brief yet crucial role was no easy feat, as the duo candidly shared in a recent episode of In The Ring With Filmfare.

“There was one scene in the entire film,” Shiboprosad began, “and didi (Nandita Roy) said, ‘I want Soumitra.’ I said, ‘It’s one scene, one day. Have to convince him.’”

Recounting the initial approach, he continued, “I called him and said, ‘Dada…’ and he said, ‘How dare you call me for a one-day shoot? It’s one scene. Please don’t call me again.’ That was the first answer.

Undeterred, Shiboprosad made another attempt a week later. “I said, ‘Sir, I only want 15 minutes from you. I will read out the script and the idea. Just 15 minutes. Then you decide. I will never disturb you again.

To his surprise, Chatterjee agreed to meet. “He said, ‘Come over.’ Then I narrated the film and read the whole scene. He looked at me and said, ‘Sit.’ He used to have this red diary, the date, and said, ‘When do you want the date?’ That was the next answer.”

This pivotal moment not only enriched the film but also marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between the actor and the director duo. Their partnership would go on to create several memorable films, leaving an indelible mark on Bengali cinema.

Currently, Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee continue to captivate audiences with their storytelling prowess. Their recent release, Bohurupi, a vigilante heist action thriller, has garnered critical acclaim and box office success, further solidifying their status as stalwarts of regional cinema.

Their unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling and their ability to bring out the best in their actors remain the cornerstone of their cinematic journey. As they continue to push boundaries and explore new narratives, audiences eagerly await their next masterpiece.