Topshe's new avatar

How did the role happen?

Sandip Ray was looking for somebody new to play Topshe. An acquaintance mentioned my name but they didn't have my number. Soon after, when I contacted Sandip Ray, he said, 'I want you to do the next Feluda film.' I immediately agreed, but he asked me to take a week and think over it. A week later, I went back and asked, 'Are you still going to cast me as Topshe?' He replied that he'd already decided to cast me; he just wanted me to be sure about my decision.

Were you nervous about playing Topshe?

Babuda (Sandip Ray), Benuda (Sabyasachi Chakraborty) and Bibhujethu kept praising from start. That put a lot of pressure on me. I felt I'll be in a soup if I don't perform well. But when shooting began, my first shot was okay-ed in one take. I felt a little free after that.

Your experience shooting for the film so far…

The way Babuda shoots is different from that of other directors. Every scene, every detail is given a lot more time.

How did you prepare for the role?

I watched the Feluda movies again, a few for the first time. Then I watched Sonar Kella and Joy Baba Felunath a couple of more times to get the feel right. I read Satyajit Ray's Gorosthanay Sabdhaan on which the film is based. But mainly, I read the script through several times.

Your father Subrata Bhattacharya is a well-known footballer. What led you to films?

I've never had pressure from him to become a footballer. I tried a lot of things. I played cricket at the under-16 level. I did karate. I was going from left to right. When I got to college, I decided to become an actor. It was a conscious decision. I knew that no other profession would do for me.

Are you following the FIFA World Cup?

Yes I am. After shooting, I go back home and watch the matches. Then I have to wake up early for the shoots. I'm supporting Argentina.


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