Tuesday, 3.15pm.
A car comes to a stop outside a three-storeyed apartment in a narrow, quiet lane in Kasba. Out steps Abir Chatterjee, in a hooded-shirt and dark glasses, and sprints up the stairs to an apartment on the second floor. He’s here to keep a date with Sipra Sengupta, a grandmother and an Abir fan!
In his latest film, Thammar Boyfriend, Abir plays boyfriend to Sabitri Chatterjee, and this seemed the perfect opportunity for one lucky grandmom in town to spend some quality time with the Tolly heart-throb.
Abir rings the doorbell, and the 70-year-old Sipra opens the door with a charming smile, with daughter Karabi Dasgupta by her side.
Here’s how the adda with Abir, ‘Thamma’ and t2 rolled over mishti, chicken momos and black tea...
t2: Why did you decide to do a film like Thammar Boyfriend?
Abir: There are two reasons for that. I don’t know why, but there is this perception among some that I only do serious films. That’s not the case. I was waiting for a comedy to come my way that can be enjoyed by the whole family. I found the concept of Thammar Boyfriend (directed by Anindya Ghosh and produced by Kan Singh Sodha) really interesting. And the second reason is that I have very fond memories of my Thakuma and Dida. Thakuma could sing really well. And I was a huge fan of my Dida’s cooking. My Dida was a rock star. Her outlook to life was way ahead of our times. I have seen this quality in my Thakuma too. They were very cool. And when I got to know that Sabitri Chatterjee would be playing the lead (opposite Abir) in Thammar Boyfriend, I knew I would never get a chance like this again.
t2: Which is your fave character — Feluda or Byomkesh?
Abir: I have done five Byomkesh films and only one Feluda film. I have been able to make Byomkesh my own.
Karabi Dasgupta: And we have all loved you as Byomkesh!
t2: What do you do on your day-off?
Abir: I have been travelling for the last two months. So if I get a holiday now, I will switch off my phone and sleep. But that will not happen till the release of my next Byomkesh film!
t2: What feedback are you getting from grandmoms in general?
Abir: I always get compliments from them, specially because I wear dhuti-punjabi as Byomkesh. For Thammar Boyfriend, the feedback has been really warm and encouraging. My parents went for a show on Sunday and it was houseful. My wife (Nandini) told me that while watching the film, she was reminded of her Dida, who is now 90 and lives in Subhashgram.
Actually, Thammar Boyfriend is not just about the elderly. After a certain stage, we often take our family members for granted. For example, once they (Mainak and Shinjini) grow up, they will be under a lot of pressure and stress… they will not be able to make time for family. They will be weighed down by things like getting the right job and planning their career. So the family takes the back seat for that moment. And then comes a stage when you realise that everything you are doing is actually for your family. And you think, ‘If I can’t spend time with my family, then what’s the use?’ This has happened with many of us.
Karabi: We are so busy with our hectic schedules, but once in a while we want to go for light films, the ones we can sit back and enjoy.
Abir: Everyone is tense about demonetisation, so I would suggest, for two-and-a-half hours, forget everything that is worrying you and watch Thammar Boyfriend.
Sipra: From now on, Thammas and Didas will feel energised and the Dadus will feel jealous of you!
Abir: Yes, let the Dadus be tense!
#PLANADATE
Abir: Where do you watch films — in the theatres or at home?
Sipra Sengupta: If I have to go to the theatres, I’ll need a companion! If I get a companion like you, then I’ll go to the theatres. And if you take me out on a bike, then it’ll be amazing.
Abir: I’ll arrange for a car!
Sipra Sengupta: By the way, if I go out with you, I’ll have to get my teeth fixed. Otherwise, how will I eat in a restaurant?!
Abir: What if we order something light? Like a Lasuni Kebab or Grilled Fish! (Everyone laughs out loud)
Arindam Chatterjee and Malancha Dasgupta
Pictures: B. Halder
Which Tolly celeb would you like to invite to your home? Tell t2@abp.in
