Inspired by his Dadu’s films to take up acting, Gourab Chatterjee admits he has a long way to go. But the grandson of Uttam Kumar, who is looking for realistic roles, could turn the corner with Eti... Realisation Begins.

You have taken two years to come up with your second film as hero...

Yes, I was in my first year in college when Bhalobashar Anek Naam happened. Not many know or remember that after Bhalobashar... I did Raja Sen’s Krishnakanter Will where I played Jeet’s brother. It was a small role. Eti is my third film. Actually I wanted to concentrate on studies. I also didn’t like the scripts that came my way. I am not cut out for running around tress and jumping from buildings. I don’t have the looks or the physique to do such roles.

What kind of roles are you looking for?

Something realistic, like my character in Eti. I want to play a believable character. I don’t jump around buildings in real life, neither do I beat up baddies. I have to identify with my role, only then will I do another film.

Did you identify with your role in Eti?

Oh yes, I play Sanjay, a college-goer like I am in real life. He is fun-loving and full of energy. Sanjay goes to Darjeeling on a vacation with friends, where he gets intimate with his girlfriend and then gets entangled in an MMS scandal. I could relate to it even more because Sanjay is a student of St Paul’s School in Darjeeling, where I studied. Besides, in both Bhalobashar Anek Naam and Krishnakanter Will, I played someone who is very different. The hair and make-up were different, but in Eti I am myself. It’s really sad that Sambitda (the director of Eti) is no more. He had a brilliant vision. The young generation will relate to Eti.

Eti has bold scenes. How comfortable were you doing them?

Yes, there are intimate scenes but we didn’t cross the line. I do get cosy with my co-star but there are no smooches or liplocks. It was the first time I was doing a bold scene and I was very tense. I was also apprehensive about how the scene would be shot. But I am very friendly with Roopali, my co-star, and once we were in front of the camera there were no problems. Even though we didn’t do any rehearsal.

How much have you progressed from your first film?

A lot. Being under the guidance of a director like Tarun Majumdar in Bhalobashar... had helped me a lot. I still remember the first day I went to meet him along with Ma. The first 14-15 days were really tough. I still remember our Bolpur shoot. Tarun Majumdar would literally scold and shout at me in front of the entire crew. No one knows that I used to cry in my room alone. But now I realise that it was all for my good. When I started getting better after a few days, he started telling me stories about Dadu (Uttam Kumar). He told me not to talk after putting on the make-up; Dadu never spoke after his make-up.

Did you always want to be an actor?

Yes, but it was very dormant. I wanted to be a doctor as a child. Then I wanted to be Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley. But I was bowled over when Ma and Baba asked me to sit and watch one of Dadu’s films one day. I was in Class V then and I don’t remember which film it was but I decided to be an actor. I know I have a long way ahead. I am still a very bad actor.

How do your Dadu’s films inspire you?

Unfortunately, I was born five years after Dadu passed away. But I have heard his stories from Ma, Baba and Chhordadu (Tarun Kumar). I wanted to join FTII Pune but Baba passed away and then there were financial constraints. Baba always told me that Dadu believed in dedication, devotion and discipline. And I’m trying to follow his path.

Which is your favourite Uttam Kumar film?

There are lots. Ogo Bodhu Sundari, Saptapadi, Antony Firingi, Harano Sur.... The list is endless.

What’s on your plate?

Right now, I want to finish my B.Com. There’s an offer for a mega serial on Star Bangla. I would love to do television as there’s a lot of scope to learn. In TV, an actor has to face the camera everyday, so the learning process is faster.