The 2014 film Highway, starring Koel Mallick and Parambrata Chattopadhyay, opened with a scene that had Koel reading a book. And Koel’s first memory of Parambrata is of the actor immersed in a book on the sets of Shubhodrishti (2005) as the rest of cast including Jeet and Koel did a song-and-dance sequence for the film.
On Saturday and Sunday, Koel and Param — shooting for a new yet-to-be-titled adventure film at a Ballygunge address — took a trip down memory lane with t2 and spoke about the film directed by Sayantan Ghosal.
Koel, how does it feel to shoot in such a gloomy weather?
Koel: I find it to be one of the most romantic weathers. I really, really love this weather. Yes, it’s raining now, but we are shooting indoors, so it’s fine.
Of course when I know that I have to step out to shoot in this weather, I keep my mon on track. Also, if the shoot is outdoors, we know there will be some difficulties.
What do you do at home when not shooting on a rainy day like this?
Koel: I’ll watch a lovely film and have a cup of nice, hot coffee. Or I’ll snuggle in a couch on the veranda, have my coffee and read a book. That’s my thing. I keep my phone away. I don’t like any disturbances at that time.
What are your other rainy day memories on set?
Koel: Once you are on the set, you have to switch off from the world outside. Your focus is only on that particular film. Once I got so engrossed looking at the sky during the shoot of the film Mon Mane Na that I missed the cue that was supposed to alert me for a scene. I was supposed to get on a bus at one point. I asked Sujit kaku (Sujit Guha, the director) to call me. But I completely forgot that I was in the middle of a shoot… I was completely in awe of the beautiful weather. They called out my name, but I was lost in the moment, enjoying the weather, looking at the sky, birds, trees. I was so embarrassed.
Param, do you remember the name of the book Koel was reading in Highway?
Parambrata: Milan Kundera’s Laughable Loves.
Koel, what was your first impression of Param?
Koel: We were doing this huge song-and-dance sequence... everyone was dancing and he was sitting in a corner, all serious, reading a book. Absolutely not affected by what was happening all around. It was as if he did not belong to that world!
Parambrata: It was purely self-defence (smiles).
Param, what was your first impression of Koel?
Parambrata: Koel is the Tolly queen! She has always been very polite and courteous. Always smiling, very prim and proper.
Koel: I got to know him during the shoot of Hemlock Society. In that film, I was the serious one, and he was doing all the fun stuff. It was a complete role reversal. I got to discover another side of him, which was amazing. He is bright and happy and chilled out. He is so focused as an actor. It is absolutely wonderful working with him.
Cut to the shoot of Highway, and Param was singing Lungi dance and dancing to it. I could not believe it! I thought he was possessed! (Laughs out loud)
What did you think of Param’s film Shonar Pahar?
Koel: I really liked the film... it is extremely sensitive and well-shot and has a very delicate point of view. It’s an emotional, heart-warming film. He has this great clarity of thought and vision.
Param, over the years what have you discovered about Koel?
Parambrata: She has a quirky, witty, funny side to her. I have a long-standing wish to direct her. There are certain actors you want to work with and explore. Koel is one of them.
How would you do that?
Parambrata: A film that centres around her character. Something that would do justice. If I had to direct her, it would be something about her.
Arindam Chatterjee
Pictures: Arnab Mondal and B. Halder
