Soham on believing in ghosts and batting for Mamata

Soham outside Oudh 1590. Picture: Anindya Shankar Ray

The last few months haven’t been easy for him. While his last release (Bangali Babu English Mem) flopped, Soham battled a series of health issues, from a ruptured ear to a bad backache. He is back this Friday as Rudra the pizza boy in Golpo Holeo Satti. A t2 chat at Oudh 1590, over Galawati kebab and paratha.

You are nursing a backache. How did that happen?

I sprained my muscles while gymming. I had a pain in my shoulders but my doctor told me the pain kicks off from my neck. I have been advised certain tests. Last year I had this ear infection and was hospitalised for a month. It was a serious ailment which could have been fatal, but touchwood, it’s cured now.

Wish you a speedy recovery. Now to Golpo Holeo Satti. This is the first time you’ve acted in a horror film. How was the experience?

Now that the film is ready I feel good, but playing Rudra was quite tough. Because the genre is very different and my entry into a different kind of film happened with Golpo Holeo Satti. It isn’t the staple masala film that I have been doing for so many years now. Add to that it’s a horror film, something that all of us love to see. We all like to be spooked at some point of time or the other. I was a little nervous but I also found the script and my character interesting.

Are you scared of ghosts?

Yes, I believe in ghosts. I love watching horror films. The Exorcist and The Conjuring are my favourites.

Your last few films didn’t do well at the box office. Have you been able to figure out why?

See, ups and downs are a part and parcel of our lives. Maybe I’m going through a not-so-good phase in my life now. I don’t know what the reason is. But I am trying to choose the best script and do good films.

Regarding my last film Bangali Babu English Mem, I thought the timing was wrong. It released in the first week of January. For the mass audience, after the New Year revelry, it’s not possible to spend Rs 100 for a film in that same week.

These days you are seen at Trinamul rallies very often. Are you interested in joining politics?

(Laughs) No, no, not at all. I go out to campaign and I meet the CM because of my love for the party and respect for our CM. Besides I get that respect and love in return. I am lucky to get the opportunity to attend TMC functions and rallies. I am involved with the party because of Mamata Banerjee. She is extraordinary, an exception. She has done so much for our industry. Technicians’ Studio is an example. But I am not looking at contesting elections or getting a ticket for the 2016 elections. Besides, I am a very straightforward person and I don’t think politics in the true sense can be my cup of tea.

Are you setting up your own production house?

Yes, the process is on. The paperwork needs to be done. Acting apart, I need a second option. Surviving on just one income isn’t enough. Since I have grown up in this industry (as a child artiste), the best thing to do seemed like opening a production house of my own. Silver Sand will be the name of my production house. I have taken up a space in Chatterjee International Centre. I will definitely act in films produced by my house. But I may not direct just yet.

You had once told t2 you were working out in the gym and trying to be a better dancer like Dev. Do you think you’ve lost your individuality in trying to ape Dev? You are right! But I have not done that consciously. The characters that I have played so far had a lot of scope for acting. But time and again I have been asked this question. When I was taking baby steps in this industry, Dev and Jeetda were already established stars. If I try to be like Dev then I will only fool myself.... I try to do films where there’s scope for acting, even if it’s a masala movie.