You have several releases coming up and quite a few films to start working on — is this the best phase of your career?

This is probably the best phase of not just my career but also my life. I am relaxed, chilled and focused. I am much more confident. I have formed my own production house with Rudra (Rudranil Ghosh). I am in the middle of a lot of work and I’m loving it! I am also being able to spend time with myself — I am taking a three-week break to be with my friend Ike in London.

How different was it earlier?

Earlier I would think I was not qualified enough to do what I wanted to do. I suffered from an inferiority complex. I started off as a television actor, then I got film offers and acted in a few... so things were just rolling and many would ask, what’s wrong with that? Well, I wasn’t satisfied. My education in London was a life-changing experience for me; it made me ready for the world.

Right after returning from London, you bagged Sujoy Ghosh’s Kahaani, co-starring Vidya Balan...

Yes, Kahaani is really important for me. It’s my first Bolly outing and that too with Vidya. Not just Kahaani, Srijit’s (Mukherjee) 22shey Srabon is equally important. I have seen portions of Kahaani while dubbing and I am really kicked about the film. I got the offer when I was still abroad and unsure about my future in Calcutta. Kahaani helped me get back in the groove.

What’s your role in Kahaani?

I play a low-ranking cop. He is a vulnerable young boy. The character that Vidya plays comes to Calcutta in search of her husband and seeks his help. In the course of time, she becomes his mother, sister and also lover. She is like a mystery to him and yet he tries to help her, come what may.

Vidya and you were co-stars in her debut, Bhalo Theko. How was it this time?

Well, I was a little apprehensive initially, which went away the moment she met me. She exclaimed, ‘Ei toh Deep!’ For a moment, I was zapped. Then it struck me that Deep was my character from Bhalo Theko. I said, ‘You remember?’ She said, ‘Yes!’ You don’t expect that from a star of her stature. She has great energy on the sets and a terrific sense of humour. We immediately struck a chord.

Will Kahaani be your ticket to Bollywood?

I can’t say that. I hope it’s my ticket to good cinema. Whoever has seen Kahaani in Bombay has liked it. Sujoy gives me the feedback. Besides, it’s only rarely that I like my work and I have liked my work in Kahaani. The same goes for 22shey Srabon. It has shaped up very well.

You play a cop in 22shey Srabon too...

Yes, but he is very different from Kahaani’s cop. The cop I play in 22shey Srabon is mature and holds a pretty high post. He is investigating the case around which the film revolves. After The Bong Connection and Kalbela, I am really banking on Kahaani and 22shey Srabon.

What are your plans as producer and director?

Well, I will direct a film but not at the moment. Our production house, Workshop, will do both film and television projects. We have struck a deal of four movies with Sambandh Films. Workshop will produce very mainstream films. The budget will be around Rs 1-1.5 crore.

What lessons did you learn from your directorial debut Jiyo Kaka!!?

A hell of a lot! First of all, it taught me how distribution and marketing can make or mar a film. I can say this without any pretence that I single-handedly did the publicity for my film. I was almost doing the producer’s job. I also learnt that while directing a film you should not try and please anyone. Besides, I tried to incorporate too many things, like too many subplots. Jiyo Kaka!! will always remain my favourite as it’s my first film, but I will really focus on the content in my next film and it will be an entirely different film.

Jiyo Kaka!! was a big lesson for me. It taught me to choose the cast, script and shoot locations according to the resources, which I didn’t understand then.

You are doing Maach Misti ’N’ More which also stars Swastika. Will you share screen space with her again?

At the moment, I can’t even think of it because unless I am totally comfortable with my co-actors I cannot work. I had heard that when Akshay Kumar and Karisma Kapoor did Janwar, they were not even on talking terms and yet they played lovers. But it doesn’t work with me because it’s very important for me to like the person I am working with. I don’t like being in the same space with her (Swastika) anymore!