They have been colleagues for more than a decade and that familiarity makes for great chemistry. Paoli Dam and Parambrata Chattopadhyay. The two actors came together at ITC Royal Bengal to transform into Raj Kapoor and Nargis. #effortless
Parambrata Chattopadhyay and Paoli Dam channel Raj Kapoor and Nargis from Awaara
Star talk
The Raj Kapoor and Nargis jodi….
Parambrata: Some iconic posters, some pictures on prem’r dibosh... we are trying to come up with. We were given a few choices and we chose Raj Kapoor and Nargis. Our father’s generation inherited Raj Kapoor and Nargis as icons of romance, just like they did Suchitra Sen and Uttam Kumar. Every 20-25 years or so we get a couple like this, redefining on-screen romance. I am very happy that Paoli and I got the opportunity to simulate such an iconic pair, if not for a film, at least some lovely photographs.
Paoli: The concept is very nice. We are celebrating matinee idols and it is important to celebrate these journeys, the films they have done and the influence on the next generation. They have been a part of milestone films and have worked at a time when technology wasn’t so advanced but the soul was right. They captured the truth of the moment and we must celebrate that. That also makes it timeless. Ekhono dekhte bhalo laage.
What makes for the great chemistry?
Parambrata: I think it’s about old-world charm. In the pre- and post-Independence India, a lot of the colonial influences were still around, but a new country was trying to stand up on her feet. The good things that the country had retained from the colonial era were still around. And, there was a lot of pride in getting rid of the colonial masters after a long battle. So, duto mishiye, it was an interesting time and Raj Kapoor and Nargis in their English costumes, but the very Indian couple that they represented and against the social backdrop of the ’50s, I think captured the imagination of a lot of people.
Paoli: We all know about the eternal love story, but that alone is no guarantee for great on-screen chemistry. Duto manushke dekhte bhalo lagchhe, there is a certain spark in the audience... sheta hoi keno? I feel as an artist, the mutual admiration and respect for the artiste in the person... not the individual... I think that is what creates the magic. And, of course, they are professionals. They know how to make magic happen. There are pairs which stay on in people’s minds. With time, there is a friendship and you understand each other. You reciprocate to the other person.
Working with each other…
Parambrata: Paoli is one of the finest female actors that we have. Aami hoytoh Paoli’r category aar dujoner naam borojor bolte parbo, as an actor. There are other people good at other things. I am talking about sheer acting prowess. I have done n number of things with her. I have directed her and have produced a very important work for her and have known each other in different capacities and I am very happy to have her as a friend and co-actor.
Paoli: Param and I didn’t know each other during Kaalbela. We have become friends over the years. Giving each other space and that comfort zone to make it look magical, that tuning is important... he is always in sync and never steals your thunder. He is very secure as an artist. I have also worked with him as a director, as a producer... the comfort zone is different.
Team talk
“Anything to do with classics always excites me. They would create sets and looks with very little amenities. Recreating a classic is difficult because it’s embedded in people’s mind. So, I always take special care of it. The make-up we have recreated is glamorous,” said Aniruddha Chakladar, look designer.
“When I came to know I am recreating a classic look with actors who are also classic, I was quite excited. I took a lot of suggestions from Aniruddhada and watched the songs from the film for reference. This is modern version of Awaara, I would say,” said Sumit Sinha, stylist.
Parambrata’s outfit: Surbhi Pansari
Paoli’s outfit: Mehek Talreja
Jewellery: Divinus Creations
Special thanks: ITC Royal Bengal
