Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee’s first film Icche was a success at the box office and a victory for independent directors. During the film’s run, a group of mothers landed up at their office. “They were so agitated by the film’s ending that they asked why the son had to leave and that mothers indeed do everything to raise their kids. They came with only one demand — the son had to be brought back,” recalled Shiboprosad. This time, the parents have nothing to worry about and plenty of reasons to cheer since the son (Shiboprosad) in Aamar Boss makes sure to keep his mother (Rakhee) always by his side. Even in his office. Aamar Boss, which releases today, unfolds around the concept of an office-based creche for the elderly. The film goes on to show that this innovative initiative not only enhances employee productivity but also fosters a more caring and inclusive work environment. A The Telegraph chat with Shiboprosad.
Aamar Boss sheds light on a certain aspect of corporate culture.
Many employees feel that their concerns about work-life balance are not being addressed by management, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a lack of support. The culture also underscores long hours and productivity over well-being, which then makes it difficult for employees to prioritise their personal lives. If someone cannot focus on work, the culture doesn’t want to know the real reason behind it. Maybe your mother had fallen ill and you had to take care of her. That’s why you were late for work. That culture doesn’t want to know that. They don’t want to know where you stay or what your nickname is. Companies should revamp their work culture and prioritise the well-being of employees, rather than just focusing on productivity.
In the film, once the mother comes into the office, she tries to make the son see reason. She tells him: ‘Just like you expect your employee to deliver his/her best, you should also win him/her over with your good nature.’ If you are accusing your employee of being average, then you’re also an average leader. Why don’t you encourage and appreciate your employees? Do it and you’ll see a change. Mothers are the biggest CEOs. They know how to run the household and handle all kinds of responsibilities. Mothers are also the biggest fund managers.
Then comes the storyline of a day-care centre for senior citizens...
When we were young, we would plead with our parents to let us be with them in their offices. Once the son or the daughter grows up, they might want to take their parents to their offices. Now, many senior citizens find themselves without adequate care when their children leave for work. There is an urgent need for reliable, high-quality day-care facilities for senior citizens, and those can be arranged in corporate offices. Aamar Boss says that to keep your employees happy, create a space for their parents in their offices. That employee who has an elderly parent living alone at home won’t be worried then. If four or five companies are housed in one building, a common space can be created for the elderly to be there while their children are busy in their offices. There will be designated people to take care of them. This can fall under corporate social responsibility. Isn’t it the responsibility of the companies to keep their employees happy?
You have always won huge acclaim for your performances. Why don’t you act in more films made by other production houses?
I had got offers in the past... but I don’t have the time. And if I act in a film, I’ll only do so for a Windows film. And there are so many other departments I look into apart from writing scripts and co-directing our films. I am a producer, I look into the distribution and marketing. Then there is the process of presentation... I’m involved in everything.
Do you enjoy all of it?
I enjoy most of it... it is my responsibility and I like to see it through. This is part of my job. Recently, I was offered acting roles in national projects... but I couldn’t do them.
Earlier, you would say that you were the reluctant actor. But now we see you as an actor in your films almost on a regular basis. So, have things changed? Are you enjoying this phase?
Yes, I am really enjoying this phase. Only someone like Nandita Roy could have presented me with films like Kontho. She gave me the opportunity. Films like Ramdhanu, Kontho, Haaami and Bohurupi have become huge blockbusters. Audiences have showered me with so much love as an actor-director... from a producer’s point of view, I feel I can contribute as an actor... since I don’t act in any other film, there is a waiting period... there is a gap... and audiences look forward to it.
But as a director, I also think about the perfect cast... whether I fit into a certain character. My name was suggested for Posto but I felt Jisshu Sengupta was the right choice to play Soumitra Chatterjee’s son. Didi’s (Nandita Roy) role is very important in the scheme of things. For Aamar Boss, Didi wanted me to play the son, and then Rakheedi suggested that I play the role. She had loved our film Haami.
I came into the film industry to become an actor. I debuted as an actor in the serial Ekushe Pa in 1995. Later, I met Didi and discovered that I can write scripts, dialogues... that I can direct.
Name three films that you are really proud of as an actor.
Kontho was really challenging... while playing the character, I would constantly wonder about the health of my voice. Bohurupi presented me with another challenge... (Shiboprosad played a character who is a factory supervisor but then transforms into a bank robber) to embrace this transformation, I went through an intense regimen of diet and exercise. And then, there is Laltu. He represents the common man. People can identify with him. He is one of my fave characters. Ramdhanu saw Laltu and Mitali (two middle-class parents) trying to admit their child to one of the best schools in town.
Will you play Laltu once again?
Of course. We have plans... the story is ready... Laltu will return. It is a matter of time.
How was it like working with Rakhee?
We developed instant chemistry since Rakheedi had full faith in me. She wanted me to narrate the script to her in Bombay... it was my responsibility to bring her to Calcutta. That trust she had in me translated into the film.
Do you get the Friday jitters now?
Yes... just like a batsman starts from zero every time in a cricket match, you have to take a fresh guard. The stakes are higher now.
At the same time, you have a huge, loyal audience who love your films and make it a point to watch them in the theatres.
Our audience has been with us since our first film. We are really thankful to everyone for showering so much love on our films. Blockbusters such as Bela Sheshe, Praktan, Posto and Haami changed the scenario altogether and broke all kinds of myths. Content emerged as the winner. Raktabeej and Bohurupi reached out to a larger demographic.
Ramdhanu, Haami, Mukhtodhara and Aamar Boss address social irregularities and aim to bring about change. And they are told in a lighthearted manner.
We believe in this kind of cinema. We imagine a world that would be free of social injustice and irregularities.
Picture: Pabitra Das
Costume: Roy Abhisek (Roy Calcutta)
Make-up and hair: Papiya Chanda
Location: Polo Floatel
