Having successfully portrayed a gamut of roles in an already remarkable film career, Anirban Bhattacharya will now be seen in the role of an eccentric teacher in the upcoming film Pokkhirajer Dim. A t2 chat with the versatile, multi-hyphenate actor before the science-fiction children’s fantasy film hits theatres on June 13.

You are known for your choice of unique and very different kinds of roles in each of your films. Was performing in a children’s film ever on your wishlist?

Honestly, it was never my plan, and I have never acted in one before this. However, I enjoy watching children’s films very much.

What struck you initially about the story and the character that made you sign up for Pokkhirajer Dim?

It tells a story purely rooted in Bengal and which seems to belong to the worlds created by Leela Majumder and Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay. It treads the world of fun, laughter, fantasy and imagination of our childhood. The story, its approach and screenplay — everything seemed to connect to that wonderful world to someone like me, who has grown up reading Bengali literature.

Did you need to alter your acting technique in any way because connecting with younger audiences was important in this film?

I did not need to change the way I acted for that reason. I modified my acting style to be able to portray my character as it was written in the script and to stay true to the essence of the story. My performance needed to fit in with my dialogues which also reflected the mood of fantasy and magic in the film. Obviously this led to a shift in my tone and style of delivery.

How did you interpret Batabyal Sir’s character? Did you identify with him at all?

As Soukarya (Ghosal, director) had done detailed work on the character and had communicated to me everything about him, I did not need to interpret him further. He told me how Batabyal would look like and be like from outside as well as what kind of person he was from within. So I merely needed to follow the script and Soukarya’s direction. What I understood for myself was that no matter how crazy, moody or eccentric Batabyal appeared to be on the outside, he was kind, soft-hearted and a very emotional man, deep down.

What did you find most enjoyable about being Batabyal Sir? What were the challenges of this role?

Well, it was like walking on a thin wire. My performance was meant to be like what we see in a pantomime and my character was to be almost like a caricature. Yet, with all his over-the-top mannerisms, his emotional quotient would have to shine through. It was very important to maintain this balance, and I had to do it very consciously and carefully, keeping a cool head at all times.

But I felt happy that I could pull off this character who was not only different from any I had played before, but was extraordinary in so many ways. It was a character that needed to be portrayed differently from the various kinds of conventional characters I had played thus far. And yet through his character, the film narrated a very human story.

The trailer briefly shows you in a look that is completely different from what you look like as Batabyal Sir. This adds to the mystery of the story…

Since this is about a scene from the film, I prefer not to talk about it beforehand. Let the audience watch the film for themselves and find out.

What was it like working with child actors Mahabrata and Anumegha?

Both children are now much older than what they were when they acted in Rainbow Jelly (a prequel to Pokkhirajer Dim). Naturally, they are now more mature, have a good understanding of their character and know what they are expected to do. As a much older and experienced actor, maybe I have tried to share my knowledge with them. Other than that, I mingled with them as their friend. And that was important to the story as well because Batabyal, Ghoton and Poppins form a significant trio in the film.

Tell us something about your working relationship with your director.

Soukarya was very clear about his idea of Batabyal and the film. As I said, he had developed the character in depth already, and we did extensive rehearsals at his house. By the first day of shooting, there was no confusion in me about what I had to do. Shooting was done in phases — a lot of it was in Simultala, and then some parts in different places of Calcutta, with long gaps in between. Soukarya’s brilliant homework made it simpler for me to bridge these gaps.

You have also sung the title track of Pokkhirajer Dim. Share with us something about your interest in music and about the process of singing for the film.

I enjoy the process of making music; I love to write lyrics and greatly enjoy singing. Unfortunately, I cannot play any instrument. But many of my friends are extremely talented musicians. So we all decided to form a band and started making music. And I got the chance to sing a few songs.

Now, when I am asked to sing a song for a film, I accept the responsibility only when I know that I will be able to do it well. I am not a trained singer, and it is not possible for me to pull off all kinds of songs. It gave me great pleasure to sing the title song of Pokkhirajer Dim. I had never sung any song of this flavour, though I have sung around seven or eight playback numbers already. Usually, I have sung romantic songs. This song has such a lovely, childlike atmosphere, the credit for which goes to Nabarun (Bose, who composed its music). Both he and Soukarya selected me for the song. Nabarun arranged the song very beautifully and I am glad that I could add a song like this to my profile.

Do you believe in magic?

Oh yes, I do believe in magic, though its meaning may be different for everybody. The state of the world today compels us to think that nothing but magic can save us all. So we desperately need magicians and magic.

What can your fans expect from you next?

I hope to do more and better work — through acting, direction, music, and all the ways that I have tried to entertain Bengali audiences over the last 10 years. I hope I continue to meet my fans’ expectations through that as I have done in the past. As for my next release, I play a part in Raghu Dakat, which will be in theatres around Durga Puja.