Rahul Bose has been a familiar face in Bengali films for two decades. Known for playing memorable characters, the actor often surprises with his choice of roles. This week, he appears in Sayantan Ghosal’s murder mystery Madam Sengupta, which also stars Rituparna Sengupta and Koushik Sen, among others. In a recent chat with t2, ahead of the film’s release, the actor discussed his passion for rugby, his love for Calcutta, his rapport with Rituparna both on and off the set, and his admiration for the talented ensemble cast in Bengali cinema.

What are your memories of shooting the film in Calcutta?

I have fond memories of the unique locations where we shot the film. We filmed in lesser-known areas of Calcutta that you don’t usually see in movies, which I found very refreshing.

You spent quite a bit of time in Calcutta during the shoot. How do you like to spend your time in the city when you’re not shooting?

When I’m not shooting in Calcutta, I love to dine out. I enjoy places like Doma Wang’s for momos and 6 Ballygunge Place for their great food. I also like to spend time with close friends like Aparna Sen, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, Mala, and Jeet Banerjee. It’s no coincidence that their homes also serve fantastic meals, so it’s always a win-win for me.

Are you a fan of murder mysteries?

Who isn’t? From Feluda and Byomkesh Bakshi to Sherlock Holmes, we grew up reading detective stories in both Hindi and English. Nowadays, there’s a whole new spin on murder mysteries with the rise of Nordic Noir on OTT platforms. Murder mysteries are a lot of fun!

This film connects to Sukumar Ray’s Abol Tabol. How did you become familiar with Ray’s iconic literary works, and do you have a favourite from the book?

I was introduced to Sukumar Ray’s iconic literary work through this film. I didn’t know much about it initially, but I have requested a translated copy and will be reading it soon, after which I can choose a favourite.

What intrigued you about being part of this film? Can you tell us a bit about your character?

The film is a murder mystery, and I play a character who is a straightforward guy. In this film, I particularly liked the relationship that my character shares with Rituparna’s character, as it explores the complexities of a grey relationship, which is not frequently depicted in cinema.

How was it working with Rituparna again after Anuranan?

It was wonderful to work with Ritu again after Anuranan. She is one of the warmest, kindest, and most cultured people I’ve ever worked with. She is very professional on set, and it felt warm and lovely being around her. She even brought home-cooked food for me while we were filming, which was delightful. I wish her all the best always.

You shared many scenes with Rituparna and spent a lot of time on set together. What did you bond over the most?

Ritu and I bond over movies, food, and travel. We also discuss our hopes and dreams for future generations, younger actors, children, and families. So, there’s always plenty to talk about.

The film also features a strong ensemble cast. What has been your experience working with this cast?

Throughout my experiences in Bengali cinema, I’ve had the pleasure of working with very talented people. Starting with Kalpurush, Anuranan, Antaheen and 15 Park Avenue all the way to Madam Sengupta, I have had wonderful experiences. I always say that the strength of Bengali cinema often lies in the quality of its supporting cast.

How was it working with Sayantan as the director and his team?

Sayantan and his team are a bunch of young men and women. They are enthusiastic, energetic. They might not have the experience or the polish to think through something right down to the end, but their hearts, minds and enthusiasm are in place. And, of course, they have an understanding and talent for cinema.

You have worked extensively in Bengali films. Are you looking forward to working with new filmmakers?

I’m more focused on taking on new and different roles at present than on working with new filmmakers. Currently, I’m involved in an action comedy with a new director named Aakash Kaushik. This project has allowed me to explore a character unlike any I’ve portrayed before, and that’s what interests me the most.

It has been a busy time for you with the inaugural season of the Rugby Premier League. Was it ever challenging to balance a career in sports and acting?

Yes, balancing a career in sports and acting was very challenging. When I played rugby for India from 1998 to 2009, I was also heavily involved in acting. I had to prioritise the international tournaments I would participate in as a rugby player and then schedule my film dates around those.

You are actively trying to reshape rugby in India.
What is your vision for the game?

My vision for rugby is twofold. First, it should be accessible to every child who hopes to build a career in sports, with assured pathways and financial stability through the game. Second, I aspire for India to qualify for the Olympics and become one of the top nations in rugby sevens.