During the elections you anchored a chat show quite well. What made you take up the project?
I always feel politics is a part of life and it is there in whatever we do. I .always had an interest in Marxism and started reading up on Marx from Class IX. I have been already working with the
Left Front and am close to Mohammed Salim and Rabin Deb. I keep track of whatever is happening in the political scene so when this private channel gave me the offer I just grabbed it because I felt it is not only an honour it also helped me to know more about myself.

Are you interested in joining politics?
I have always re-invented myself. From being a corporate honcho to an actor to maybe being a politician, I want to try it all. I don't want to die an ordinary individual, I want to leave a mark with my life. Saying that, I would also like to mention that if I ever join politics I would also want to prove that it is a good man's place.

What makes you think that you will be successful as a politician?
I feel I have tremendous acceptability among my friends and colleagues. I have always been very popular among my classmates in school and college. I have leadership qualities and don't like to be dictated by a boss.

•But as an actor don't you have to follow what your directors and producers tell you?
This is one place where we work together. And I am lucky to be working with intelligent and educated directors who do not dump things on you and believe in a collaborative endeavour.

•How long are you there in the industry?
I have been in the industry for 18 years.

•Then would you say that success has come late to you?
Absolutely I think people have known me in the last couple of years, thanks to pivotal roles in serials like Ek
Akosher Niche, Pratibimbo and Ek Din Pratidin.

• How much of Page 3 contributed to your popularity?
A lot. Because I feel a large part of the non-Bengali audience know me because of Page 3.I would also say that I am one of the most well-groomed and articulate actors in Tollywood that's why I get invited to most dos. That's how I end up on Page 3.

Talking about grooming, don't you think you need to hit the gym once in a while?
That is something I really need to do.I guess most actors need to do that, But at least I look after my skin and basic groomirig, many actors In Tollywood don't even do that. Many walk around with soiled shoes, don't go for pedicures and are uncomfortable in .

You started with bit roles in commercial films but why you don't do commercial films anymore?
I am grateful to Prabhat Roy for giving me my break in a commercial film and then I went on to do a number of films with him but somehow I can't see myself working in any of the commercial films made nowadays. I now firmly believe that this kind of commercial films are harmful to people's sensibilities. Even if I am offered a crore I will not do a commercial trash film, I have sworn that. I feel as an actor I have a social responsibility. I think some small screen actors are so good that..: many big screen stars are scared to share screen space with them. There is a sense of camaraderie among small screen actors that is completely lacking on the big screen. You wouldn't believe it but some really weird things are possible in the big screen. Like once some of my romantic scenes with the heroine were deleted from a film because the hero didn't approve of it.

But people say you have a strong PR that helps you in whatever you do...?

My PR is my friendship and I am honest with that. You can ask any producer or director if I have gone out of my way to please them but if I wish somebody on his/her birthday I do it because I care. Those who know me well, know that.

What next then?
I would want to stick to TV would do good films, even cameos would do, if the director is good. I am on the verge of finishing my first script and getting into direction.


 
   
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