I am not as innocent as Jatayu in Feluda stories: Actor Anirban Chakrabarti

Q. How would you describe your journey with Srijit Mukherji?

A. I had fun working with him. As the core team of Feluda remained intact, our chemistry went smoother with every installment of the Feluda series. So our processes have become effortless now. We go through enjoyable sessions every time we shoot for Feluda.

A scene from Feludar Goyendagiri 2: Bhuswargo Bhoyonkor | Photo courtesy: Hoichoi

Q. Feluda is the first detective you were introduced to in childhood, as you claimed in a previous interview. How do you feel living in the periphery of Feluda in the form of Jatayu?

A. I love it. Feluda has always remained one of my favourite onscreen characters. I have always wished to play Topshe. I even imagine in my life having an elder brother who would appreciate me. I like Jatayu but never imagined that I would play him. Above all, I never hoped to be involved with this whole universe of Feluda. It's a pleasure.

Initially, I was happy to bag the role but soon turned nervous in view of the towering presence of Santosh Dutta, who has immortalised Jatayu on screen.

Q. How difficult is it for you to not get influenced by Santosh Dutta and maintain distinction?

A. I think it becomes challenging if one tries to imitate him. There are certain mannerisms which Santosh Dutta had introduced so it would be not appropriate for anyone to imitate him. Our director- Srijit Mukherji- also does not believe in imitating. As the character is the same, it is bound for an actor to realise certain similarities. But I never tried to restrict my spontaneity.

Anirban Chakrabarti | Image by Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Q. You could connect to the outer layer of Eken Babu. How do you associate with Jatayu?

A. I think I don't have a mind as sharp and intellectual as Eken babu. I can relate to the fun loving outer layer of Eken babu. But I am not as innocent as Jatayu is from inside. Eken babu and Jatayu are in any way very contrasting in nature with the former being wily while the latter is much more giver. 

Q. Are you now assured that you could successfully evade getting stereotyped considering the kind of diverse roles you portrayed in the recent past?

A. I was actually never worried. I haven't played any other sleuth while doing Eken. I was rather lucky to be offered with diverse roles. I thank the audience too for accepting me in diverse roles. I feel blessed. People appreciated me in different roles but that didn't take away the glory of Eken babu. A lot of terrific performers fail to avoid getting stereotyped but I am happy to have got the opportunity to evade it.

(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)