Actor producer Rohit Roy, who we last noticed on the big screen in a much lauded performance in Kaabil -, will be seen next in the upcoming Bengali movie,Arokto by Arindam Basu. While the star's plate is full with web series, theatre and even his own production in the mix - this feature promises to show Rohit in a different and challenging role of an arrogant, middle aged man. Shooting for the film will begin in late December in North Bengal. Indulge caught up with this charming 50-year-old actor for a chat. Excerpts:
You were seen last year in Kaabil, why are you not doing more Hindi films?
I got a lot of appreciation for my work in Kaabil, but I got a lot of similar offers, which I turned down. People weren’t expecting me to do a villainous, dark role in Kaabil and that’s what got me noticed but I avoid being typecast. I also did a special role in JP Dutta’s Paltan,and I M A Gujju, a Gujarati film. If I get good roles I will even do a Tamil, Punjabi or a Bhojpuri film.
What are the current television projects that you are doing?
Besides an interesting limited series that I will be acting in with my wife, Mansi (Joshi Roy), I am avoiding taking up television projects for a while now, since I am focussing on a directorial venture in 2019 and TV commitments would leave no time for that.
Arokto is your third film in Bengali after Bhorer Alo and Mrs Sen? Tell us about your role?
When Arindam (the director of Arokto) narrated the script I said yes in 30-40 seconds of reading it. As an actor, I feel lucky to get such a role. I am playing a slightly older, very dark and grim character -- an arrogant man, who believes he is law unto himself and that his words are paramount, he is practically God. It’s difficult to reprise such a role because it has so many complicated layers and you need a lot of gravitas and courage to enact it.
How are you preparing for the same?
I haven’t yet started prepping up for the role. Before that I will read and reread the script. I like to have a lot of inputs from the director and I submit myself completely to him. The directors, too, trust my instinct because of my experience now, and I can sense that Arindam is totally geared up for the project.
What are the web series you are currently working in?
I did a web series called Memories for Vikram Bhatt and you will see me in another one in 2019. Also, I did a Bengali web series recently. Web series are very edgy, progressive and the boundaries are a little blurred. It’s a very exciting time for technicians and actors working in the digital space.
Apart from Arokto, what are the other projects that you are a part of?
I will be producing and acting in an interesting, home grown thriller web series. I would be again doing the play, Unfaithfully Yours with Mona Singh, which was very well received across the country and abroad. I will also work in another play with Sujata from Delhi called Once Upon A Time, which is an interesting soliloquy play, where I will be reciting from Manto.