UJAAN Ganguly is intent on carving a niche of his own, despite his illustrious background, being the son of national award-winning filmmakers and actors Churni and Kaushik Ganguly. Ujaan chose to debut in Rosogolla, a film directed by a relatively new but promising director, Pavel. On a sunny morning, the 20-year-old shy Libran sat for a freewheeling chat with Indulge in his cosy home. We also had his pet black labrador, named Jet, for company, while being surrounded by an eclectic collection of books and trophies. Excerpts:
When did you first realise that acting is your call?
When I was 10 to11 years old, I played a journalist in a school drama. When the curtains rose, I wasn’t scared a bit and I realised I have a love for acting. In 2013, my portrayal of a grotesque 50-year-old headmaster in a musical, Smike , i m p re s s e d f i l m m a ke r Shiboprosad Mukher jee, who expressed his desire to introduce me in one of his films. Rosogolla is from his production house.
Does being the son of Churni and Kaushik Ganguly put you under additional stress?
It’s an extraordinarily poignant situation that I am in, where I am living with two stalwarts, but I was never really in awe of them. In certain ways, I feel I cannot slack, but I haven’t really felt the pressure to perform.
How did you prepare yourself for the role of Nabin Chandra Das, who first conceived the rosogolla?
Three to four months before the shoot, I went to KC Das (the renowned sweet shop run by the descendants of Nabin Das) and learnt how to make those white spheres of delicacies, dipped in hot sugary syrup, since I wanted my body reflexes to be as natural as that of a sweet-maker.
You have said before that you never quite liked things sweet?
Yeah, in fact, for my birthdays, I’d insist on having a birthday cake, but I never had it. With time, I have developed a liking for things sweet, especially desserts and chocolates.
How is Pavel as a director?
He is very persevering, and takes a lot of initiative. His making of the film was as enterprising as Nabin
Chandra’s first piece of a perfect rosogolla.
Who among your parents is a better actor or director?
I feel dad is a better actor, and mom is a better filmmaker.Very meticulous and precise, ma (mother) takes her films to a different level altogether.
If your dates clash, and you have to choose between two great scripts by your parents, who would you opt for?
If I want to do something challenging and international, then I would choose mom, otherwise dad.
How was it working with such great actors as Kharaj Mukherjee and Rajatava Dutta?
It’s like young Roger Federer facing Bjorn Borg. You know he’s going to serve hard at you, testing your backhand and forehand. But after a while, it became a doubles partnership, where we all helped each other to give our best.
So, what are your future plans?
Right now, I’m juggling between Rosogolla’s promotions and my exams. Besides, I have composed four songs. I’d like to take things slow and steady.
Ujaan unplugged
Favourite movie: Lion King
Recent favourite song: Run by Snow Patrol
One role you wished you could play: Travis in Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver
Favourite Kaushik Ganguly film: Nagarkirtan
sharmistha.g@newindianexpress.com
Twitter handle: @sharmidas