He debuted as a child actor in Choto Bou (1987) when he was only two years and six months old and acted as a child artiste in several hit films before appearing on screen as a hero in 2008 in Haranath Chakraborty’s commercial pot boiler Bajimaat. Since then popular actor Soham Chakaraborty, who is known for his comic timings, has acted in several hit mainstream movies including Prem Amar, Amanush, Bojhena Se Bojhena, Katmundu, Golpo Holeo Sotti and Piya Re.
The actor will be seen in filmmaker Abhimanyu Mukherjee’s next, Googly, a family drama, which will release on March 29. The story of the film revolves around a couple, who suffers from stammering and their six-year-old son Googly. “It’s about how their lives take a turn after an unexpected accident,” says the 35-year-old Soham stopping short of revealing anything else. We catch up with the down-to-earth actor -- looking dapper in white casual shirt and trousers -- on the sidelines of the film’s trailer launch, to chat about the film, his career plans and more. Excerpts:
How is it working with director Abhimanyu Mukherjee?
Well, this is my second film with Abhimanyu after Piya Re, but our friendship dates back to the days of the film Prem Amar (2009), whose script was written by him. Besides being a great scriptwriter, Abhimanyu is perhaps one of the finest directors in Tollywood today. He is extremely sorted and knows exactly what shots he needs.
So, how did Googly happen?
It was while we were shooting for a song sequence of Piya Re last year that Abhimanyu read out the script to me. I was stumped hearing the story line and said yes immediately. The movie is about two neglected and deprived human beings, who suffer from stammering. They find solace in each other and the story is around them and their six-year-old son, Googly.
It’s first time that you will be playing a person who stammers.
Yes, and I had to ensure that it didn’t look forced. I practised a lot to not go overboard and sound as natural as it could be.
You are always the first choice when it comes to romcoms. Have you consciously tried not to be typecast for the past few years?
I really enjoy doing comedy but at the same time definitely I never want to be stamped as an actor who is only good in comical roles. I have experimented with serious and action movies, too including Golpo Holeo Sotti, Bojhena Se Bojhena, Piya Re or Amanush and my acts in these movies have been equally appreciated by the audience. I have become more selective as an artist when it comes to films.
Do you sometime feel deprived that despite being a commercially successful actor, you have never been cast in a Srijit Mukherji or a Kaushik Ganguly film?
Not really, I am very happy that audience loves my work and I have got the chance to act in so many successful commercial movies. My only aim has always been to do justice to the characters I am playing. Definitely, there is a hunger in me, as an actor, to do even better work. I wish to work with Kaushik Ganguly in future since I had worked with him in television. Hopefully he will think of me if there is something suitable.
What are the other films that you will be seen in?
I will be seen in another film by Abhimanyu called Hullor. Besides, there is a fun film called Bhoot Chakra Private Limited by Haranath Chakraborty, where three friends set out on an adventure with a machine invented by one of their grandfathers, which can tell about past and hunt ghosts. I will also be shooting for Raja Chanda, Raj Chakraborty and Amitava Bhattacharya’s films this year.
Trivia
Favourite song: All Kishore Kumar songs
Favourite pastime: Long chats with friends and family
Actors you want to act with: Kajol and Alia Bhatt
When not on set: Go for movies and dinner with wife Tanaya
@sharmidas
sharmishtha.g@newindianexpress.com