You are becoming a web series staple now.
I don’t want to be a staple to anything, that’s for sure. (Laughs)
In Kaali 2, you are playing the villain. Your character was born in Bangladesh, no?
As far as I remember, he was born in West Bengal, moved to Bangladesh and then to Thailand. He is all in all a true South Asian drug lord.
Did you get into his back story?
His mother was a prostitute. He was surrounded by cartel members ever since his birth. It was natural for him to get into this world. He has a penchant for madness, for melodrama. But he also displays an admirable ability to transcend the drama that he himself has created.
Why is he after Kaali?
Because she’s causing disturbance in his empire and disrupting the system he has in place. He cannot have a godlike figure dictating the rules of his game.
You are Bengali, right?
Yes, I was born in Bengal. We kept travelling everywhere for the nature of my dad’s profession. He was in the paramilitary. I have lived in Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai at different stages of my life. I don’t really have a particular place I can call home, much like my character. I don’t feel possessive of one place, but of everywhere I have ever lived. It is a stronger kind of nostalgia.
Shows like Kaali have something in common. They revolve around seemingly innocent people who get thrust into the criminal world because of adverse circumstances. Do you think these shows are condoning such transformations, sympathizing with characters that perhaps shouldn’t be treated as such?
Everyone wants to lead a good life, hold a white collar job. But they deviate, do unthinkable things for their families and cross the line. I think circumstances are what precisely make great crime drama.
How was Paoli Dam as a co-star?
My father always praised her acting. Even though I stopped watching Bangla films a lot time ago. I used to watch Satyajit Ray’s masterpieces as children’s films. My father remained a devoted fan. And he made it a point to tell me how great Paoli was.
I had very little screen time with her. But it was enough to know that my father was right. She can say more with her eyes than other actors can say with monologues after monologues. She is a brilliant performer.
How many years have you worked as a casting director?
Eleven years.
Which job do you enjoy more?
Acting, for sure. I came to Mumbai to become an actor. But I needed money to survive. So I turned to casting. I had some useful experience in that regard.
Besides, I wanted to keep myself somehow associated with the industry. The hunger for learning was always there. The job kept me close to sets, directors, scripts. After 9-10 years I got cast in a role by other casting directors. I gave an audition and everything. So I have come full circle.
Are you going to continue with both of your jobs?
Yes. I have a company now. It’s my baby. It took a lot of hard work to start this company. I am not going to part now. Moreover, I want to give back. I lived a life that made me realize how hard it is for actors to fulfill their dreams in this industry. Casting for me is a matter for talent. I am going to give you the role if you have got the talent.
Who would you have cast in your role in Kaali, had you been the casting director?
Chandan Roy Sanyal. He was phenomenal in Kaminey.
When will we see you in a positive role in a web series?
Luckily for me, the films I am working on are all comedy dramas. So there is a nice balance for me. I can continue to play both positive and negative characters.
