Indian actors are typecast in the US: Midnight's Children actor

New York-based actor Samrat Chakrabarti, whose career spans Hollywood, B-town and south India, is back on the Bengali screen with Riingo’s Hitchcockian thriller
Tell us about your role in Shada Kaalo Aabchaa.
The film revolves around a couple who goes to North Bengal for a holiday. They usually don’t have time for each other as he is a businessman and she is a model and have a lot of expectations from the vacation.But unfortunately, he blacks out after an accident and wakes up to finds himself in a situation where everyone he knows refuses to recognize him. It’s as if everything he knows to be true doesn’t exist at all! The story then traces how he tries to dig up clues into what is actually going on. Interestingly, the name of my character is Samrat and that of Sayani, who plays my wife, is also Sayani. So we play our namesakes in the movie.
How was it acting with Riingo and Sayani?
Sayani is very spontaneous and passionate and there’s this genuineness in her presence. We shot loads of emotional scenes. Since we’ve known each other for long and share this comfort level, it was easy working with her. And what can I say about Riingo? He and I can almost anticipate each other’s thoughts. I was in India for the release of Vishwaroopamand Midnight’s Children in February this year when I first watched Riingo’s Na Hanyate. There was this shot of a collapsing building that blew me away! Kolkataye erokom kaaj hocche bhebei daarun lagchhilo. Riingo, too, had seen my work. So I was like, ‘Riingo, we should work together sometime’. Actually, though I’m an actor, I’m also into technical details and directorial aspects. So we gelled instantly! When Riingo approached me with the script of Shada Kaalo Aabchaa, I was like, ‘We’ve got to do this!’ Onek chhobi korechhi, kintu this was a true collaboration. As an actor, you are instructed to sit here and stand there and do this and do that. Working with Riingo is the complete opposite. There’s the basic structure but a lot of freedom too. Actually, we would add details to the characters even while shooting. He gives you the kind of creative freedom that I haven’t found anywhere else.
Are you into thrillers?
Oh, I love mysteries! You remember the show Twilight Zone? I was glued to it! I think that is the way cinema should be — you want to go to the loo but can’t, because you just can’t miss what’s going on! In Tollywood, we’ve had Feluda, Byomkesh, Arjun. But this one’s different. Here, there is no sleuth. Here, the audience is the detective and they untangle the mystery along with my character. This, I don’t think that has ever been done before in Tollywood. That is what caught my attention.
Bengali directors and actors you would like to work with?
My first film in Tollywood was Anjan Dutt’s The Bong Connection, where I worked with Parambrata. I have been following Param’s career since and he has been doing fabulous! What with Kahaani and all... Now he is directing too. So I would love to work with him. Then there is Mainak, Kaushik Ganguly, Srijit… I think the Bengali industry is going through its heyday right now!
Do you regularly watch Bengali movies?
Oh yeah! I keep watching, even in New York. I watched Shabdoand Goynar Baksho recently. I liked Baishey Shrabon a lot.
One actor that you are in awe of?
Joel Edgerton. I had worked with him in The Waiting City. He acted in The Great Gatsby remake. What I love about him is the amount of preparation he puts behind each shot. He takes notes, does facial exercises to calm his nerves... He is so meticulous about getting into his character… it’s inspiring!
What was the best part of shooting for Shada Kaalo Aabchaa?
The location. It was a 16-day shoot. So, you can imagine how hectic it was. But the location in North Bengal made everything worth it. The picturesque Kolakham, Lava.... But it was physically very challenging. The weather there is unpredictable. So we would start early and pack up before sunset. We used to have call time at 4.30 in the morning! And sometimes there would be no electricity. So I would have to shave by candlelight! You don’t get to do that in New York (laughs)!
You are one of the most prolific Indo-American actors. Why do you keep coming back to India or Bengal?
Indian actors are still typecast in the US. Things are changing gradually, but it’s still there. Though I take it up as a challenge, a character role doesn’t allow you to delve into the depths of the character. So it’s rewarding to land a complicated role like this, as it involves loads of psychological as well as physical hard work. I didn’t become an actor to be stereotyped; I want to share human experiences with the audience. I think this film gave me an opportunity to do that. My father moved to London in search of a better career and he found one. It’s an irony that I’m back to where he began to do the same. But this is what I am looking for right now.