Prosenjit Chatterjee reflects on receiving the Padma Shri

On Sunday, the Ministry of Home Affairs unveiled the recipients of the Padma Awards, one of India’s most prestigious civilian honours. Veteran actor Prosenjit Chatterjee has been named among the distinguished awardees set to receive the Padma Shri.Prosenjit shared that he was in the middle of celebrating his recently released Bengali film with the audience at a single screen theatre when he heard about being honoured with the Padma Shri. Reacting to the moment, the actor said the recognition holds deep personal meaning for him. “I want to dedicate this honour bestowed by the Indian Government to my mother, whose sacrifices and guidance shaped my life and career over the last four decades. I wish my mother was with me today so that I could share my joy with her. Receiving this prestigious award from the President will be a great moment- wish my mother could see that,” Prosenjit said. He added with a smile, “That I could bring this honour to my Bengali film industry is something I will cherish forever.I have always been Bumba or Bumbada for my people in the industry, and now even Bumba kaka or Bumba mama. That is how I wish to remain. Working for the growth and betterment of the Bengali film industry has always been and will continue to be my mantra.” “I also share this moment with my family, especially my son Mishuk (Trisanjeet Chatterjee) and my friends. Above all, this award belongs to the audiences who have stood by me throughout my journey and made me Prosenjit Chatterjee. Also my colleagues, coactors, heroines, directors and technicians without whom I couldn’t have done it as I believe film making is a team work.” The actor, who has completed over 40 years in the film industry, also recalled an emotional conversation with his father, legendary actor Biswajit Chatterjee. “I called him immediately after hearing the news. He simply said, ‘So, you’ve received it. I’m extremely proud of you,’” Prosenjit shared.The honour also stirred a wave of nostalgia for the actor who first appeared as a child actor in the movie Chhotto Jigyasha. Prosenjit fondly remembered his late friend and filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh, acknowledging the profound influence he had on his evolution as an actor, especially in shaping his foray into meaningful, realistic cinema. “I miss Rituparno deeply today. He opened doors for me to discover a dimension of performance that remains very close to my heart,” he said.When asked whether the Padma Shri came later than expected, Prosenjit shared, “I don’t dwell on timelines. Legends like Soumitra Chatterjee were recognised at different points in their lives. What truly matters is that my work has been acknowledged by the Government and for that I am sincerely grateful.” When asked how he marked the special day, Prosenjit shared that the celebration was intimate and deeply emotional. “My son Mishuk brought a cake and flowers for me. My wife Arpita was there, along with my core team, who are like family to me. We cut the cake while baba (Biswajit Chatterjee) watched us on a video call. It was a very emotional moment,” he said. Recalling his father’s reaction, Prosenjit added, “Baba said this was happening for the first time in the Chatterjee family, and he felt extremely proud and happy for his son.”The moment was made even more special by his son’s words. “Mishuk told me that he has always seen Padma Shri awardees receiving the honour from the President on television. This time, he said, it would be his father walking up to receive the award, and he asked if he could accompany me on that big day,” Prosenjit shared.Has the news fully sunk in yet? The actor admits it is still unfolding emotionally. “It’s happening slowly. I heard the news around 5.30 pm while I was inside a cinema hall. Until 9.30 pm, I kept visiting theatres where my latest film is being screened. The love I received from the audience is beyond words. It felt like it was their achievement, and they were proud of it. What more could I ask for?” he said.After the news on Sunday, social media overflowed with congratulatory messages for Prosenjit celebrating his contribution to the film industry which has been truly unparalleled.