When Tollywood stars missed out on big offers due to personal reasons

Actors mostly try to be selective when giving their nods to films but there are times when they end up losing not only a chance to be a part of a hit film but also put their career at risk. ETimes had an exclusive chat with some of the top Bengali stars to know if they regret missing any particular film. Read on to know what they had to say.

I regret that couldn't adjust my dates for Buddhadeb Dasgupta's Uttara (English, The Wrestlers). If I could've signed the film, I would've completed a trio with the director, but I had prior commitments. For me, working with him in Ami Yasin Arr Amar Madhubala and Swapner Din was a learning experience, so, as an actor, I wanted to be part of Uttara too. I tried to adjust my schedule, but it didn't work out. Uttara is a beautiful film on violence and lawlessness in a peaceful village in Purulia. Tapas Paul played the character I was offered and did a great job.

I was cast as Anwar in Buddhadeb Dasgupta's Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa and even paid an advance. But later, I came to know that the role had gone to Nawazuddin Siddiqui, post his success in Kahaani. I was told that I was `over-exposed'. I wonder why they had cast me if I was over-exposed, or did I become over-exposed after Nawaz's success in Kahaani (smiles)? There is this scene in the film in which a drunk Anwar talks to his dog about life. It's the moment of the film for any actor. I don't think I could've done any less justice to the character than Nawaz. It's a regret that the role slipped out of my hands when I wanted to play it so much.

I was offered the character opposite Soham in Rajda's (Chakrabarty) Bojhena Shey Bojhena. But I was shooting Ravi Kinagi's film at that time. Rajda asked me to adjust my dates, but I couldn't, as I had already made a commitment. Mimi essayed the role that was offered to me and did a fabulous job. But when I watched the film, I looked at Rajda with teary eyes and he assured me that he will cast me in future. Then there was Dashomi, in which I was offered a role opposite Indraneil Sengupta. But again, I was shooting with Raviji and Jeet for Deewana. And though I loved the script and my character, I had to turn the offer down.

Buddhadeb Dasgupta wanted me to play the title role in Uttara. But at that time, I was too busy with commercial films of Haranath Chakraborty, Sujit Guha and others. I was also part of many Bangladeshi productions. So, I couldn't adjust dates. When I watched the film, I was in tears for not being able to play such a once-in-a-lifetime character. I also regret that I couldn't work with Rituparno Ghosh in Dosar and Choker Bali for personal reasons. Same was the case with Gautam Halder's Bhalo Theko. I was busy with Tarun Majumdar's film and still feel bad about not being able to work in such a good film.

I was working full-time down south when one day, Rituda (Rituparno Ghosh) called me and offered me work in Dahan. I remember him telling me that he wanted my dates from the 13th, which month I can't recall. But in south, people block dates three-four months in advance, so I told him I could work in the film only if he could postpone the shoot. But that wasn't possible, I guess. I don't even know which character he had thought for me. Till today, when I watch Dahan, I feel sad for not being able to work with a director of his stature.

Proloy Asche , the television series directed by Raj Chakrabarty, was extremely popular and was nothing less than a film. Everyone appreciated my performance and so, I have an emotional attachment with the name, Proloy. Later, when Raj made the film, Proloy, he offered me the lead role of Barun Biswas (which was later done by Parambrata Chatterjee).I couldn't accept it, as my wife had just delivered a baby and leaving my newborn angel for a month-long outdoor shoot was out of question. When I watched the film, I felt bad for not being able to work in it.