Extreme makeovers: How Bengali actors transformed for their film roles

Bengali celebs, especially actors, are well known for experimenting with their looks for various films. For instance, Abir Chatterjee has opted for a completely new look for his upcoming ‘Biday Byomkesh’. Obviously, not every actor looks exactly like the character they have to portray. That's why they use the likes of wigs, prosthetics, and makeup. Let’s take a look at some of the actors, who had to go through a complete transformation for their films.

Prosenjit generated accolades for his outstanding portrayal of Lalan Fakir, legendary spiritual leader, poet and ‘Baul’ of the 19th century. To go deep into Lalon Fakir’s character in ‘Moner Manush’ (2010), the popular actor used to lock himself in a dark room, sleep on the floor and he had become vegetarian to get into the famous character. The biographical musical drama also features Paoli Dam in the lead. The Gautam Ghose directorial received the Nargis Dutt Award for the Best Film on National Integration and also awarded the Best Film at the 41st International Film Festival of India held at Goa.

'Biday Byomkesh' is slowly increasing curiosity among the Bengali movie buffs. The spin-off film of the Byomkesh series will have a fresh story of an octogenarian Byomkesh solving a mystery for the last time. This time, his son's life is in danger. As Abir Chatterjee essays an 80-year-old Byomkesh Bakshi, it will see him playing yet another engaging character. An ageing, bald Byomkesh with so many wrinkles and fine lines will no doubt startle us as hell. The spin-off will be directed by Debaloy Bhattacharya. What’s more interesting is the film is not based on any Saradindu Bandopadhyay story, instead it’s an original story by the director himself.

Although ‘Dhumketu’ hasn’t yet released, Dev’s new avatar in the film has already stormed the internet. You can hardly recognize the Tollywood star in his new look. It’s really a pleasant surprise. For the first time, Dev will be seen as an 82-year-old man for this Kaushik Ganguly directorial. Rumour has it he had to spend 7 hours every day to put on the prosthetic look. He will be completely devoid of stardom. The look has been done by National Award winning makeup artist Vikram Gaikwad. Starring Subhashree Ganguly as the female lead, the thriller is expected to release on August 15, 2018.

Mir as the historical character Columbus ensured a laugh riot in this comedy flick. Be it his costumes, props, or his antics; it superbly balances the ultimate lines of architecture against the side effects of love, with tenderly moving results. As a standup comedian Mir has often amazed us with his funny avatars in a popular reality show and that part continued in this film also. This Saurav Palodhi directorial is full of entertainment with Mir’s witty remarks, crazy appearance and his love for social satires.

Who could have imagined Jisshu in a negative role? Jisshu as the evil Kashinath Kundu in ‘Zulfiqar’ once again proved it’s his sheer ability to face any kind of challenge while playing different roles makes him different from other actors. His cunning, grey hair look, as an aged businessman, completely transformed his chocolate boy image. In ‘Rajkahini’ also, he portrayed a negative role. Jisshu camouflaged himself into a disgusting, gory contract killer Kabir and it’s such a powerful performance that one can’t take their eyes off him. As Kabir, he is quite menacing, ruthless and repulsive.