MUMBAI : Prosenjit Chatterjee, a superstar of Bengali cinema who has dominated the industry for over three decades as a leading commercial star while also showcasing his acting talent in parallel cinema—a rare feat—humbley states that he does not see himself as a superstar but as a 'worker' in the film industry.
During the recent Watcho Storytellers Conclave, Prosenjit said, "First, I don’t think of myself as a superstar. I see myself as a worker in the film industry. Cinema is a collaborative effort—it’s created by the entire team: technicians, the camera crew, editors, writers, and actors. While people see us on screen and attach big names to us, I believe I’m just a small part of Indian cinema.
Talking aboiut the process to his craft, Prosenjit said, "When it comes to my craft, earlier in my career, I worked tirelessly—sometimes six shifts a day—and would have around 20-26 releases a year. That might even be an international record! Back then, my focus was on giving the audience what they wanted to see. In the last 14-15 years, though, I’ve shifted to roles that are more human and relatable. When I play characters like Lalon Bhoke, Jatish Shah, or Subhash Bose, I try to immerse myself in them. I ask directors for a backstory, even if it’s not in the script, to help me connect with the role better. For unique characters, like Jatish Shah, I couldn’t find someone real to model after because the role was so different, but I do my best to approach every role with sincerity. At the end of the day, I consider myself a director’s actor."
The actor spoke about the challenges faced by emerging talent, including filmmakers, content creators, and producers, in today's competitive environment. He remarked, "There’s a significant lack of opportunities for talented individuals who often don’t receive the platform they truly deserve. I’m thrilled that someone has finally taken the first step to address this issue. Being part of a remarkable initiative like Dish TV's Watcho Storytellers Conclave brings me immense joy. There’s so much untapped potential out there, and once it finds its way to the forefront, it’s going to create a storm in the industry."
Prosenjit, the National Award-winning actor and producer known for his work in Dosar, Chokher Bali, Shankhachil, Gumnaami, Ajogyo, and many other acclaimed films, was a distinguished panelist at Dish TV's Watcho Storytellers Conclave. During the event, he led a session titled ‘Masterclass on Crafting Local Stories for Global Audiences,’ where he shared insights from his personal journey and professional experiences.
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