From small to big screen: The hottest Bong transitions

The television industry of Bengal is celebrated for producing actors who go on to delivery big time in Tollywood. It is not just a mere good looking face or style that makes these actors stand out from the rest, but their enviable talent that makes them extraordinary. We present to you some famous faces that kick-started their careers from television and eventually established themselves as the biggest stars of today’s Bengali cinema industry. Take a look.

Saswata Chatterjee

This talented actor needs no official introduction. He gained national recognition after his one liner “Nomoshkar! Ek minute” in Sujoy Ghosh's Kahaani, where he essayed the role of an assassin. Although he started his career with a Hindi serial based on Samaresh Majumdar's Kaalpurush directed by Saibal Mitra, he is best remembered for essaying the role of Topshe in the Bengali Feluda-based television series directed by Sandip Ray. Eventually, his talent was recognised by many producers and he landed on the silver screen playing significant roles in movies like Meghe Dhaka Tara,Chaar, Bonku Babu, Aschorjo Prodip, Namte Namte, and Jekhane Bhuter Bhoy, among others.

Parambrata Chatterjee

Like Saswata, Parambrata too tasted national fame with Sujoy Ghosh's Kahaani, where he played the role of an inspector who falls in love with the lead actress. He started off with serials, before shifting his focus on movies. He has been part of various mainstream as well as offbeat movies and his performances have earned him critical appreciation. Some of his well-appreciated movies are Baishe Srabon, Bhooter Bhabishyat, Hemlock Society, Proloy, Apur Panchali, Highway and Chotushkone. Considering the list of his films, it’s no wonder that this intellectual actor is the toast of the current breed of filmmakers.

Abir Chatterjee

This bong is ruling the current detective movie scene of Bengal. Blessed with an impressive height and intellectual face, he seems to be the favourite of all detective filmmakers. His whodunit ventures include Abar Byomkesh, Byomkesh Phire Elo, Har Har Byomkesh and Badshahi Angti. He fits himself in other genres and films like Cross Connection, Prem By Chance and Bojhena Shey Bojhena. Before stepping into films, the actor was part of TV serials like Banhishikha, Sudhu Tomari Jonno, Ek Aakasher Niche and Janmobhumi. 

Swastika Mukherjee

A very popular face on celluloid, she too started her career with television and her first project was Devdasi. Her other serials comprise of Ek Akasher Niche and Protibimbo. Soon, her talent was recognised by many producers and directors and she switched over to playing lead roles on the big screen. Debuting with Hemanter Pakhi, she went on to work in films like Ami Aar Amar Girlfriends, Mishawr Rawhoshyo, Jaatishwar and Take One, to name a few. 

Jisshu Sengupta

A common face in late Rituparno Ghosh’s notable films like Noukadubi, Abohoman and Shob Charitro Kalponik, Jisshu’s tryst with acting started with the Bengali mega serial Mahaprabhu, where he portrayed the role of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Later, he ventured into the world of cinema and appeared in movies like Takhan Teish, Golemale Pirit Koro Na, Nirbaak and Jaatishwar to name a few. Recently, he made a comeback on television with the mega serial Aparajito. The serial is produced by his own company, Blue Water pictures.

Ananya Chatterjee

She might not portray lead roles, but  is a well-known face in the cinema industry who has created a concrete space for herself on her own terms. She started her acting career on television with the serial Din Pratidin and went on to work in hit projects like Tithir Atithi and Aleya. Ananya soon moved to playing character roles in movies like John Johnny Janardan, Ek Din Darjeeling and Amar Baba, Laptop, Dwando, Angshumaner Chhobi and Abahoman. She even bagged a National Film Award for Best Actress for her role as the muse of a married director in Abahoman.

Mimi Chakraborty

Before stepping into films, this beautiful young lady was a popular face on television. She gained popularity mainly for her work in Star Jalsha’s Gaaner Oparey, which features a musical journey between two artists, with one being Rupe played by Mimi. After this, she jumped over to the silver screen. She got to showcase her acting prowess in movies like Bojhena Shey Bojhena, Bojhena Shey Bojhena, Yoddha: The Warrior and Khaad, among many others.

Whose transition you loved the most? Hit the comment box below to share your views.