Prosenjit Chatterjee: I remember an event where I dedicated a song to Asha Parekh ji, which went viral—exclusive!

Prosenjit Chatterjee, one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema, especially in Bengali films, has had an illustrious career spanning over three decades. Known for his versatility and remarkable performances, Prosenjit has carved a niche for himself with a mix of mainstream commercial hits and critically acclaimed roles. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his milestone 50th collaboration with Ritupurna Sengupta in the film 'Ajogya', the evolution of their working relationship, and the magic that continues to captivate audiences.He also shares insights into his approach to acting, the importance of comfort on set, and fond memories from his father, Biswajit Chatterjee's Bollywood legacy and much more in an exclusive conversation with ETimes.

This is your 50th collaboration with Ritupurna Sengupta. How has the journey been?
Yes, this is indeed our 50th film together. I have been working for the last 30 years, and it has been a great journey. We have done many mainstream commercial films. There was a period when we didn't work together for about 14 years. During that time, I shifted to different kinds of roles and characters. However, when we reunited with the film 'Praktan', it became one of the biggest blockbusters. Since then, we have decided to make a film every three to four years because the audience loves to see us together. The difference now is that we focus more on the subject than just romantic films with dance and songs.
How has your working relationship with Ritupurna evolved over the years?
We have both been working individually for many years. People no longer come to watch us as just heroes and heroines but as actors and actresses. There is a certain maturity in our performances now. Our recent film, 'Drishtikone' directed by the eminent Kaushik Ganguly, was a huge success. Kaushik Ganguly is one of the finest directors in Indian cinema. Working with him has been a blessing.
What do you think makes your on-screen chemistry so magical?
I believe the magic is created by the audience. They have supported us for years, and it’s not something that can be easily replicated. When we visited theaters, people were already asking about our next film. The audience has a nostalgic connection to our pairing, which has translated into success both domestically and internationally.
What kind of comfort do you seek when working with a director or co-actor?
Comfort is very important for me. I have worked with around 100 directors in my career. The director is the captain of the ship, and it’s crucial to listen to them, as they have a vision for the entire film. The co-actor’s understanding is equally important. For instance, when Ritu and I give shots, our directors often decide to go for the take after just one rehearsal because of our chemistry. It's important to make everyone comfortable on set, and I strive to do that with my co-actors.
How would you sum up your journey as an actor so far?
I feel blessed. Despite having done so much, I believe there is still a lot more to achieve. The new generation of actors brings innovative challenges, and it keeps me motivated to reinvent myself. Working with fresh faces and talented individuals is a great experience, and it pushes me to deliver my best.
Your father, Biswajit Chatterjee, is a renowned personality in Bollywood. Do you have any memories of visiting his sets as a child?
Yes, I have fond memories of meeting many legendary actresses who worked with my father. For example, I was lucky to work with Mumtaz Ji and Mala Sinha Ji. I have a special bond with these actors, and they have always given me a lot of love and blessings. I remember an event where I dedicated a song to Asha Parekh ji, which went viral. These experiences are very special to me.
Any special memories from working on "Chokher Bali" with Aishwarya Rai?
We have many fond memories of that film. Aishwarya was a huge star at that time, and she was incredibly sweet and professional. We used to work like a family on set. Despite our differences, we had a great understanding. She made everyone comfortable, and it was a pleasure working with her. We met again recently during a film event and had a great time reminiscing.