Koel Mullick made her debut opposite Jeet in Nater Guru. That was 12 years ago and Koel was still a college goer studying psychology. The friendship that begun on the sets on Nater Guru has only strengthened since then with the two having done 12 films together, a rare feat in an industry where new faces get introduced every Friday.
So, whenever you spot them, the two are seen fighting, much like Tom and Jerry. Somewhere they share a strong bond. And that reflects in their films too. The audiences have always loved the pair (in films such as Shubhodrishti, Hero, Saat Paake Bandha or 100% Love) but at the same time haven't seen them together for a while now. Now Koel is back with Jeet in Besh Korechi Prem Korechi, which released this Eid/Rath Yatra. HT caught up with the actor on films, her friendship with Jeet and more:
This is your 12th film with Jeet.
Are you serious? Wow. This is also my 12th year in the industry. That's a dozen (giggles). Well, that makes Besh Korechi Prem Korechi even more special.
Do you remember the first time you met him?
Actually, I was in Bolpur with baba (Ranjit Mullick) and went to watch a new film which had a new hero. The film was Saathi, Jeet's debut film. At that time I had no idea who he was. I went to Shantiniketan just for fun but I loved the film. No wonder, Saathi went on to become a blockbuster. And what was your first impression after watching him?
I thought he is a promising actor (giggles again). At that time, I was a college student and had no interest in the film industry. I was focusing more on studies and was aiming to become a psychologist. I wasn't even thinking of joining films. I am shy and introvert, so I wasn't very comfortable striking a conversation with a new hero. I still fell surprised thinking that I ended up doing films. Destiny brought me here. After watching Saathi, I felt that the industry was finally going to get a fresh and promising face after a long time. I felt Jeet will now be seen doing more films, but I had no idea…
Do you remember the first time you met him?
Actually, I was in Bolpur with baba (Ranjit Mullick) and went to watch a new film which had a new hero. The film was Saathi, Jeet's debut film. At that time I had no idea who he was. I went to Shantiniketan just for fun but I loved the film. No wonder, Saathi went on to become a blockbuster. And what was your first impression after watching him?
I thought he is a promising actor (giggles again). At that time, I was a college student and had no interest in the film industry. I was focusing more on studies and was aiming to become a psychologist. I wasn't even thinking of joining films. I am shy and introvert, so I wasn't very comfortable striking a conversation with a new hero. I still fell surprised thinking that I ended up doing films. Destiny brought me here. After watching Saathi, I felt that the industry was finally going to get a fresh and promising face after a long time. I felt Jeet will now be seen doing more films, but I had no idea…
Koel Mullick with her co-star Jeet.
That the very next film will be with you?
Yes, that I would be making my debut opposite Jeet. (Giggles)
Audiences love the Jeet-Koel pair onscreen and the films too have struck a chord with them.
I know and I still feel surprised. Our chemistry is always talked about but if you come to the sets of our films, you will always find us fighting. He is always pulling my leg. But jokes apart, I am thankful to the audiences for appreciating our pairing because we didn't really have to put in a lot of effort to build this chemistry.
You were last seen with Jeet in 100% Love (2012), which was a mature love story.
This is an out-and-out love story. I feel, we no more live in a time when people in love used to think of stars and moon and write poems. The title of the film is apt. This is the age of instant love. It's a rom-com. I've mostly played urban, spoil brat kind of characters because that's how the audiences like seeing me. My character Rai is up to a lot of mischief. She enjoys the attention of men and also rags boys in the college. She is tomboyish but attractive too.
You are seen doing a lot of rom-coms these days.
Life is boring without laughter. I am more inclined towards watching comedy films. When such stories come my way, I feel excited. I am also fit for romantic films. My friends used to read Nancy Drew in school but I was hooked on to Mills & Boon. I've mostly done romantic films in my career but I would also love to be part of thrillers.
What's the best quality in Jeet?
When he is shooting with me, he starts off his day by pulling my leg. He won't survive without doing that. However, he is extremely professional. I remember we were shooting in Banaras and it was very hot. I got dehydrated but he would hit the gym everyday even though we packed up after 10 pm. You will notice this kind of dedication only in youngsters, who have just started out in the industry and need to work hard on the body but Jeet never forgot to hit the gym. I also told him that even in Saathi it didn't look as if he was doing his first film. He had that attitude and charisma in him. Over the years, he has evolved as an actor.
Your favourite film with Jeet?
There are so many. I love Bandhan, Shubhodrishti and Saat Paake Bandha.
Your most favourite romantic film?
(Giggles) Gone with the Wind, Notebook, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Saptapadi. The list is endless.
Off late, potboilers are not faring well at the box office.
(Cuts in) Every film industry has its ups and downs. It might not be a good phase now but this happens in all film industries. It's a small bump and we will soon overcome it.
When are you starting work on Shiboprosad Mukhopadhyay-Nandita Roy's next?
It's too early to talk. I congratulated Shibu on the success of Bela Seshe.