close_game
close_game

Mainstream films give me more happiness, says Bengali actor Jeet

Hindustan Times | By, Kolkata
Jul 16, 2015 06:16 PM IST

Jeet, who will soon be seen alongside Koel in Besh Korechi Prem Korechi, says that the film has all the ingredients of a complete entertainer. One of the most successful pairs of Bengali cinema, this will be their 12th outing together. Given the success of their earlier films, Jeet is hopeful about the new film too.

Jeet's energy level shoots every time he sees Koel Mullick. The reason: She always gives him an opportunity to play prank on her. "My day would be incomplete if I don't pull her leg," laughs Jeet, looking dashing in his new hairdo. It's been a while that Jeet has been seen on the big screen. His last release, Bachchan, a comedy, was a hit. But that was last year. The actor, who will soon be seen alongside Koel in Besh Korechi Prem Korechi, says that the film has all the ingredients of a complete entertainer. One of the most successful pairs of Bengali cinema, this will be their 12th outing together. Given the success of their earlier films, Jeet is hopeful about the new film too.

Jeet with his co star actor Koel Mullick. (Samir Jana/HT Photo)
Jeet with his co star actor Koel Mullick. (Samir Jana/HT Photo)

HT caught up with the Boss actor on films, production and more.

Bachchan (2014) was a comedy. And this film too is a romantic comedy.
Bachchan released during Durga Puja. People want to have fun during festivals. So, it's wise to release a rom-com when people are in the festive mood. This year Eid and Rath Yatra are on the same day. It's a festive time again and we feel the film will connect with a wider audience if we release it around this time. I play Aditya, a boy-next-door, who can handle any situation in the lightest possible way.

You played a fun-loving character in Bachchan too.
Yes, this character is different from the one in Bachchan. If you notice potboilers follow a particular structure. You won't find too many potboiler films without song and dance sequences or action. Besh Korechi Prem Korechi has extensively been shot in Banaras and I am sure those portions will add novelty and uniqueness to the film.

You last worked with Koel in 100% Love (2012) after which she got married. Has marriage changed her?
(Cuts in) There hasn't been much change. I continue to play pranks on her. How can I complete a film without pulling her leg (laughs)!

Tell us about the first time you met Koel.
We were having a special screening of Saathi in Bolpur. We had already received a good response for the film by that time. We were returning by train and Ranjit da (actor Ranjit Mullick) was also accompanying us with his family. There I noticed a pretty girl. In the meantime, Hara da (director Haranath Chakraborty) came in and introduced me to Koel. He told me that she is Ranjit da's daughter. At that time, I had no idea that I would be doing my next film, Nater Guru, with the girl I met on the train. (Laughs aloud)

What's the best quality in Koel?
She is serious about her profession and when you are committed towards the art, you grow both as a professional and as a person. That happened with Koel too. She has evolved as an actor and has groomed herself well. She is cautious about how she projects herself on screen. I remember, she wasn't too comfortable in front of the camera when she was a newcomer. Now, she is a complete professional and knows her job well.

Your favourite film with Koel?
All the films are close to my heart. We have so many memories associated with those films. I wouldn't like to name one film. If I have to name one film, which is really close to my heart, it would be Saathi, my debut film.

You are sporting a new hairdo in the film.
There was a gap between Bachchan and Besh Korechi Prem Korechi. I was busy with a few projects of my production house. I try to reinvent myself in terms of looks. So, at times I experiment with my hair and moustache. This is something every actor must do. So, I thought of growing my hair to see if I can do something new. I met my stylist, Kanta, in Mumbai and told her that I would love to sport some streaks. I was in touch with her during the shooting of the film too. I used to go to Mumbai to get a haircut.

How involved are you when it comes to selecting your costumes in films?
This is one area where producers and directors completely trust me and I feel good about it. (Smiles)

Your film coincides with the release of Salman Khan's film. Does that really matter to you?
Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan and Ranbir Kapoor… they all are big. But we strongly feel that all the regional film industries have a loyal audience. This section waits for the regional movies. And if you wait for a window when there is no big Bollywood release, then you can't release a film during the festival period. Every festival either has a film of Salman, Shah Rukh or Aamir. Chennai Express and Boss released simultaneously and Boss did good business. In fact, it broke the box office records in Bengal.

Are you interested in middle-of-the-road cinema?
I would love to do such films. However, mainstream films give me more happiness.

However, not many mainstream Bengali films are doing well these days?
Every industry has its share of profit and loss. Indian cricket team also lost to Bangladesh. It doesn't mean the Indian team won't bounce back. In the past some films haven't done well, but that doesn't mean the future is bleak. This is a temporary phase. You can't feel discouraged and stop making films. Why is Virat Kohli unable to perform? He is a talent but he is just going through a bad phase. This is just a phase and it will soon pass.

What's the next project of your production company?
We are working on a couple of films and television projects. We work with an open mind. Co-production is something we are also looking at now.

Get more updates from...
See more
Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On