Feluda
Feluda's contemporisation inspired me to play Topshe: Rwitobroto Mukherjee
Actor Rwitobroto Mukherjee makes his debut as Feluda's young assistant Topshe with filmmaker Arindam Sil's web series Shabash Feluda, which premiered on Zee5 on May 5. IBNS correspondent Souvik Ghosh catches up with Rwitobroto
Q. How much playing Topshe was a 'dream come true' for you?
A. More than me, I think people had dreamt of it. Ever since I started playing the teenage roles, a lot of people including the makers have suggested that I play Topshe. Even Arindam-kaku (Arindam Sil) had said he would cast me as Topshe whenever he would make the series. This is a huge thing for an actor who is considered as Topshe. It carries a lot of weight. It is an achievement as an actor for me. It is small but a personal victory as well for me.
Q. Do you find any relatability with Topshe?
A. Yes. Observation power. I feel observation power is key for any actor. Skills like observation power and deduction help us as actors.
Q. You have worked with Arindam Sil earlier. Was he the appropriate filmmaker for you in terms of comfort zone to step into Topshe for the first time?
A. Absolutely. I was aware of two pillars besides me, Arindam-kaku and Param-da (Parambrata Chattopadhyay) to essay this role. I actually share a Feluda-Topshe relationship with Param-da in real life. I am (like) his younger brother. So it was like working in a family where I can fall back on. I knew I always had someone to rescue if I tumbled playing Topshe. Working in a familiar atmosphere playing such a serious role has remained a huge support.
Q. How do you see the contemporisation of Feluda being a young audience?
A. The half of the reasons I agreed to play Topshe was because of the contemporisation of Feluda. Being a student of Comparative Literature, I learnt and also believe art moves on because of adaptation and retellings. I am also a Feluda buff but we all have to keep in mind that the newer generations, who are exposed to OTT globally, should be proud of such a work.
Newer directors and storytellers are coming and putting their perspectives into such a big universe. I feel we Bengali people need to liberate us from this prejudice. If we can adapt to the change, we will be able to bring new works to the audience.
(Photography: Avishek Mitra/IBNS)
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