He’s had a pretty successful run ever since he debuted in Kaminey, which was followed up by Faltu. And now, actor Chandan Roy Sanyal is gearing up for his next big release on Diwali, actor-turned-director Hema Malini’s Tell Me O Kkhuda.
“I’m the jester, a flamboyant guy, who doesn’t care about the consequences, the balancing factor in the plot with my comic timing, humour and antics,” informs Chandan.
With Esha Deol and Dharmendra as co-stars and Hema as director, Chandan must have got a taste of the ‘we are family’ feel, we ask? “Dharamji is an icon and this film is very important for Esha. And Hemaji is such a delight to be with, her sense of humour is so admirable,” states the actor, adding, “What was commendable is that they never let their personal relations get on the set, the thorough professionals that they are. There have been instances when Hemaji and Dharamji haven’t agreed on a certain point but she’s always managed to reason it from a director’s point of view. And in such cases, Esha always stood by her dad.”
Chandan feels he’s in quite a safe zone presently when it comes to his filmi career. “I only stand to gain by these multi-starrer projects. I need to be seen in these big films with big stars that are promoted well. Also, I need these films to balance the lesser known films that I do, like a Prague, Love You To Death or a BMW (Bombay’s Most Wanted). But I’m still the dark horse and don’t have the fear of being recognised on the streets,” he confesses. Despite his theatre background, he feels he has matured as an actor in front of the camera. “It’s the smaller films that will help me carve my niche. I feel it’s time I get my own space with all the spotlights on me. I am good enough as any of the lead actors who are being repeatedly cast in commercial films,” he states.
While competition doesn’t unnerve him, Chandan does feel he has been lucky. “Not many films work every Friday, hence I have the luxury of time courtesy my hit filmography. I’d rather be known for the unconventionality of my acting abilities rather than tread on much walked routes,” he signs off.
