Latest news with #Prosenjit
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Prosenjit Chatterjee says he, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Ajay Devgn are all ‘producer-friendly' actors: 'We have seen the hard times...'
Bengali cinema's Prosenjit Chatterjee, known as Bumba Da, is entering Hindi television as a producer, drawing on his extensive experience. He emphasizes the importance of actors understanding production challenges, like Shah Rukh Khan, to ensure project success. Prosenjit remains dedicated to acting, viewing it as his primary passion and continuing to work with newcomers driven by creativity. Bengali cinema icon Prosenjit Chatterjee , fondly known as Bumba Da, is bringing his decades of experience to Hindi television as a first-time producer. In an insightful chat with SCREEN, he opened up about balancing creativity and commerce, why he considers himself a 'producer-friendly' actor like Shah Rukh Khan , Salman Khan , and Ajay Devgn , and how a nickname given by fans became his lifelong identity. Prosenjit shared how the endearing nickname 'Bumba Da' has followed him far beyond West Bengal—even on sets in Mumbai. He revealed that during projects like Jubilee and Khakee, co-stars including Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao naturally took to calling him Bumba Da. Even West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee addresses him as Bumba in official meetings. For Prosenjit, it's not just a nickname—it's a generational bond with his audience. 'I never changed my name,' he reflected, 'my fans and well-wishers made me Bumba Da, and that's a true blessing.' The actor further reflected on how his four-decade-long acting career has shaped his understanding of the producer's role. He pointed out that when he, along with contemporaries like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Ajay Devgn, began their careers, the film economy was vastly different. Prosenjit emphasized the importance of actors being in tune with the challenges producers face. He said that understanding both the creative and financial sides of production is key to being a 'producer-friendly' actor—someone who ensures a project's success so producers feel confident backing future films. He also shared how years of experience have made him deeply attuned to the production side of filmmaking. Known in Kolkata for being a meticulous planner, he revealed that he can break down a script and offer a shooting plan within 24 hours. Having seen tough times early in his career, he believes in working efficiently without waste. Recalling a proud moment, he spoke about producing a cult show for Star Jalsha directed by the legendary Rituparno Ghosh—something few could have pulled off. For Prosenjit, every project must offer creative satisfaction above all else. On a parting note, Prosenjit reaffirmed that acting remains his true calling. While he has ventured into production, he sees himself first and foremost as an actor—something he hopes to continue until his last breath. A passionate student of cinema, he shared that he often works with newcomers, both as an actor and producer, driven by creativity rather than commerce. He admitted that he only feels a sense of purpose once he signs a film—a habit and mindset he has no intention of changing.
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘Aamir Khan can take risks, nothing will change': Prosenjit Chatterjee on Sitaare Zameen Par's theatre-only release
Aamir Khan's decision to not release Sitaare Zameen Par on OTT platforms just eight weeks after it hit the theatre has garnered praise from Prosenjit Chatterjee. Speaking with India Today, Prosenjit said that Aamir "can take the risk" as he "understands the pulse and sensibilities of the audiences". However, he added that "nothing will change". (Also Read | Sitaare Zameen Par box office collection day 1) Prosenjit Chatterjee talked about Aamir Khan and Sitaare Zameen Par. Talking about Aamir's different approach, Prosenjit said, "He can take the risk. He has been serving the industry for many years, and he understands the pulse and sensibilities of the audiences." Prosenjit, however, thinks that this move of Aamir won't bring about any change. "To save the theatrical business and cinema, he (Aamir Khan) is a person who can think this way or take this kind of risk. Nothing will change, a film will come on OTT and then on satellite television. That's how it works, that's how we reach our Indian audiences. But let's see how this goes (Sitaare Zameen Par's only-cinema model), and I hope it works," added Prosenjit. What Aamir had said about Sitaare Zameen Par's release Recently, Aamir told India Today about exclusively releasing the film in theatres. 'I am a loyalist of cinema, and I believe in it. Yes, it's a big risk, and there's a lot [of money] involved. If I don't get that chunk of my pre-sales, and the film doesn't work, it could lead to a major loss. I did receive offers, but I turned them down because I want audiences to go to theatres and watch my film. I believe in cinema, and I believe in my audience," he added. As per trade analyst Komal Nahta, Aamir has turned down an offer of ₹ 120 crore from Amazon Prime Video for the digital rights of the film. Komal, writing for Film Information, said that Aamir has "decided to try and change the game" for films releasing in theatres. Komal said that Aamir wants people to experience the release of a film in theatres. About Sitaare Zameen Par A spiritual sequel to the 2007 hit film Taare Zameen Par, Sitaare Zameen Par, directed by RS Prasanna, released in theatres on Friday. In it, Aamir plays a basketball coach training a team of players with special needs. The film also stars Genelia D'souza. It is a remake of the Spanish film Campeones. Produced by Aamir Khan Productions, the film introduces 10 actors--Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar.
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Prosenjit Chatterjee recalls being depressed after separation from Debashree Roy: ‘There's no use in crying'
Actor Prosenjit Chatterjee was once married to fellow actor Debashree Roy, but the two parted ways shortly after tying the knot. In a recent interview with Times Now, Prosenjit opened up about the difficult phase following their separation, revealing that he slipped into depression and began working less during that period. (Also Read: Prosenjit Chatterjee exclusive interview: 'What is Commercial Cinema? I also want to know') Prosenjit spoke about the emotional toll of his divorce and said, "Ek samay aaya tha, mai kaam kam kar raha tha (There was a time when I was working less). I was in a little depressed mood, I was not doing proper work. We blamed each other, but we were young at that time. After that separation, I was in a place where I was not coming out. And amid this, the most leading newspaper in Bengal came out with pointers of actors of Bengal. Usme 1-10 tk me mera naam nahi tha (I was not mentioned in that list of 1 to 10), and I was going through that depression mode." He recalled how he dealt with the situation and said, "The day I came back to the set, I signed nine films. It is not me, it is my blessing. Mera characteristic is aisa hai (That is my characteristic). I feel there's no point in showing emotions. But everyone has a space of their own — I have a small garden, and that's my space. I don't talk to anybody. Those 30 days were important for me to reconnect with myself. There's no use in crying." Prosenjit and Debashree had known each other since childhood. After their separation, Prosenjit found love again with Aparna Guha Thakurta, with whom he shares a daughter, Prerona Chatterjee. However, his second marriage too eventually ended in divorce. Meanwhile, on the work front, Prosenjit was last seen in the Netflix series Khakee: The Bengal Chapter. He will next be seen in the movie Maalik, which also stars Manushi Chhillar and Medha Shankr in key roles. The gangster action thriller, directed by Pulkit and produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani, is scheduled to release in theatres on July 11.
