An actor prepares...

The otherwise charming and shy Abhishek Banerjee knows how to put on his acting shoes... finds Suman Sharma

- Suman Sharma

When you meet Abhishek Banerjee, you're struck by the fact that he's so dissimilar to his on-screen avatars. He doesn't have the maniac energy of Hathoda Tyagi from Paatal Lok or the lunacy of Jana, his character from Stree.

Instead, you get someone who is calm, composed and organised... Who has deep convictions about how the industry should function, who talks about giving respect to actors for their contribution and knows his cinema first hand. He's also shy and takes time to thaw. But once he warms up to you, he chats like there's no tomorrow. Our interaction rambled on, despite admonitions from his PR about exceeding the time limit. He is passionate throughout but objective as well about the success of Stree 2 and what it means for everyone connected with the film. Presenting excerpts from an engaging conversation with the actor and casting director:

WHAT DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE SUCCESS OF STREE 2?

The success of Stree 2 feels like an exhilarating rush of ecstasy, as if you’ve reached the mountaintop and suddenly found an entire range of peaks that were previously hidden from view. It’s the kind of triumph where, having accomplished one significant milestone, you’re met with the thrilling revelation that there are countless new horizons to explore and conquer. This sense of achievement is not just about the immediate victory but about the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Each new peak represents a fresh challenge, an invitation to push further and a reminder that the journey is far from over. The joy of Stree 2’s success is amplified by the realisation that, no matter how high you climb, there’s always a new summit waiting to be reached, making the journey even more exhilarating and full of promise.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE REVISITING THE CHARACTER OF JANA AFTER SIX YEARS?