The industry is more important for me and not criticism: Dev

As an actor, what are your expectations from Zulfiqar?

It is time for the film's release and it is not in our hand any more. I want this film to do well. We have to wait till the film's release to know the verdict of the people. I do not keep an expectation. It really hurts if things don't turn out right or if a film fails to meet expectations. But I must admit that everyone worked very hard for this film.

What about the challenges you faced?

Everyone in the film is playing a role that is vastly different from their usual roles. I am playing a character who is mute. This was a huge challenge for me. I have been acting in commercial films for years. Considering my age, when Srijit offered me the role of a character who is dumb, I was really surprised. I thought it was a very challenging role. It is a kind of role I haven't done before. I was addicted to it because I was essaying a role that was so new to me and was therefore prepared to learn new things about acting. It is always easier to express with dialogues, through vocabulary. But when you have to make the viewers understand what you are trying to say through expressions, without uttering a single word, it becomes a huge challenge. So I am very happy and proud to be associated with this film. Now it is time for the audience to see the film and judge it.

How was your experience working with Srijit Mukherji (director) for the first time?

I think he is fantastic. He is dedicated, hardworking and serious about his job. He knows how to get the work done by his actors, specially in the film like Zulfiqar, which is so difficult to execute. It is not an easy film where so many actors shooting at real locations and not in a set, after managing their individual busy schedules.

You are working in Tollywood for a decade and have a brand value. Do you think the directors are using that brand value in their films like Bunohansh, Chader Pahar and now in Zulfiqar?

It is like a win-win situation for both. On one hand, I am sharing my stardom with directors and on the other hand, I am learning something from them. More precisely, the director is using my stardom and teaching me something. So, at the end of the day, it is a win-win situation for all.

Is it your conscious decision to blend hardcore commercial films with acting-oriented films in your career?

Yes, very much. I also want to do different types of films. Zulfiqar is one of those films that neither a typical intellectual film nor a full-fledged commercial film. I want to do films like Zulfiqar, which nobody can think of. I think the character of Marcus [played by Dev] in Zulfiqar is an unparalleled one.

Your first screen share with Prosenjit Chatterjee. How was your experience?

He is fantastic and very lovable. It is unbelievable that despite being a senior actor, he is so energetic and athletic compared to his age. There are many things to learn from him, so it was a nice learning experience for me.

You are seldom criticised for your acting. How do you deal with that? Does that never affect your performances?

Nothing, I do not need to think about that. It is not my concern to keep on thinking what other people are saying behind my back. I should be more worried about my next project along with the ongoing ones such as Dhumketu, Chander Pahar, Zulfiqar. I am only challenging myself and forcing to do something different. I am the only actor in this generation to take the risk of doing films from multiple genres. Instead of Zulfiqar, I could have easily done a solo film. But I decided to do this rare Bengali film where I am not the only hero, which is also my contribution to the industry. For me, it is important to think about the industry rather than thinking about what other people are saying behind my back.

You are also involved in politics. How do you manage time for acting and politics amidst such a busy schedule?

Thanks to my age. I can do so many things at the same time now. Probably at an age closer to 40 or 45, I would have to devote my energy to only one thing at a time.

Do you have any plan to be back on television again?

I am too busy right now with my acting. I don't think I am going back to television in the near future.

(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)