Exclusive! Dibyendu Bhattacharya: I never aimed for the destination but journey itself

Dibyendu Bhattacharya is one name you associate with OTT at this given point of time. From Undekhi to Rocket Boys, he has been a part of some magical projects in the recent past. Currently, this actor is seen in The Gone Game 2 and Khuda Haafiz 2, both of which released back-to-back on OTT and in theatres. This actor talks to OTT about how he goes about projects, what his approach towards acting has been and more.

Excerpts from the interview…

Everywhere we go, Dibyendu is there. Do you feel it is your time to shine? Because people love you. But do you personally feel you have reached where you wanted to be professionally?

Yeah, that's good that everywhere you go you find me (laughs). I am a part of many projects. I keep getting work and take them. I don't even think much about it - when are my projects releasing and what is happening with them. I shoot for a film and forget about it. Then, everything is in the public domain so you get to know whether people are liking your project or not. Whether they're liking it or not, they're most welcome. It's my job to work and not analyse things.

I like to hear that people love me, have a connection and recognise me. It's a lot of fun. I was roaming around in the Yorkshire. I was going for a donut and one guy came to me and said that he never saw me in England. He was the restaurant owner and asked me what I want to eat. Forget India, if people recognise you even in England, that feeling is something else.

Professionally, I didn't really wish to reach somewhere. It's just a part of the journey, which is very important to take. There's no destiny because what would that goal be? Winning an Oscar award or National award? I never really aimed for a destination but the journey itself. I prefer that. I do my job, people admire me and hopefully, that will continue. If you are passionate about your work itself, then you will work better.

So, yeah, when you receive praises, it does feel like it is your time to shine. Many years later, there is now this time when I'm getting so much work and working on all these projects that you see me in. Of course, it's a good time.

While it appeared that advocate saab's journey ended with The Gone Game, there sure is more to him. So, what should the viewers expect?

When I was approached for the first season, there were other stories too. I had a limited part to play - one scene per episode. I'm not a part of the core family. I enter as an outsider in the Gujral family. They share a past (very evidently) and now, in the crisis situation, I need Rs. 10 crores from them. I don't buy into Sahil dying because I know how the Gujral family is and how they are playing games.

If the producers hope to expand Chaudhary's character further, they can because the character has a lot of potential. He has many nuances and you haven't even touched his brim yet. I would ask you to keep patience because if the channel wants, then you might just see a lot more of Chaudhary, season 3 onwards.

Since you have an OTT as well as a film release the same day, which platform would you say you lean towards as an actor currently? In terms of where you will get noticed, appreciated and recognized for future projects?

It released back-to-back in two days. I don't have a biasedness per say. Both OTT and films are shot in the same way and with the same passion. Films have shot durations. The durations for OTT varies. I respect all kinds of work whether it be TV, theatre, film or OTT. I just want to be able to connect with people. Advocate Chaudhary and Rashid Kasai are completely different characters.

Noticing, appreciating and recognizing is what the audiences do. They could do it for Khuda Haafiz 2, The Gone Game 2 or both. I want more viewers so that our industry thrives. We've worked really hard on both the projects. So, we hope that the audiences watch both the projects. They both are equally important for me.

It appears that you are playing the antagonist in Khuda Haafiz 2. The protagonist Vidyut is a known martial artist who is super active and an action star. Being the antagonist, do we finally get to see you in proper action?

Of course, Vidyut is a physically fit martial artist. He has a completely different callibre. My character is very demanding. I had to lock myself in a room for four hours. I have done action in a lot of projects. I even had chase sequences in Jamtara.

It was fun working with Vidyut because even I love action. I am inclined towards this genre because even I did some martial arts in NSD. I have also learnt kalaripayattu. I was also a gymnast as a child and so, my body is also very flexible to be able to pull off action scenes.

Yes, there is an action sequence. Even though Vidyut overpowers and kills me but there is quite some action right before that. It was a lot of fun.

Tell me about your association with Khuda Haafiz. How did it happen? What did it take to get into the character and more?

Faruk Kabir called me up. I agreed because the character isn't there on screen all the time but has a strong presence. He wanted me to do it and so, I couldn't refuse him. I find myself lucky to have been able to work with everyone on the team. Inshallah, I will work with Faruk again in the future.

I worked the most on Rashid kasai's aura because that was important. People should wonder what is this guy, who looks only so brutal? We decided on an intensity and worked on that.

You have been a part of so many films and series that are getting sequels now. You tell me, which sequels are you a part of and what is the update on them?

We have shot for Jamtara season 2. Apart from that, I'm a part of Undekhi season 3. There will also be Rocket Boys season 2. I'm also waiting for them.

Your upcoming projects?

These are the only things I can speak about. I can't reveal about my other projects till the production houses don't announce them.