PremiumExclusive! Vikram Chatterjee on Rudrabinar Obhishaap: Talks are on for season 3 of Alaap Shruti’s adventure
The actor opens up about his character as a Indian classical musician.
Last Updated: 12.17 PM, Jul 02, 2022
After the success of Tansener Tanpura, Hoichoi has dropped the final chapters of Vikram Chatterjee and Rupsa Chatterjee’s Rudrabinar Obhilshaap. With Sourav Das and Ditipriya Roy, the series explores Indian classical music even further with Joy Sarkar’s soulful compositions. Meanwhile, Vikram has just wrapped up shooting Aritra Sen’s romantic comedy Sohorer Ushnotomo Dine with Solanki Roy. The actor’s Kuler Achaar – a family drama with Madhumita Sarcar – will hit the theatres on July 15.
In an exclusive chat with OTTplay, Vikram talks about his preparations of playing a classical musician, his camaraderie with Rupsa, Solanki Roy and Madhumita Sarcar and about his next projects.
On essaying Alaap in Rudrabinar Obhishaap, Vikram says, “When I first read Tansener Tanpura I immediately said yes to the character. I have never heard of something as interesting as this. In Bengali OTT, that was unique. Even before Bandish Bandits, there was this offer, which deals thoroughly with Indian classical music. Little did I know preparing for this character will be a gruelling task.”
The actor said he spent hours at Joy’s studio to watch playback singer Jimut Roy’s expression, tempo and body language. “I had to watch him to learn his hand movements and facial expressions,” he says.
Talking about his musical journey, Vikram explains he used to sing in his school band. “When I was younger, I was taken to a classical music school, but it took me no time to understand that it was not for me. It was during the preparations of Tansener Tanpura, I went through the process of training. Obviously, I had no chance to learn classical music and act accordingly. We did not have that time. That’s why I spoke with Sougatada (Basu, writer) and then started spending time at Joyda’s studio. Joyda and Jimut helped me a lot to prepare for the role,” he says.
According to Vikram, Rudrabina’s music is more intricate than Tansener Tanpura. “I think even Jimut will not be able to sing the same songs again in similar fashion,” he adds.
On the possibility of the next adventure of Alaap and Shruti, the actor says, “There are talks about the third season, but nothing has been finalised yet. We don’t know how and when to start the third season. It is definitely a successful franchise. We have not seen musical thrillers like this one before. It deals deeply with Indian classical music and moreover, it has thrill and treasure hunt. The songs went viral. So many people did covers.”
Meanwhile, Vikram is also gearing up for the release of Kuler Achaar with Madhumita Sarcar. Directed by Sudeep Das, the film delves into the crisis of changing the surname of a woman after marriage. The film also stars Indrani Halder and Sujan Mukhopadhyay in the lead.
About working with Madhumita, Vikram says, “We heard a lot of appreciation on our on-screen chemistry. Kuler Achaar can be a stepping stone to creating a bankable pair.”
When Vikram used to shoot for Icche Nodee for Star Jalsha in 2017, Madhumita used to shoot Kusum Dola in the same studio. “I have always felt that Madhumita and I will look good on screen and I said this to Solanki, my then heroine on TV. But Madhumita and I never spoke during that time. Much later, she told me that she used to think of me as an arrogant man,” quips the actor.
Further on the subject tackled in Kuler Achaar, Vikram says that he would never expect his partner to change surname. “I am a believer of equality. Many years ago, when I was really dating someone, she once told me that all social conversions are set for women, especially married women. I told her that if she wanted, I would also wear something of her choice to show that I am married. Of course, it has to look good on me. Why should it be only women?” asks Vikram. But he also adds that the debates of social conventions are still relevant. “If we step out of urban areas, we will see that changing surnames is not an option but rather a compulsion for women,” the actor points out.
Meanwhile, Vikram has just finished working with Solanki in Aritra Sen’s Sohorer Ushnotomo Dine. “Our TV serial Ichche Nodee was very popular. People remembered our jodi. Five years on, we have grown as individuals. I still see the excitement around our pair. That is very fulfilling. Solanki and I share a comfort zone. I believe in magic and Solanki and I click on the screen like magic,” he concludes.