Parambrata Chatterjee: I am politically aware but will not join politics

Parambrata Chatterjee is known to be a socially-aware individual. He has always maintained his liberal stand. The Parliament Election is just around the corner. The heat is felt in the Bengali film industry also, as many of the actors and actresses have joined polluting in the last few years. However, Parambrata has decided to keep a safe distance from direct political affiliation.

West Bengal's politics is currently abuzz with three star-MPs of the state ruling party – Dev, Mimi Chakraborty, and Nusrat Jahan. Hiran, the BJP's star candidate, will contest against Dev from Ghatal. How does Parambrata see those things? In a recent interview, he said, “I have no interest. The country's politics generates irritation and anger. No party, be it left, right, or centre, works from any ideology.” Parambrata said that people change political parties in no time. “We saw people changing camps in our childhood, but it had a sense of time and civility. But now it has become like instant noodles. Instant changing of camps. The country’s politics is a big circus now. We had fun seeing a circus on stage. But this generates only irritation.”

Parambrata further added, “I think the politicians want to show themselves repulsive to the young generation so that they get away more from politics. I think our younger generation should save this anger and irritation to give the politicians a fitting reply in the future.”

Along with Anirban Bhattacharya, Riddhi Sen, and others, Parambrata made the song Nijeder Mote Nijeder Gan in 2021 in protest of the NRC and CAA. Does he believe in unique ways of protesting? Parambrata replied, “That stemmed from a special thought. What I want to say is, you have to be conscious. That does not mean you have to join a party.” Parambrata has his political consciousness. “Though I am not involved in active politics, it is not that I don't understand politics. If that were so, they would take the chance and exploit us.”

Many colleagues of Parambrata are active politicians also. Is there any problem working with them? Parambrata said, “Acting is our livelihood. We should not be choosy about that. Someone might be involved in rightist politics, and I might not believe in that.” But if he is a friend? “The term ‘friend’ is huge. If they do far-right politics, I can't tell how many friends they will be with me. But there will be no problem to work.” He said that the exchange of courtesies among the actors should not be hampered. He is happy if the industry maintains that as professionals.

Before every election, stars get offers to contest from different parties. Did he get that this time? Parambrata smiled. “Not this time. I got an offer last time. I made my point so clear that no offer came this year,” he said.