Arindam Roy is a known face in both Odia and Bengali film industries. Arindam, who has over 13 Odia films and four Bengali movies in his kitty, claims he entered the film industry purely by chance. He actually wanted to pursue sports, Taekwondo to be specific.
Arindam completed his schooling from SCB Medical Public School, Cuttack, and Class XII in commerce from Ravenshaw College. Arindam later pursued economics at Christ College, Cuttack. Simultaneously, Arindam trained in Taekwondo. His father, Gopal Chandra Roy is an international master as well as a referee in Taekwondo. Arindam started learning Taekwondo in his childhood and got the black belt in 1992 at the age of 11. He has won several state-, district- and national-level championships.
After graduating in 2002, Arindam completed a diploma in Taekwondo coaching from NIS, Bangalore, and began to teach martial arts before entering the world of cinema. “I got into acting by chance. After graduating from Christ College, I was into Taekwondo. One fine day, actor Hara Patnaik offered me a role, but the movie never took off due to various reasons. However, the whole atmosphere just sucked me in and I decided never to leave. Then in 2006, I made my debut with Prema Rutu Asilare, a Brajaraj Movies Production,” he says.
His first Bengali film, Takkar was released in 2008. “Like every actor, I had my share of struggle. Unless you are promising and have talent, no one will spend money on you. I believe an actor should be a keen observer. I watch different kinds of movies — from comedy to serious cinema — to understand how actors sketch a particular character and I try to learn as much as I can from them. Thankfully, my career graph has been slow yet steady and I have tasted both success and failure. That is what keeps me rooted,” says Arindam, who admits balancing education and sports was a tough job during his college days.
What did college teach you?
Actually, I just learned economics from college. I learned about life from other sources. However, I learned what a disciplined life is in both Ravenshaw and Christ colleges. I followed a strict routine then.
What was your proudest moment in college?
I was elected the athletic secretary in Ravenshaw College when I was in Class XII. It was my proudest moment in college as my involvement and dedication for sports was recognised by college authorities and students alike.
Have you had any embarrassing moments in college?
No.
How did you score points with the opposite gender?
I always stayed far from the opposite gender, (smiles) so never really got a chance.
Was bunking a part of your college routine?
I would not say that I bunked college in a bad way, but my teachers knew I could attend only a limited number of classes as I always participating in sports events outside Odisha. I could not attend college regularly. However, whenever I was in Cuttack, I made it a point to attend every lecture and prepare my notes.
Did you have any rifts with professors? Why?
Never. From the very beginning I was interested in sports. Hence, all throughout my career, I was an average student. But since I was intelligent, I managed to study just before exams and score decent marks. So my teachers never had a problem with me. I never used to simply write what was in the textbooks. My understanding of the concept was clear and my teachers liked me for that.
Where did you hang out in college with friends?
My training ground was Cuttack. I never roamed around the city as I had few friends.
What extracurricular activities were you involved in?
The only extracurricular activity I engaged in was Taekwondo.
— diana@newindianexpress.com