Arindam
Into acting since: 2006, 14 Oriya films, 3 Bangla films
Prema Rutu Asila Re was declared his debut movie and the Oriya audience was enthralled. And when he took Takkar, the Bangla crowd supported him too. Known as Rishi Roy in Tagore’s land, this young actor shuffles between Hooghly and Mahanadi. He is enjoying the growth as a Bangla star and loves doing Oriya films. But there’s a difference in exposure in both industries, he says.
“Our industry is definitely growing. But the market in the Bangla industry is already huge. They have stronger connections with Bollywood and even Hollywood. Moreover, now Oriya films are being made on the commercial unreal story lines only. But you get a lot of variety and challenging roles to perform in Bangla. I have recently shot for parallel cinema there. The entire experience is different. You earn lots of fame even with your first hit!”
Naina Dash
Into acting since: 2002, 7 Oriya films, 1 Bangla film, 2 Chhatisgarhi films, a recent Telugu film.
The glamorous Naina has been loved by all in Oriya serials and shows she hosted. On the silver screen she is busy with her tryst in various industries. With the release of her first Telugu film Junction last week, she has stepped into the most respected Tollywood where the journey continues with a Kannada flick that’s coming up soon. Facing the camera at different locations for different languages has made her more professional and thorough with her work, says Naina. She would love to work in other industries as well, she adds.
“Working in Bengal changes your perspective for acting. They respect it so much as an art! The Chhatisgarhi audience are fun-loving but they are crazy about filmstars.
And everyone already knows about the Telugu industry. They are the most punctual and dedicated crew. Even a spot boy takes his work seriously and wants to do his job perfectly at the end of the day. They hardly give time or chance to nag when it comes to budget or professionalism. So it has been a pleasant learning experience so far. Working in various languages really enhances an actor’s skills.”
Sabyasachi Mishra:
Into films since: 2007, 12 Oriya films, 1 Bengali film (Shooting on)
He has made his impact on the audience within a short span of two years. And Sabyasachi has already signed a Bengali film. Why? Its good if Oriyas are being invited to work in different industries. That says a lot about the local talent we have, he believes.
“In the Bangla industry there’s a lot of awareness about theatre and drama. It’s a developed industry. Our’s just needs little more exposure. I wish to notice and learn from them what can be inserted into our work culture.”
Anu Choudhary:
Into acting since: 1999, 25 Oriya films, 10 Bangla films, 3 Telugu films.
The beautiful actor had recently won hearts all over the country through her performance in Kathantara. Though settled in Mumbai now, she always finds out time for the Oriya industry. Having worked in different filmdoms she finds scripts here need variety.
“Its always a different character you play in the Bangla or Southern movie world. So there’s no dearth of challenge or adventure. Here I’m waiting for a worthy role, something like the one in Kathantara . Another element that’s missing here is professionalism. We take many things including the sets, costumes for granted. There’s also a surity that the shooting starts an hour or two late here. But the Telugu industry specifically is rich I feel owing to their discipline and respect for time and artistes. I love working there.”
Sidhant Mohapatra:
Into films since: 1993, Over 100 Oriya films, 15 Bengali, 1 Bhojpuri, 1 Tamil, 1 Bangladeshi bilingual (yet to release)
The veteran star has lost count of the number of Oriya films with more adding up almost every month. Known as the successor of Uttam Mohanty’s superstar throne, he is now busy with his Berhampur constituency. Wth his experience in more than four industries, language is not a barrier he says. The optimist never finds any glitch anywhere it seems. May be he just doesn’t look for it.
“Working in different industries is all about exploring and exchanging cultural and creative experiences. I feel quality in acting irrespective of the industry you work for comes when the actor puts his best.”