He is the new kid on the block in Ollywood. With his unconventional good looks and neat acting skills, Amlan Das has everything that one looks for in an actor. Son of veteran actor Mihir Das, this 21-year-old actor who makes a power-packed debut with Target isn’t just a fresh face. He has plans to put in that extra into the industry to make a mark! A student of SRM Sivaji Ganesan Film Institute in Chennai, this youngster opens up about his Ollywood dreams while talking about his debut film and the positive response he has been getting for it.
Success of Target
Well, someone told me never let success go to your head. I will always remember that. Ever since I had started shooting, I had started getting compliments for my performances on the sets and it felt good. Now with everyone appreciating my role in the film, I am obviously happy. But I don’t want to lose focus. I want to concentrate on my mistakes rather as I believe there is always room for improvement.
Target as debut
I had been getting offers for some time now. But of course, I knew nothing about the market scenario and the audience viewpoint. So, my dad helped me decide what to choose as he is the one with all the experience. So, when Target offer came, we both were convinced. The script was good. I couldn’t have asked for a better director than SK Murlidharan and Niranjan Rana is a dream producer as he is someone who has always given new talent to the industry.
Getting into films
In fact I was not sure of getting into the industry. There was a spark but till Plus Two, my focus was only on studies. A student of DAV, I had taken up science for my Plus Two. But then we always had producers and directors coming to our house. And, they all used to tell me that they see a future star in me. Initially, I didn’t take that seriously. But then I thought if people can see it in me, why can’t I? And, the idea started taking shape. After 12, I landed in Chennai at SRM Sivaji Ganeshan Film Institute for a three-year course in direction which I complete this May. That exposure made me get an in-depth knowledge about acting and characterisation and with every passing day, I was sure I wanted to get into films.
Behind the camera
Yes, why not! I am interested in screenplay and script writing and I am also getting some field experience here. But, right now, I want to focus on acting in Ollywood. I would eventually like to go South too as that gives a good platform for a break in Bollywood, which is like an ultimate dream. But Ollywood will always be my base.
New cinema
I want to be part of new cinema. I want to bring in a new genre of acting, that which is casual and realistic and uses a fresh approach to each and every role.
Being Mihir Das’ son
Well, obviously he is my best critic. I mean I learn a lot from him. He tells me how to improvise a particular scene or how to correct my mistakes. But more than all this, I admire him for his management skills and the way he conducts himself. He gets along with everyone and I have never heard anyone speaking anything negative about him. He manages himself so well in public. I want to imbibe that quality from him.
Playing the reel son
That would be awesome. If there is a script which has a powerful father-son subject with a lot of emotions in it, I would love to take it up with my dad. As it is, Odia cinema hasn’t explored that kind of subject where the father-son relationship has been dealt with.
What is in store
I would like to work in good films but of course my dad would help me decide on my next projects. Till then, I want to stay focused.