Calcutta Dreams

The box office record of his films tell the story. Nater Guru, Champion and Amaar Mayer Sapath, that came out during the past one year, all ran for 15 to 20 weeks and are still drawing crowds. Directors and producers agree that Jeet is not a one film wonder.

‘‘He is very smart and talented. He will only have to improve on his pronunciation of Bengali,’’ says Provat Roy, a popular Bengali film director.

The actor who grew up at a downscale para (locality) at Kalighat in south Kolkata, however, considers himself a thorough Bengali. ‘‘I was born and brought up at a para where all my friends are Bengalis,’’ says Jeet, son of a small-time businessman, in between rehearsals for a series of musicals to be held at various district towns.

‘‘Shahrukh Khan goes to Manchester with his troupe and I will go to Midnapore which is my Manchester,’’ jokes the actor.

Behind this actor’s rise lies a story of hard work. After graduating in 1993 he joined his father’s business but soon realised that it was not his calling. ‘‘There was always a hidden dream inside of joining films someday,’’ says Jeet.

In 1996 he went to Mumbai to try his luck in Bollywood and while trying to look for a living he took to modelling and doing small roles in TV serials and commercials. In between he travelled back to Kolkata and gave his portfolio to various filmmakers.

And it was in Kolkata not Mumbai that he got his break. Haranath Chakrabarthy was planning his movie—Saathi. Prasenjit Chatterjee who should have been the natural choice and is Tollywood’s reigning hero, proved to be a bit old for the role and advised Chakravarty to look for someone younger.

Jeet’s portfolio reached Haranath Chakravarty. Jeet was called, screen-tested and selected. And then followed success.

Says the actor who has just finished a film Sangi: ‘‘You know after Saathi I have rejected a lot many offers some of which had come from celebrated filmmakers. Because I believe in doing one film at a time and doing it as perfectly as possible.’’

Jeet finds comparisons between him and Bengali legends like Uttam Kumar or Sumitra Chatterjee unfair. ‘‘They are far above me. I still have miles to go,’’ he says.

‘‘He is smart, talented and hard working,’’ said filmmaker Haranath Chakrabarthy. ‘‘He is here to stay,’’ is the unanimous verdict.