Abhishek Banerjee, the talented actor known for his work in the upcoming film ‘Stree 2’, shares insights into his journey from an army family background to a flourishing career in the film industry. Despite initial skepticism and mockery, Abhishek has established himself as a notable actor, proving that the path less taken can lead to immense satisfaction and success.
A Divergent Path from an Army Background
Abhishek’s father, a dedicated army officer, had envisioned a future in civil services for his son, hoping he would become an IAS officer. However, Abhishek chose to follow a different dream—acting. Reflecting on this choice, he shares, “When I told my parents I wanted to be an actor, they were initially very angry. They wanted me to have a stable job like them. But I had seen the struggles they faced and didn’t want to experience the same. Being more creatively inclined, I opted for acting, and now, seeing my success, my parents are incredibly proud.”
Gratitude and Giving Back
Abhishek’s success has allowed him to express gratitude to his parents in tangible ways. He recalls saving up to buy a house for them in Kharagpur and later, another home in Mumbai. His parents, however, opted to remain in Kharagpur. “My parents told me, ‘This is your investment. We’ll stay where we are.’ It’s moments like these that highlight the unconditional love parents have for their children.”
Challenging Stereotypes and Overcoming Perceptions
In the entertainment industry, there’s often a stereotypical image of what an actor should look like. Abhishek faced similar challenges due to his slim physique. “People used to tell me to at least style my hair if I wanted to act. In our country, people expect actors to be perfect, not realizing the effort and team it takes to create that image.”
Abhishek recounts a time when, as a casting director, he was introduced to someone who mocked his ambitions of becoming an actor. “Years later, that same person acknowledged my success and admitted I had proven him wrong.” He draws parallels with legends like Shah Rukh Khan, who faced criticism early in his career, and Irrfan Khan, who challenged the conventional notions of a hero. “If your art is exceptional, it elevates your beauty in the eyes of the audience,” he explains.
The Struggle and Resilience
Abhishek’s journey in the film industry was marked by both struggle and resilience. After a minor role in ‘Rang De Basanti’, he faced numerous rejections. “There was always a lingering doubt—could I actually become an actor? I remember waiting for hours for an audition, only to be ignored. Those experiences were disheartening, but they fueled my determination.”
He credits directors like Amar Kaushik, Nikhil Advani, and Vipul Shah for believing in his potential and providing him with opportunities. Their support was instrumental in helping him carve a niche in the industry.
The Excitement of Dual Releases
This week marks a significant milestone in Abhishek’s career, with two of his films, ‘Stree 2’ and ‘Veda’, releasing simultaneously. “It’s like a dream come true,” he says. “The years of hard work and perseverance are finally paying off. Although it’s too early to predict the success of these films, being part of two major releases is an honor and an inspiration for actors like me.”
The Versatility of Acting
Abhishek’s roles in ‘Stree 2’ and ‘Veda’ showcase his versatility as an actor. In ‘Stree 2’, he dons the hat of a comedian, while ‘Veda’ sees him as a hardcore villain. “Being in front of the camera is exhilarating. Comedy, however, is more challenging for me. People assume it’s easy for me, but comedy demands immense effort. Regardless of my mood or physical state, I must deliver happiness to the audience.”
He contrasts comedy with drama, noting, “In drama, you can channel your personal emotions, but in comedy, you must detach from everything else and focus solely on making people laugh. It’s about bringing joy to the audience.”
