Anirban says he doesn't worry about what will happen tomorrow

Prothom Alo: I heard that you got involved in theater at a very young age.

Anirban Chakraborty: I grew up in a family where studies and jobs were prioritized—this was the norm. It was the same in my neighborhood as well. Anything beyond academics wasn’t commonly pursued back then. I joined theater in fourth grade, which wasn’t very typical. Every Sunday, I used to attend a drawing school, where members of a theater group came looking for child actors for a new play. The play was Chandan Sen's Jharer Kheya. They asked if anyone could act, and without really knowing much, I raised my hand. They spoke to my family, and there was no objection. Though theater wasn’t the norm at home, they didn’t stop me if I wanted to try something. At the time, I didn’t know much about acting, but it felt exciting to be part of rehearsals and performances in different places. I later got a chance to be part of Utpal Dutt’s Jallianwala Bagh and even went to Delhi for the play. I acted in several other plays as a child and received national-level awards for my performances.

Prothom Alo: After that, you took a break from drama to focus on your studies. Later, you got a job, and your posting was in Bangladesh.

Anirban Chakraborty: I completed my master’s degree in information technology. There are usually two career options after that—working in a software company or teaching. I’ve always enjoyed human interaction, and rather than working in an office, I preferred sharing knowledge with others. I felt that teaching would help expand my horizons. I got my first job, and the posting was in Bangladesh. I worked there for two years, and those years were quite enriching. I made a lot of friends, attended their family events, and many came to visit me in Kolkata. I still maintain connections with many of them.

Prothom Alo: Do you remember your time in Khulna and Dhaka? Were you involved in any theater activities there?

Anirban Chakraborty: No, I focused entirely on my job. As far as I remember, there weren’t many plays performed in Khulna back then. I would occasionally visit Dhaka for work and attend some plays. After returning, I went to Dhaka for theater performances and did a show at the Shilpakala Academy with the Women’s Association. There was also a story about Eken Babu, set in Dhaka, and I went there for promotions.

Prothom Alo: Even after returning to Kolkata, you didn’t return to the stage. Was that intentional?

Anirban Chakraborty: When I returned, my job was in Hooghly, and I started living in the engineering college’s teachers’ hostel. I stayed away from theater during that time.

Prothom Alo: How did you return to theater?

Anirban Chakraborty: It happened with a new job in Kolkata. I had free time in the afternoons, and occasionally, local theater groups from my village came to Kolkata for shows. I started attending again. One day, Arun Mukherjee watched one of my plays and called my home. I wasn’t home, but my mother answered the phone. I later met him and ended up acting in seven or eight of his plays.

Prothom Alo: You quit your job in 2017 and returned to theater full-time. How difficult was it financially?

Anirban Chakraborty: It was definitely a struggle. But I made this decision consciously, so I was prepared for whatever came my way. Before, I would receive my salary at the end of the month, and it would get spent. In theater, though, the income could be much higher. But I embraced the challenge. I’m very confident in my personal life and don't worry about what might happen tomorrow.

Prothom Alo: The following year, you were offered the role of 'Eken Babu'...

Anirban Chakraborty: In 2018, I got a call about the role of Eken Babu, a character written by Sujan Dasgupta. I was a bit surprised but thought they might have seen me on stage. When I went for the audition, everyone was a stranger to me. There was a screen test, where I saw various versions of Eken Babu, sometimes with glasses or loose hair. In the end, this look (the current one) was chosen.

Prothom Alo: Hoichoi received great feedback in its first season. How has your life changed?

Anirban Chakraborty: It was a new series, and I was new to the central role. But the audience embraced it so well! I’m not sure if any other Indian web series has had two seasons released in one year. Initially, I traveled by public transport, and it felt great to receive love from people. But gradually, as the love grew, it became overwhelming, and I had to escape from the crowd sometimes.

Prothom Alo: There have been eight seasons of Eken Babu and two successful movies. Do you feel pressured with every new release? Do you ever feel bored?

Anirban Chakraborty: When it started, neither I nor the team expected it to reach this point. We were uncertain whether the audience would accept a new character alongside other well-known detectives. After the success of the first season, the plan expanded. Now, there have been 10 Eken Babu projects, all of which the audience has embraced. Naturally, the pressure increases, but each story has its own unique world, which keeps the audience interested. For me, the character is so layered that it will never get boring.

Prothom Alo: After Puro Puri Eken, Srijit's Satya Bole Satya Chik Nei has been released. How is it being received?

Anirban Chakraborty: We’re getting a great response. Both the audience and critics have praised it. Many shows have been sold out, and even in the third week, many shows are still packed.

Prothom Alo: Bangladeshi actor Apurba acted alongside you in Chalchitra...

Anirban Chakraborty: When he arrived on set, he didn’t meet me initially. I heard he was looking for me. Once the shooting began, he came to meet me. We had long chats in the makeup van, and I could tell he knew a lot about my work. He even made a list of Kolkata foods, and we all enjoyed them together. Apurba is not just a great person but also a fantastic actor, and he’s as popular in West Bengal as he is in Bangladesh.

Prothom Alo: Many Kolkata artists are now working in Bangladesh films and series. When will we see you there?

Anirban Chakraborty: That’s not something I can control, but I am definitely interested. I hear about a lot of great work happening in Bangladesh. I also watch OTT content and am a fan of Bangladeshi productions.