Manali and Nigel Akkara in their second film with Windows Production play the roles of Jhuma and Tariq Ali in the upcoming Bengali film Gotro. The two actors who are well known for their acting prowess, was excited to work with the director duo Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy. The Kolkata Mail correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up the talented actors in an exclusive conversation. Excerpts..

How did you become Jhuma and Tariq Ali for Gotro?

Manali- I got a call from Shibu da’s assistant who asked me to come and audition for the role. I came and auditioned and got selected. Later on, Shibu da and Nandita di conducted workshops which helped me immensely to portray the character. It is just like schooling.

Nigel Akkara- This is my second film with the director duo after Muktodhara. So I was excited when I was called by them. They told me that I will have to learn quite a few things in a small period of time, which was challenging. We did the workshops in the house where we did the shooting. That helped a lot while shooting.

Moreover I and Manali became good friends during the making of this film and we intend to remain friends forever.

What was your first reaction when you were approached for the roles?

Nigel Akkara- I was very happy and overwhelmed. I shared the news with my mother and wife. I was so excited to get this opportunity after so many years. It is a blessing.

Manali- This is a blessing and a great opportunity. This is a dream character for me. Shibu da and Nandita di have helped me to fulfil my dream and I am so blessed.

How was it working with Mukti Devi?

Nigel Akkara– Mukti Devi is a strict lady who has a hoard of rules that needs to be followed. However she has a golden heart. As far as Anusua di is concerned, she is equally sweet. She brought chocolates for us.

Manali- She has been a positive force in my life. I have known her for quite some time now. She has been part of all the major works done by me. In a way she is a positive energy. We could learn so much from her in every moment.

Were you scolded by her?

Manali- No, no, she is a sweet lady who will not even shout at you.

Nigel Akkara- However she has a way of telling you everything sweetly and you will not even understand that she scolded you.

We saw in the trailer that you have been teasing each other. How much fun did you have during the shooting?

Manali- The scenes were not scripted. Whatever we did, they somehow shot that. You will find that there are no dialogues in many scenes. It is due to that fact. So whatever fun you see, was actually happening between the two of us.

Nigel Akkara- Now we have become so good friends that we look at each other and we have an eye to eye conversation. (laughs)

How was the experience of shooting Rangabati?

Nigel Akkara- Since I play the role of Tariq Ali, I was not permitted to dance in the song. But I made up for that by dancing in a video for the Rangabati dance challenge. The song has crossed 1 million views and that speaks ample for the song. Hats off to the entire team for making such a fantastic song and for completing the shooting within 17 hours!!

Manali- The song has been sung by Iman and Surojit Chatterjee, choreographed by Bunty da and shot so well by the director duo. So many different art forms of Orissa have been incorporated in the song. It was a great experience to shoot the song and Devlina and Om has done a fantastic job in the song.

With so much intolerance going around in our society in recent times, do you think that the film’s message will have any repercussions?

Manali- I do not think it will have any other repercussion. It will only make people think. You are much more than your “Gotro”. This will be shown in the film.

Nigel Akkara- Shibu da and Nandita di’s films have always made people think and this film is on the same thought level. Do watch the film and shower your love on us. You can watch the film irrespective of your Gotro or religion. So do watch the film on Janmashtami.

Wishing Manali and Nigel all the best for Gotro!!