Remember Puchki’s elder brother from the Pantaloons advertisement? The actor who plays the role is actor Soumya Mukherji. The actor is now seen playing Souryadip in Star Jalsha’s serial Mayurpankhi. The Kolkata Mail’s correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the actor over a telephonic chat about his career and future plans. Excerpts…

How did you begin your journey in the world of acting?

Soumya Mukherji- My journey began in 2011when I began doing theatre. I did theatre in school too. One such play was a huge turning point in my life. The play was written by my teacher at school. Actor Chandan Sen came to judge the event. He said after the performance that it was one of the best plays that he has seen that year (2009-2010). That was a huge moment for me.

I went to Bangalore to study Economics but after a week I came back. This was due to the fact that if I stayed there, I could not continue with acting in plays. So I came back and started doing plays professionally. I also joined a group too. Chandan Sen was the mentor of the group.

Then I worked as a junior artist in the film Take One. After that I played a lead in Zee Bangla Originals film Bonolata directed by Rick Basu. After this, I again went back to doing theatre. I worked with a radio station and did audio plays for the station. With the help of this, I was understood the process of voice modulation.

After this I did a small role in Jomer Raja Dilo Bor and Onir’s Kuch Bheege Alfaaz.

This was followed by Holy Faak, Season 1 and the Pantaloons advertisement. And this was followed by the mega-serial Mayurpankhi.

So how did the mega-serial happen to you?

Soumya Mukherji- I was going to do a mega-serial beforehand. But due to some reasons the thing did not happen. And now when I got the chance, I took the chance to act in a serial under such a reputed channel.

Why did you agree to acting in Mayurpankhi?

Soumya Mukherji- Leena Gangopadhyay is one of the reasons for me to agree to acting in this serial. Her works are liked by everyone in our family. Even I am also a big admirer of her works. So why leave the chance of working with her?

How was the shooting experience for Mayurpankhi?

Soumya Mukherji- Oh!! It is very hectic. We have been shooting for twenty six days continuously. Since a large portion of the shoot is happening outdoors, it is quite exhausting. We have shot at places like Bolpur, Taki, Canning and other such places. However I will also like to add that despite the exhaustion, the shooting is also exciting. I am interacting with the locals and getting to know people better.

The Pantaloons advertisement was a hugely popular one. Many people identify you as Puchki’s elder brother. How was the experience?

Soumya Mukherji- Aditya Vikram Sengupta made me change my style of acting. He taught me about how thought is important in acting. We need to focus on economy of expression. He did workshops before the original shoot. Since it was a national advertisement, I had to clear three to four rounds of audition. It was a life changing experience for me.

What are you learning from acting in a mega-serial like Mayurpankhi?

Soumya Mukherji- I am working so many renowned and veteran actors. It is a huge learning experience for me. I have also learned to work really fast now.

Biswanath da is very energetic. After watching him, I get a rush of energy in my body.

What are your hobbies?

Soumya Mukherji- Watching films, web-series (Friends and Breaking Bad are his favourites) are some of my hobbies. I and my mother are huge fans of Satyajit Ray. We watched Sonar Kella regularly at night. Nayok is a film which is like an acting Bible for me. I am also a huge fan of cricket.

What are your upcoming projects?

Soumya Mukherji- Anik Dutta’s Bhabiswater Bhoot is a film in which I have worked in recently. After seeing my advertisement for Oh! Calcutta, Anik da called me and offered me a role in the film.

I have also worked in a short film which is a first for me. I play a guy who is a huge fan of Madhuri Dixit.

Now that you are working in a mega-serial full time, what will you do if a Bollywood or Tollywood film is offered to you?

Soumya Mukherji– If a Bollywood film is offered, I won’t take it because I want to enter Bollywood fully prepared. Moreover I am committed to working in this serial. So I won’t leave it mid-way. But if a Tollywood film is offered, I will have to manage the time and then do it then.

What are your expectations from Mayurpankhi?

Soumya Mukherji- I know many people have pre-conceived notions and they become judgemental about a serial’s storyline. But I can assure you that this is not the same story that you think it is. It has started off in one way and it will go to a new direction altogether. The technicians and the actors have been working very hard. Hope their effort is rewarded with the appreciation of the audiences!!

We too hope that Soumya shines in his acting career!! All the best!!