Debasish Mondal has been making heads turn with his acting skills in different films and web series. The Kolkata Mail correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the actor in an exclusive chat. Excerpts..

How did you begin your journey in acting?

Debasish Mondal- I hail from Kanchrapara. It was in school when I was studying in class 11 a one-act drama competition was announced. Schools could participate in it. That was the first time I acted in my life. I understood acting is something different and I started developing a liking for the craft. Acting helped me to explore my artistic self. I wanted to join a theatre group but my family wanted me to complete class 12 first. After that, I joined a theatre group where there was a running production. I got a role and I enjoyed myself thoroughly. Theatre was great as I got live appreciation from the audience. That boosted my confidence.

Then I came to Kolkata and started doing theatre. After some time, I began thinking about my career and I was also concerned that I needed to start earning. I needed to learn more and if I started working as an actor that would not have been possible. So I enrolled myself in the National School of Drama and started my training. I completed training in 2012.

After this, I starred in a play named Zangoora for 7 years. Then I did projects like Children of War, Family Man, and Antarleen. It was with Mandaar that I got noticed more for my acting skills.

Are you getting the kind of projects that you have wanted to do as an actor?

Debasish Mondal- After Mandaar, the audience expectation has grown manifold. I have not got projects of equal caliber like Mandaar but Johny Bonny is an interesting project. It gave me a chance to portray my acting skills. I play a police officer Janardhan Das who is not the epitome of goodness as is shown in cop films and series. He has his flaws. Within his small capacity, he wants to bring about changes in society and raise his voice against the injustices happening in society.

What factors do you consider while selecting a project?

Debasish Mondal- The first thing that I consider is the story. Then I see what the character’s role is in the story and lastly, I see the intention of the director. Does the story have any social message? Is the story bringing forth facts that will benefit the audience and society at large? I consider all these factors when I choose a film. I have always felt that my job does not end with acting only. I need to be socially responsible and do something for society too. That is why I look for such projects where there is some message to give to the audience without being preachy.

Biopic is been made frequently. Will you like to be a part of any biopic?

Debasish Mondal- I will like to be a part of a biopic that might narrate the story of a normal person and show his achievements. For example, director Hansal Mehta’s Shahid was about a criminal lawyer. He was no one very renowned but his story deserved to be told. I want to do films with stories of this kind- the kind of film that will inspire others.

Stories and achievements of famous personalities are well-known. But there are many people who work silently and diligently. Stories of that kind need to be shared with the audience for motivating them.

What do you do in your spare time?

Debasish Mondal- I like to engage in artistic activities. I watch series and read books. Engaging in social activities and doing my bit for society is also what I do in my spare time. Martial arts and sports are also areas of interest to me. I am trained in martial arts like Kalaripayattu, Pehlwani, Chhau, Shaolin Kung Fu, and others.

What are your upcoming projects?

Debasish Mondal- Lady Chatterjee, Shikarpur, Mastermoshai Apni Kichu Dekhenni are my upcoming projects.

Till now, the characters you have played are either the bad guys or police officers. Will you like to do romantic comedies?

Debasish Mondal- I have not been offered such a role yet. But yes, I think someone will surely think about it and I will get a chance to act in such a film.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Debasish Mondal- I have the requisite training to be a part of national and international projects. So if I get the chance, I will surely like to be a part of such projects and enhance my acting skills.