Dev on playing an 82-year old man, facing the past, and why 'Not everything in life is scripted'

Time of India

4 days ago

After a decade-long wait, Kaushik Ganguly's Dhumketu, starring Dev and Subhashree Ganguly, is finally releasing, showcasing Dev's transformation into an 82-year-old man. Dev reflects on the film's emotional depth, innovative makeup, and Anupam Roy's music. While acknowledging their past relationship, Dev focuses on their on-screen chemistry and Subhashree's growth as an actor, uncertain about future collaborations.
After a decade-long delay,
Kaushik Ganguly
's
Dhumketu
, starring Dev and
Subhashree Ganguly
, is finally set to release. Reportedly shelved due to a fallout between the producers, the film sees Dev undergo a drastic transformation – as an 82-year-old man, marking a sharp departure from his usual romantic-action roles.
With renewed buzz around the Dev-Subhashree pairing, once a hit with audiences both on and off screen,
Calcutta Times
caught up with the actor for a quick chat.
What makes
Dhumketu
special?
Dhumketu
is very close to my heart. It's a deeply emotional story of love, loss, and the invisible wounds left by war and extremism. At its core, it's a romantic film, centred on Bhanu and Rupa, who share an unspoken bond as they try to hold on to each other amidst chaos. What makes
Dhumketu
so special is that even though we shot it a decade ago, the story still feels incredibly relevant today.
That, I believe, is the true strength of the film. Honestly, the team was way ahead of its time! (smiles) Back then, prosthetic makeup was hardly used in Bengali cinema, but we went for it. The late Vikram Gaekwad, a legendary makeup artist, transformed me into an 82-year-old man. People genuinely couldn't recognise me! It was a huge risk, and I think it paid off.
In fact,
Dhumketu
was the most expensive Bengali film made at that time, and everything, from the look to the narrative, was different from anything else Tollywood was doing then.
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You dubbed for the film recently. Did you feel you could have performed better as an actor now?
Not at all. In fact, I think I was quite brave to say yes to Dhumketu back then, especially when I was only doing big commercial blockbusters. This was the first alternative film I took on, and the story moved me so much that I couldn't say no, even though it meant playing an 82-year-old man. The prosthetic makeup took six hours every day, and we shot in breathtaking, lesser-known locations around Nainital and Shimla.
When I was dubbing for the film recently, I felt I might've been a better actor back then.
There was innocence and honesty in my performance that made Bhanu so endearing. I was genuinely moved by what I saw.
Subhashree was incredibly spontaneous in the film too. I honestly don't think we could recreate that same magic today. Our performances were so subtle, so measured. And of course,
Dhumketu
carries Kaushik da's trademark brilliance. He knows how to harness my aggressive energy as an actor, and that collaborative spirit shows on screen.
The music is another highlight— Anupam Roy has done a phenomenal job, and the first track we released proves it.
Dev in Dhumketu
When
Dhumketu
was being filmed, you and Subhashree were in a relationship. Do you feel that real-life connection reflected in your on-screen chemistry?
I've had hit films and songs with
Koel Mallick
, Srabanti and Paayel Sarkar, does that mean I was in a relationship with all of them?
(laughs)
Recently I had a hit song with Idhika Paul too in
Khada
n
. I think I've just been fortunate to have had some of the most successful on-screen pairings in the industry.
Yes, being in a relationship does help.
You instinctively know how the other person might respond in a scene. But at the end of the day, it's all about on-screen chemistry and how audiences connect with it. Look at Kajol — some of her most iconic films are with Shah Rukh Khan, not her husband Ajay Devgn. That's just how cinema works.
Dev and Subhashree in a still from Dhumketu
Do you think Subhashree has evolved as an actor? Are you open to sharing the screen with her again?
Subhashree has definitely grown as an actor and is doing some great work now. She's also balancing her personal life wonderfully, and I genuinely wish her all the best.
As for whether we'll work together again — it's hard to say. It all depends on the right script, the story, and a lot of other factors. For now, I'd say let the audience enjoy the film, especially since they've waited so long for its release.
Fans are excited about the possibility of seeing you and Subhashree together at the film's premiere. If you do cross paths, what would you say to her?
(After a pause)
I haven't met her in 7-8 years, and we haven't spoken either. I don't know what I'd say, or if I'd say anything at all.
Ami
shottyi jaani na
.... Not everything in life is scripted. All I can say is that I have tremendous respect for her — both as an actor and as a human being.
Pix: Anindya Saha