Arjun Chakrabarty from' ‘Noyontara': I've worked in Bengali projects, but this is my first full-fledged Hindi TV show, there's a new level of responsibility

Time of India

a day ago

While the dead may whisper from the shadows, it's the living that carry the biggest secrets in 'Noyontara,' a supernatural thriller that follows the story of a young woman, Noyontara, blessed with the gift to communicate with spirits.
When she enters a loveless marriage with Surjo and moves into his ancestral home, Pari Mahal, Noyontara must confront the terrifying truth that living may be far more dangerous than death. At the heart of it all is Lalita, her enigmatic mother-in-law, who may not be the woman she claims to be. As the secrets of Pari Mahal unravel and the walls close in, Noyontara must investigate the truth and save Surjo before the darkness of the haveli consumes them both. Starring Shruti Bisht in the titular role, Arjun Chakrabarty as Surjo and
Narayani Shastri
as Lalita/ Lata, 'Noyontara' airs every day at 8:30 PM.
Excited about debuting in Hindi television with the show, Arjun Chakrabarty shares his experience of stepping into the world of Noyontara.
We'd love to hear what the show is all about—what should viewers expect?
Noyontara is a supernatural thriller centered around Noyontara, a 23-year-old ghost-whisperer who's always been ridiculed because of her rare gift. Her life spins out of control when marries Dr. Surjo, a man grounded in science, still hung up on the shadows of his past.
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After stepping into her in-laws' ancestral haveli, she's pulled into a web of secrets. With a mischievous ghost named Hasiram as her unlikely ally she starts digging into the haveli's history of cruelty, greed, and buried truths.
But then comes the twist—two women, both claiming to be her mother-in-law, Lalita. One of them puts Noyontara on a mission to save her husband from a fate worse than death with the gift the world mocked her for.
Caught in the middle of trying to figure out who's on her side and who's pulling her into a trap, Noyontara must protect her husband, navigating a loveless marriage.
Give us a glimpse into who your character is and what makes them unique.
My character Surjo is super rational in a supernatural world. He seems to have it all — a brilliant doctor admired by patients, respected by peers, and guided by a quiet sense of duty. His life is a model of control and composure, anchored by the bond he shares with his mother, Lalita, whose love has always been his safe haven.
But beneath Surjo's calm exterior lies a man scarred by a devastating past. Years ago, on what should have been the happiest day of his life, he lost the woman he was set to marry, in a tragic accident.
That moment shattered something within him. Since then, he has sealed his heart away, convinced that love, joy — even redemption — are luxuries he no longer deserves. So, when he agrees to marry Noyontara, it's not for love, but out of a sense of duty to fulfil his mother's long-held wish.
From the beginning, he is honest: theirs will be a marriage without love. He lives by logic, medicine, and science — a man of reason and logic. Noyontara, however, is his opposite: intuitive, spiritual, quietly attuned to the mysteries of life and loss. In an unexpected symmetry, the two most important women in Surjo's life — his mother and his new wife — dwell in a world of faith and feeling, one he has spent years trying to shut out.
Yet, it is through them that Surjo might finally be forced to confront the very emotions he's tried so hard to silence and perhaps, rediscover the possibility of healing and hope.
What motivated you to take up the show?
I knew my first lead in Hindi television had to be special. When I read about Surjo, I felt an instant connection. This character like many men, doesn't like to show his vulnerability. He's quiet, reserved, and keeps a lot inside. What drew me to him is that hidden pain—the regret and grief he carries but never speaks about.
That silence, that emotional weight, is what makes him so compelling to portray. It's a challenge to play someone who doesn't say much, yet you want the audience to feel everything he's going through.
Every glance, every small movement needs to say what words don't. And then there's the supernatural side—Surjo is consumed by his own guilt. That adds a whole new dimension to his journey and makes his arc even more gripping.
It's not just about performing—it's about empathising the character's inner turmoil. I'm grateful to COLORS for giving me this opportunity and for trusting me with such a unique supernatural saga.
How did you prepare for your role in the show?
The script is always my foundation—it's where everything begins for me. I've always believed that writers are the true architects of any performance; they give us the world we step into. With Noyontara, I dedicated a lot of time to understanding Surjo—his fears, his emotional defences, and what causes him to shut down.
I'm drawn to those subtle, quiet moments when a character cracks open, and that's where I start building.
Because the show has supernatural elements, I also had to learn how to react to things that weren't physically present during filming. That was a new challenge—responding to invisible forces or trying to look haunted while standing completely alone on set, knowing the visual effects would come later. I found the idea of enlivening the survivor's guilt very interesting — living each day haunted by someone's final words, especially if those words carry blame.
That kind of pain reshapes how you view the world and impacts every relationship you have. Portraying that felt important.
How is working in a supernatural thriller different from other genres?
Working on a supernatural thriller has been a completely new experience for me. You really must use your imagination, because a lot of the time, you're reacting to things that aren't there—like a sound, a presence, or something that will be added later with effects. It's not like a regular drama or romance where you're acting with another person in front of you.
This kind of role really pushes you as an actor and helps you become more instinctive.
There's also a constant sense of suspense on set, since every scene carries a bit of mystery or tension. It can be intense, but that's exactly what makes it so much fun and exciting.
What kind of bond do you share with your co-actors?
Even with years of experience in the Bengali industry, working in Hindi television has been a refreshing and enriching experience. The work culture is a bit different—there's a certain pace and scale here that stands out—but at the core, the passion for storytelling remains the same.
Shruti brings a fresh energy to the set. Her approach to her character is thoughtful and sincere, and she's always well-prepared. That level of commitment is something I really value, regardless of the industry.
Narayani is a fabulous actor I've admired for a long time. She brings such intensity and grace to every performance. Despite her experience, she's incredibly warm and approachable, which really helps, especially when you're adjusting to a new space.
What I've found across both industries is that when there's mutual respect and a shared love for the craft, it always reflects in the final product—and that's exactly what we have on this set.
How was your experience of shooting the show in Kolkata so far, since it's your hometown?
Kolkata is home for me, so getting to shoot here for my Hindi TV debut felt incredibly special—like my acting journey coming full circle. This city has a distinct energy that's both grounding and creatively energizing. There's a beautiful balance of chaos and calm, and the warmth of its people adds a layer of soul to everything.
That atmosphere brought something extra to our show. The mystery woven into our story blends so naturally with Kolkata's mood and character—it's almost like the city became a silent character in the narrative.
Of course, no time in Kolkata is complete without indulging in its amazing food! Shruti and I made the most of our breaks by exploring local flavours, and that off-screen connection really enriched our on-screen chemistry.
How does it feel like to make your debut as a lead on Hindi television with 'Noyontara'?
I've thoroughly enjoyed shooting for Noyontara. The channel has always been known for offering unique and compelling content, which is why I was eager to explore something different—and here I am, playing Surjo in Noyontara. It feels both exciting and humbling. I've worked in Bengali projects before, but this is my first full-fledged lead in a Hindi television show. It's a huge platform, and I understand how connected viewers are to daily fiction shows.
There's also a new level of responsibility—you're entering people's homes every single day. That's not something I take lightly. I'm grateful to the makers of Noyontara and the channel for placing their trust in me. And honestly, surrounded by a team this driven and committed has made the transition smooth. This debut feels right, and it's the perfect break I've been waiting for.
Have you had any ghost encounters in the past?
Thankfully, no real ghost encounters so far—and I'd like to keep it that way! (laughs) I'm not someone who actively seeks out the supernatural, but I do find those stories fascinating. Still, when you spend hours filming intense scenes about spirits and hauntings, your mind does start to play along. Let's just say I sleep with the lights on a little more often now!
What is your message to the viewers?
Thank you all for the incredible love and support you've shown for the promo. We're beyond excited for you to step into the world of Noyontara. This show weaves together mystery, emotions, and a supernatural twist that makes it unique. We've poured our hearts into bringing these characters to life, and we genuinely hope the story grips you. Your encouragement means everything to us.
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