Abhishek Banerjee made his acting debut with a cameo role in Rang De Basanti (2006) and rose to fame with more impactful roles in films like Phillauri (2017), Stree (2018), Dream Girl (2019) and Bala (2019). He has also featured in the web shows TVF Pitchers (2015), Mirzapur (2018) and Typewriter (2019). Last year, he essayed the role of a brutal criminal in Paatal Lok, which earned him many accolades and a nomination for best supporting actor (series) at the Critics’ Choice Awards.
Q\ Were you expecting the nomination?
A\ Not at all. I started my journey as an actor long ago. My film Stree, too, got a lot of nominations. But the one for Paatal Lok, coming from the critics themselves, makes it even more special.
Q\ Did you think your role in Paatal Lok would be a game-changer?
A\ No. I only expected filmmakers and others who have seen me do comedy to see me in a different space altogether, so that I get to do a variety of films [in other genres, too]. So that was the expectation, but I have received much more than that. When I was offered the part in Paatal Lok, I was doubtful whether I would be able to pull it off successfully. Giving it my best was my first aim, and the second was to know if my best would be good enough to give the character the grandeur he deserved.
Q\ How are you juggling being a casting director and an actor?
A\ Ours was the first company in the casting space that was not an individualistic one. It was a brand in itself. Anmol Ahuja and I founded it, and now we have an entire team of associates who are managing the work. My job has become simpler over the years because I do not have to physically take auditions; my team does that. I suggest my own name to my team sometimes.
Q\ You have worked in acclaimed projects like Stree and Mirzapur. Which film is the highlight of your career?
A\ I think it has to be two projects—Stree and Paatal Lok. Mirzapur was a filler between these two. Because I was a nice, sweet boy in Stree, Mirzapur added that element of surprise, since I was a violent [person] in it. It gave me that extra mileage as an actor. Paatal Lok sealed the deal for me, because it helped me show off my skills as an actor.
Q\ Future projects?
A\ There are two films which I shot for in 2018—Helmet and Aankh Micholi. I also shot for Rashmi Rocket during the pandemic, which is slated to release this year, and I’m part of two anthologies.