Thaindian News

Kolkata, Dec 4 (IANS) Bengali actor Prosenjit Chatterjee says he had shunned a life of luxury for five months during which he slept and ate on the floor to get into the skin of Lalon Fakir’s character in the award-winning film film “Moner Manush”.

“For five months I kept myself confined to home to prepare for this role. I used to sleep on the floor all these months. I used to have my food on the floor. I am not used to such things, but still I did it to go deeper into the character,” Prosenjit said about his much appreciated portrayal of the ascetic Lalon Fakir or Lalon Shah.

Prosenjit, son of yesteryear’s Bollywood actor Biswajeet, said the role in Goutam Ghose’s movie was not only challenging but altogether different from the characters he has portrayed so far.

“…I had to dedicate a lot of time for this role. I can guarantee that even after 40 minutes of the film, you won’t be able to recognise me… I thank Goutam-da for offering me this role,” Prosenjit said on the sidelines of the movie’s premiere.

The film, which bagged for India the Golden Peacock at the just-concluded International Film Festival of India, is an Indo-Bangladesh co-production simultaneously released in both the countries Dec 3.

“As I started going deeper into this character, I received immense support from my family and friends. I had asked them to think as if I am not present around. I had asked them not to bother me regarding any issues,” Prosenjit said.

The film is based on Sunil Gangopadhya’s 2008 novel “Moner Manush”. It revolves around the life and philosophy of Lalon Fakir, a 19th century Bengali philosopher poet. The film deals with his teachings, his separation from his family and creation of a settlement in a forest including people who have been pushed out of their society and family.

“The teachings, philosophy, love and compassion of Lalon is more relevant in today’s world where there is so much of hatred and violence around us,” Prosenjit said.