Abhishek Bachchan as ‘Bob Biswas’: Will you miss Saswata Chatterjee as the pot-bellied contract killer?

Diya Ghosh, daughter of acclaimed filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh, is set for her directorial debut in Bollywood with a thriller on Bob Biswas, the iconic contract killer character from ‘Kahaani’. Immortalized on-screen by none other than Saswata Chatterjee, Bob Biswas, a contract killer, remains the most spine chilling character from ‘Kahaani’ starring Vidya Balan.

But before the Bob Biswas fans erupt with joy, here's the interesting catch: Not Saswata Chatterjee, it’s Abhishek Bachchan who will be seen as the cold-blooded and typical gentleman LIC agent cum contract killer who 'silenced' people with a gunshot after politely greeting them with a ‘Nomoshkar’ (hello). On Monday, Shah Rukh Khan took to his Twitter to make the grand announcement as the film will be co-produced by Red Chillies Entertainment.

While fans were keen to see a film based on the iconic character, the casting choice has left netizens baffled. Many believe it’s not fair to leave Saswata out of a spin-off which is based on a character played to the utmost perfection by him. We reached out to some Tolly celebs who have seen Saswata closely for years. Check out what they have to say.

Saswata da created a brand of Bob Biswas with his unique mannerism and off beat look. So, I will be curious see how they carry forward the Bob Biswas brand. The moment we talk about this particular character its Saswata da whose seriocomic appearance comes to mind. It will be interesting to see the film because another actor, he can be a star, but replacing someone who has created a brand is pretty much challenging.

It’s difficult to say because the film will be made for pan India audience. Everyone will watch the film, not only the Bengali audience. I believe they have taken the decision after considering all these factors. Yes, since I was a part of ‘Kahaani’, for me Bob Biswas means Saswata Chattopadhyay. But I am sure Abhishek Bachchan will do a good job. Let’s see.

A film on Bob Biswas! Wow! That’s great. I still remember Saswata da’s portrayal of Bob Biswas. It was chilling. But Abhishek is a good actor. ‘Guru’ is a big achievement in his career. So, let’s hope he gives another powerful performance as a contract killer. Although, as a Bengali I would have loved it if it was Saswata da.

Despite being such a small character, Bob Biswas gained enormous popularity and Saswata Chatterjee was at his best. So, slip into that character for a new actor will be a bit difficult. I still remember every scene involving Bob Biswas in ‘Kahaani’. It was like ‘voyonkor sundor’. Apu is one my favourite actors. I have always wanted to work with him but somehow it didn’t happen. I hope someday we will work together.

I was so surprised to hear the news. We knew that it will be made in Bengali and Saswata Chatterjee will once again return as Bob Biswas. The character had brought out the real "bhadrolok" essence that is so local to Bengal. That’s why it was so real and relatable. I hope Abhishek Bachchan carries out the brand the way Apu da did.