Dia, Priyanshu: A rare friendship beyond cinema

There���s more between them than a film. Dia Mirza and Priyanshu Chatterjee set foot in tinselville together ��� both come from a non-filmi background and made waves with their first films in 2001. What���s more, both have a strong Bengal connect. And almost as if to celebrate their 11 years in the industry, both have now come together for a Bengali flick ��� Pratim D Gupta���s Paanch Adhyay.
Talking about their long association, Priyanshu says, ���We did our first film together in 2005 (Koi Mere Dil Mein Hai). Thanks to our common background, it didn���t take us long to become fast friends. Dia is a lovely person, a great friend ��� we hang out together in Mumbai when both of us have the time. So, when Pratim first told me about this film and the fact that Dia is there, I immediately gave my nod. Also, the characters that he has etched out suit us to the T.���
The actor, who has vivid memories of Dia���s first film, Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein, says, ���The way Dia has worked on herself over the years is remarkable. When we started out in 2001, we were like, ���Ore baba, something has hap��� no in acting and do not belong to film families. The connect was instant.���
Priyanshu, who speaks to Dia���s mother, a Bengali, in fluent Bangla, says his co-actor too has picked up the language over the years. ���After 11 years, Dia and I have come together for a Bengali film, but before the next decade, hopefully, we���ll do many more Bangla films.��� And it seems like a mutual admiration club out there. ���Years back, we are together, but we connected big time while shooting for it. Paanch Adhyay wouldn���t have been half the experience had it not been for Priyanshu. He is a selfless actor. Since this is my first Bangla film, I wanted to be thoroughly prepared before going for my shoot. That meant Priyanshu staying back every evening and rehearsing the lines with me,��� says Dia.
Pratim, who has brought the two together for his film, says, ���Threefour years back, when I finished writing the film���s synopsis, I had sent it to Dia, who immediately wrote back on chat saying, ���This is something Gulzarsaab would write���. I told her that once I get a financier, I���ll cast her. She came on board last year. About Priyanshu, I couldn���t think of any other Bengali actor who could���ve fit in the two age groups that the film demands.���
Kaustuv Ray, who is producing the film, is also excited about the venture, ���Dia and Priyanshu share a great camaraderie and that comes through in this film. Hope the audience appreciates our efforts.���
Produced by RP Techvision Pvt Ltd, Paanch Adhyay releases on October 19.