It's essential to deliver a hit: Koel

It was nothing short of history when Sujit Guha cast you and Jeet together for Neel Akashe Chandni. But Sujit Mondal's Saat Paake Bandha beat him to it...
The producers of Saat Paake... had long been thinking about making a film with the two of us. Somehow, our dates never matched. Then NAC happened. While shooting this film, there was a month's break.That's when our dates matched and SPB took off.
Were you apprehensive about the Jeet-Koel chemistry clicking with the audience after a three-year gap?
When you ink a deal, it is but natural for apprehensions to set in. But by God's grace, most of my films have done well. I'm a positive person and don't dwell on others' apprehensions. After all, it's not just about Jeet and my onscreen chemistry. A film is a team effort.
Do you think all the goss about Jeet-Koel raked in the moolah for SPB?
Not at all. Rumours can't bring audience to the theatres. Fact is, after Nater Guru, we were tagged as a jodi. I think it's the curiosity factor attached to seeing us together again that made viewers flock to theatres.
Do Jeet and you exchange notes outside work?
It's not that we talk on a daily basis. But yes, we do have general conversations apart from discussing work.
Why did an actor of your calibre be part of a venture that's being peddled as a remake of Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain?
I have still not watched HADMRH. While sometimes you are part of inspirations that reap BO returns, on other occasions you might also be part of an original creation where, despite putting in your best, the BO returns might not be impressive enough. That hurts. SPB is a hit. In Tollywood, it's essential to deliver a hit, come what may. It gives me immense satisfaction knowing that my films have had a repeat audience.
But would it bother you if you were part of greater inspired films than originals?
It's too early to look back on my work. I stand by all my films and I'm content knowing that I've been part of quality products that have had BO profits.
Is quality for you associated with BO business?
You can't compare an original film with an inspired one. And it's not that Tollywood isn't opening up to midstream cinema. There's Jackpot and Love, to prove that. For me, any film that reflects the honest effort that has gone into it is quality work.
Are you worried that the quality work in Jackpot didn't reflect in the yield?
Perhaps, even our best efforts weren't enough to make it a success. Destiny has something in store for every film. Let me add that such results would in no way prevent me from taking up similar projects.
Are you vocal about your opinions when you work in a remake?
I have voiced my opinions but in case of remakes, I'm sure the director knows what he is doing.
Now that you have Sandip Ray's Hitlist, will a Rituparno Ghosh, Aparna Sen or an Anjan Dutt try roping in a Koel Mallick?
I have had Goutam Ghose approaching me for a project. I could not take it up due to prior commitments. Talks were on for an Aparna Sen venture, which never matured. Even Suman Mukhopadhyay had approached me for a film, which I could not do due to date issues. But I'd love to work with all of them.
But would you approach them for work?
I'm sure if and when they have something suitable for me, they will ask for me.
Is it tough living up to the image of being Ranjit Mallick's daughter?
I've never thought about it that way. I've never had to live up to an image. Such thoughts can put pressure on anyone. I am who I am.
Who do you see through the looking glass?
A simple girl, who by God's grace, has her values in place. Acting, for me, is just a profession.
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