Actors who changed the face of 21st-century Bengali cinema

Bengal cinema as an industry is growing leaps and bounds and is enjoying great success at the world box-office with its content-driven films. ‘Amazon Obhijan’, ‘Chander Pahar’, ‘Belaseshe’, ‘Praktan’ and many others have been examples where Bengali films managed to give the much-needed push on the big screens. Along with decent script and perfect direction behind the camera what gives these films even more success is the casting of trustworthy and competent actors. These actors today have become household names all over the world and are slowly garnering the recognition they deserve. Here is a list of actors who have changed the face of 21st-century Bengali cinema.

Son of veteran actor Biswajit Chatterjee, Prosenjit is still the most popular figure in Bengali cinema even after three decades since his full-fledged debut. His journey began as a child artiste in ‘Chotto Jigyasa’ and followed it with his one of the most memorable roles in Vijeta Pandit romantic drama ‘Amar Sangi’, which at that time broke all the records at the Bengali box-office. The Tollywood icon is one of the most awarded actors of all time, winning many honours in the best actor category. He is also one of the very few Bengali actors who has stepped into several genres ranging from action, comedy, romance and drama with huge success.

Touted as one of the most commercially successful actors of Kolkata film industry, Dev’s career started in 2006 with his debut film ‘Agnishapath’ but it turned out to be a huge flop. That failure didn’t destroy his career as his comeback film literally resurrected his status with some of the highest earning box-office hits of all time such as ‘I Love You’, ‘Challenge’, ‘Chander Pahar’ and ‘Amazon Obhijaan’ (became the highest grosser in the industry recently). Dev proved his credibility over the years by starring in both commercially and content-driven films that enjoyed equal success.

If there is one man from the Tollywood industry whom every girl would be crazy to date, he has to be undoubtedly Abir Chatterjee. The fact that the much-desired Major Arjun Dasgupta of 'Bastu Shaap' or the ‘modern Byomkesh’ is married in real life, doesn't spoil the party for his huge female fan following. Every girl’s heart misses a beat whenever he wears that million dollars smile with a casual tee.

Saswata started his career with mainly Bengali television shows but later decided to shift his focus to the big screen after getting rave reviews for his stupendous performances. That decision proved to be a masterstroke as he became one of the most critically acclaimed actors with a huge fan base in Bengal. Son of another legendary actor Subhendu Chatterjee, he made his Bollywood debut alongside Parambrata in ‘Kahaani’ and his character of serial killer Bob Biswas was largely appreciated by his fans and critics. Saswata is now quite popular for his latest avatar ‘Goyenda Sabor Dasgupta’.

How many of you know Parambrata is the grandnephew of legendary filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak? Yes, acting is in his gene. The popular actor-director made his debut as a filmmaker with ‘Jiyo Kaka’ and later went on to cement his place in the industry as a versatile actor. Parambrata’s nationwide recognition came when he starred alongside Vidya Balan in ‘Kahaani’ (2012) as an extremely fearless Bengali police officer. The multi-talented actor now turns out to be every intellectual woman's sexiest man.

Just think of Salman Khan’s style and charisma and add a Bengali attitude in it, you will find only one person, Jeet. After enduring a not-so-impressive debut, the dashing actor tasted his first success way back in 2002, opposite ‘Priyanka Tridevi’ in the box-office hit ‘Sathi’. This commercial film gave Jeet numerous awards and honours. Then came a joyful period of his commercially successful movie streak with ‘Nater Guru’, ‘Jor’, ‘Wanted’, ‘Dui Prithibi’ and ‘Boss: Born To Rule’ (one of the highest grossing Bengali films). He is now on a mission to turn his new production company into a powerful movie production machine that will build a platform for future superstars and be making 'meaningful' cinema.

It’s his sere ability to face any kind of challenge while essaying different roles that makes him different from other actors. Despite being a hero in many Bengali films, he doesn’t shy away from accepting negative roles (just like ‘Rajkahini’ or ‘Zulfiqar’). It's a well-known fact that Jisshu Sengupta comes with a look to die for, but that's not the only reason to make him the sexiest man of Tollywood. It's his character strength, struggle, cuteness overloaded simplicity and impeccable talent that make him a true hero to dream of. He is also appreciated for his perfect family man image.