Films should entertain, not preach: Soham Majumdar

From Kabir Singh’s Shiva to Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video’s Siddhant Kadam, Soham Majumdar believes he has tried to offer a wide variety of characters. “I wouldn't say I have been choosy, but somehow, the best parts have come to me,” he tells us. In a chat, he explores his journey from being a theatre actor to ‘accidentally’ getting into films, wanting to write stories, actors’ struggles, and more.

‘I don’t prefer films that preach too much’
While Soham’s recent film, Dukaan dealt with the theme of surrogacy, his previous work Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video was about teachers and morality. When asked if he prefers projects surrounding social issues, he says, “I feel films should not be made with the intention ki koi seekh deni hai. We don't wish to be on a pedestal. We wish to be treated normally. I'm not comparing but Sholay did not come out to teach us anything. It was made as a film that could entertain us. But we do learn about friendship through that film. There are so many other films that do not intend to be something, but they get on to be something. So I don't like films which preach too much, but practise little.”

In a still from Kabir Singh, with Shahid Kapoor

He adds, “I've been wary of not being typecast as an actor. I wouldn't say I have been choosy, but somehow, the best parts have come to me. After Kabir Singh, whether it was Dhamaka or Pippa or Sajini Shinde, I have tried to offer a wide range of work. I have been fortunate to work with some fantastic filmmakers.”

‘Was too engrossed with theatre to think about films’
Having worked as a theatre actor for a major part of his career, Soham says, “I was always too engrossed with my theatre. I had my theatre group and it was a dream to perform in various places all over the world. To some extent, I was successful also. I could have continued that journey, but by chance, I ended up in films. Not that I complain about it.”

The actor admits that he loves entertaining people. “From a very early age, I always liked to entertain people. I know a lot of children, when they are asked to dance in front of their relatives, would mind it a lot. But I was the complete opposite, I loved it. There shouldn't be a dull moment according to me. Also, I wish to write stories. I am very fond of ideating. I don't know whether I can be successful at it. I'm not running for success either. I just feel like my thoughts will have a place. However, I'm not in a rush to make them.”

‘In this industry, every day is a test’
On his preference of medium as an actor, Soham says, “I don't feel there is any demarcation between Bollywood and OTT. I feel these are all perceptions people have. I started with films and I was not anybody at the time. If the role is good enough, an actor will shine through. And chances, I feel, are like a double-edged sword. At times you get the best one, at times you won't. But you've got to sail through it. Everyone who wishes to be an actor will have a tough journey. Because it's not a run-of-the-mill kind of a thing. In this industry, every day is like a test. So just you've got to be patient.”
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