Saswata Chatterjee: Kids addicted to gadgets since nuclear families now don’t have anyone to read out stories to them – Times of India

Be it OTT or film, the seriousness of the characters he has been playing over the years has left Saswata Chatterjee somehow a bit tired. He’s tired of playing cops or serial killers. And now, Saswata’s next film sees him as Hobu Chandra, the king of Bombagwar. It’s like a breath of fresh air for the actor to play something that will entertain the children. Will ‘Hobu Chandra Raja Gobu Chandra Mantri’ tell a simple story of a king, a queen and a mantri or is there any political satire wrapped in a fairy tale? Saswata says not only kids, but those who love the Bengali language should watch this Aniket Chattopadhyay directorial.

If he was the king of state in real life how thrilling it would have been? Well, Saswata says the way things are going around he would have left his kingdom in search of peace, “I would have fled my kingdom considering the current situation we are in. In the fairy tale, once Gobu Chandra was enough to destroy everything and in real life you would hardly find a Hobu Chandra Raja these days who can rule his kingdom with peace and a simple lifestyle. Also, now everyone is Gobu Chandra. So, you can imagine how difficult life would have been for the king.”

Has Bengali fairy tales like Thakumar Jhuli has lost their glory amidst the popularity of Disney, cartoon or western fairy tales? The seasoned actor has his doubts on whether any kid these days read Bengali fairy tales. “Kids now more interested in watching cartoons on TV or mobile. The main reason behind this problem is there’s hardly anyone now who can read out stories to children. In most nuclear families, you won’t see the grandparents who could have made the kids realize the importance of Banglar roopkotha. Now, fairy tale means Harry Potter for them which is not even from our country. This is really a sad state. I think those who love the Bengali language must see this film. At least, the kids will know the rich cultural history of Bengali fairy tales,” explains Saswata.

This pandemic and subsequent lockdown have taken a toll on children as well, in fact, they are the worst affected. So, the actor believes ‘Hobu Chandra Raja Gobu Chandra Mantri’ will bring fresh air. It will be an ideal puja gift for all. “Not only children, but this film is also for all. Now, we hardly find pure, healthy entertainment. Our society no longer has a healthy environment. The digital platforms are mostly interested in content based on murder, rape, violence and so on. The offers I receive mostly for a police officer’s role or a serial killer. I don’t see any Bengali film being made that’s different from the same old subject. I believe Hobu Chandra and Gobu Chandra’s story will make people relieved, away from all the chaos, violence and intolerance,” added the actor.

Also Read:

Besides Saswata, the children’s fantasy drama also stars Kharaj Mukherjee, Arpita Chatterjee and Subhasish Mukherjee in the lead.