In a candid conversation with ANI, actor Abhishek Banerjee, acclaimed for his roles in the recently released films “Stree 2” and “Vedaa”, offered insights into how he secured these diverse and challenging roles. Both films, premiering on the same day, August 15, have positioned Banerjee in radically different characters, showcasing his versatile acting chops.
**A Journey with “Stree 2″**
Directed by Amar Kaushik, the “Stree” franchise has enjoyed significant success, with Banerjee’s involvement in “Stree 2” offering an intriguing backstory. Recollecting his entry into the franchise, Banerjee shared, “Amar Kaushik ji is one of the most visionary filmmakers of our time. I was always too shy to approach big directors, but one day, I told him to keep me in mind for a role in his future projects.”
Banerjee’s moment of recognition came after Kaushik watched his performance as a dark villain in a film directed by Devashish Makhija. “Amar ji complimented me, saying I reminded him of Amrish Puri ji. That was a huge compliment for me. Later, when ‘Stree’ was being made, I reminded him about giving me a role,” Banerjee explained.
When the time came to cast for “Stree 2”, Kaushik offered Banerjee the role of Jana. Paradoxically, Banerjee was initially hesitant to accept the role. “He offered me the role of Jana. I refused at first because I’m from Delhi, and I usually look for roles with a bit of attitude, like the one in ‘Vedaa’. But Amar ji saw something in me that I hadn’t noticed–a goofiness and sweetness. He insisted I play Jana, and that’s how I got the opportunity to portray such a wonderful character.”
**Taking on “Vedaa”**
On the flip side of the cinematic coin, Banerjee’s role in “Vedaa”, where he stars with John Abraham, demanded a different set of acting skills. Banerjee had long harbored a desire to work with director Nikkhil Advani. “I wanted to work with Nikkhilji for many years. I had met him at some events as well. When I met him, I told him that I wanted to discuss work and asked him to invite me to his office sometime,” Banerjee recalled.
Despite Banerjee’s enthusiasm, the call from Advani did not come immediately. “He said he would, but he never did.
. Then I met him somewhere else and reminded him again. I guess I left an impression, and he eventually called me. It was a Sunday, and there was no one in his office. I felt like he was just like me because I can’t sit idle either–I always want to be working.”
The meeting proved serendipitous, leading to Banerjee’s involvement in “Vedaa”. “That’s when he told me the story of ‘Vedaa’, and I felt like I had to do this film,” Banerjee narrated, adding, “Standing alongside a big action star like John Abraham on screen is a huge responsibility. I didn’t want the audience to feel like the villain was weak or disappointing. I saw this as both a great learning opportunity and a big challenge, to convince the audience that I could overpower John’s character, even without building a big physique.”
**”Vedaa” and “Stree 2” – Contrasts and Co-Stars**
“Vedaa”, directed by Nikkhil Advani and written by Aseem Arrora, features John Abraham and Sharvari in leading roles. The film is produced by Zee Studios, Umesh Kr Bansal, Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani, and John Abraham, with Minnakshi Das also serving as a co-producer. Banerjee’s portrayal in the film required him to bring intensity and depth to his character, adding a layer of complexity to his acting portfolio.
Conversely, “Stree 2” sees Banerjee reprising his role as Jana, a character marked by his inherent goofiness and sweetness, traits that Kaushik identified in him. The film brings together an ensemble cast featuring Rajkummar Rao, Aparshakti Khurrana, Shraddha Kapoor, and Pankaj Tripathi. The dynamic among this star-studded cast adds to the film’s charm and appeal.
Facing a box office clash with “Khel Khel Mein” and “Vedaa” on its release date, “Stree 2” swiftly emerged as the top choice for moviegoers, overshadowing its competitors by a substantial margin.
Banerjee’s journey through these films underscores his versatile talent and dedication to his craft. In playing vastly different roles in “Stree 2” and “Vedaa”, he has not only expanded his acting range but has also solidified his position in the Indian film industry. As the applause continues, Banerjee’s fans eagerly await his future projects, curious to see what new dimensions he will explore next.
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