"Web gives you the freedom to do things you can't do on Indian Television" - Rohit Roy

Rohit Roy talks about his upcoming webseries for Hoichoi.

Published: Thursday,Sep 14, 2017 18:02 PM GMT-06:00

Sanchita Jhunjhunwala

Rohit Roy, who recently gave an impressive performance in the Bollywood film, Kaabil is all set to venture into Digital space with a Bengali webseries for Hoichoi, titled Bouma Detective under SVF's banner.

We got in touch with the actor and in a candid conversation, he spoke about the webseries, his character and his comeback to TV.

What made you take up the series in the first place?

Well, I had no qualms about taking up the show because it was for a digital platform. The medium is huge and India has been slightly behind when it comes to digital. Though in the nascent stage right now, in the years to come, it will be the next big thing and obviously, one wants to be a part of anything that is different. As an actor, I get a lot of independence and freedom to do what I want to do.

We've seen an array of detective shows in Tollywood. How different is Bouma Detective going to be?

This is a detective series but at the same time, it also has a lot to do with human drama, the relationship between a wife and husband. I can't reveal a lot about my character, but I play a superstar in Tollywood. The entire story right from the first episode to the last revolves around that, the detective angle is minimal and the intensity is human drama. I think all of it has been beautifully captured.

To be a part of a Bengali webseries is a first for me. And for me, I think a relationship based story is what the market wants to see right now. Bengalis are all about emotions, so I really think that this is going to be great watch for them.

It is a first webseries for you. Do you think there are a lot of differences while shooting for TV and web?

It is not really very difficult or challenging at all. The thing is that you have a lot of freedom to do things you probably can't do on Indian Television. It is also more real because the Indian television is a little unreal so the daily soap people react in a different way to things.

Webseries, I think, is very real and natural, things like how a husband would react have been shown like they would be. We are really trying to keep things as natural as they can be so that it comes across as a slice of life series.

Tell us something about your character...

The character is very relatable and someone that people would connect to. I will not go too much into details but my character is shown to be the kind which is larger than life, is flamboyant but at the same time he is very expressive and loving towards his friends. Also, he likes all the glamour but at the same time he is not an arrogant superstar. He gets a lot of female attention as well and that is also one of the important aspects of the series.

Something you'd like to say about SVF and Hoichoi?

What can I say about it, when I heard that this is for a platform called Hoichoi, I was really excited about it because it was for what actually signifies Bengal. There's so much of culture and there's so much of hoichoi in our city, in our state. Also, I think it is a very apt name, kudos to whoever thought of it.

And about SVF, we have been trying to work something out for a really long time but unfortunately it couldn't workout. But I believe that if something has to happen it will happen. I am glad to be a part of the series.

How has it been working with the co-actors and the director?

I feel so mediocre when I shoot with Apa di (Aparajita Auddy) because she is absolutely fantastic. After the first scene, she came up to me and told me that she is my fan and I was like no I am your fan. I have also worked with Ritu di earlier in Caclutta. Apa di is just incredible; every tear that dropped from our eyes; her eyes spoke volumes. And for me, that is the mark of a true actor.

There is a new girl called Riyanka, and I believe that is her first web show as well and she is also doing it very well. I am pleasantly surprised by the calmness with which she did a particular scene. I think that was one of the most difficult scenes. She was nervous but the end result is amazing. Satarupa is another actor that I really enjoyed working with. I've worked with her earlier in Calendar girls and it was great working with her.

You were going to make a comeback to TV with Sony TV, but that did not happen, when will we get to see you back on TV?

Yes, I was to work on Sony TV's show Porus but I couldn't commit to the time frame and the requirement that they had for me. They needed a commitment of 25-28 days a month and that too, they are shooting in Gujarat but things derailed. However, I am extremely thankful to the team because I had signed a contract and they let me off. Even I have been looking forward to coming back on TV, it is just I haven't been getting enough time to give in for long term projects but I will definitely be back soon.

Your message for the fans?

I want to say please watch Bouma Detective and other shows on Hoichoi. I am sure you will find yourself hooked. And also, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Durga Puja! I am hoping I am in Calcutta during the time if Maa wants me to be there! And, love for all the fans!

We wish Rohit all the very best and hope to see him back on TV soon!