How did Prosenjit Chatterjee's ‘Devi Chowdhurani’ character master guerrilla warfare?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Prosenjit Chatterjee embodies the duality of a sage and a warrior.
- Bhavani Pathak is a pivotal historical figure in India’s freedom struggle.
- The film showcases the significance of guerrilla warfare tactics.
- Chatterjee’s preparation involved extensive historical research.
- The themes of freedom and justice remain relevant today.
Mumbai, Oct 6 (NationPress) Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee, who recently starred in ‘Devi Chowdhurani’, discussed the intriguing duality of his character and how he was among the pioneering freedom fighters in India to excel in guerrilla warfare.
During a promotional interview with IANS, the actor portrayed Bhavani Pathak, a significant figure in Bengali history. His character embodies both a spiritual sage and a courageous freedom fighter. He passionately fights for rights and liberty, presenting a compelling narrative for any artist to delve into.
When asked about navigating such contrasting characteristics, Prosenjit shared, “To portray such multifaceted characters, I engage in a process that I consistently follow. In my daily life, I focus on enhancing my historical knowledge. Additionally, I immerse myself in activities relevant to that era to gain insights into not just the history but also societal aspects, appearances, and how these individuals lived in the wilderness.”
He elaborated, “Indeed, Bhavani Pathak was a master of guerrilla warfare. The British Raj had numerous soldiers and arms at their disposal, while our side lacked a formal military. He taught us how guerrilla tactics could shift the balance. Learning and embodying these parts was fascinating for me as an actor.”
“Moreover, he was remarkably educated, conversing in Sanskrit and delivering his thoughts in Bengali. He was also proficient in English and French. His character reflects a moral compass, and the fear he instilled in the British is evident; they were terrified when they heard the name Bhavani Pathak,” he concluded.
‘Devi Chowdhurani’ draws inspiration from Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's novel ‘Devi Chaudhurani’.