Bengali cinema megastar Prosenjit Chatterjee is once again in the spotlight with his recently released historical drama Devi Chowdhurani, directed by Subhrajit Mitra. The film, based on Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s celebrated novel, has been earning praise from audiences and critics alike. Prosenjit plays Bhavani Pathak, a monk-turned-rebel who stands as a symbol of resistance against British rule in 18th-century Bengal. In an exclusive conversation with PeepingMoon, Prosenjit reflected on the film’s relevance, the depth of his character, and why stories rooted in India’s past are vital for future generations.
“This story is more relevant today than ever,” he says. “The roots of our independence run deep. It's not just a story of 1947, but of struggles that began in the 1700s. Characters like Devi Chowdhurani and Bhavani Pathak fought against the British not for power, but for the poor and hungry. Today, when society is divided on so many fronts, stories like these remind us that the real fight is for unity and humanity.”
The actor believes such historical tales must reach beyond Bengal. “These stories should be known to everyone, not just students who study them in Bengal’s curriculum, but across the world. People need to understand the history of our unsung warriors,” he adds.
Talking about his transformation into Bhavani Pathak, Prosenjit admits it was one of the toughest roles of his career. “Bhavani Pathak is both a monk and a warrior. His battle isn’t only against the British, but also against his inner turmoil. Balancing his anger, spirituality, and compassion was deeply challenging. There were moments during the shoot when I felt I was truly living in 18th-century Bengal,” he recalls.
The film also carries a strong message of religious harmony. “History tells us Bhavani Pathak, a monk, and Majroo Shah, a fakir, fought side by side against the British. Hindu-Muslim unity was our greatest strength. We've simply forgotten it over time. This film reminds us of that lost spirit,” Prosenjit notes.
On being asked about his growing Hindi fanbase post his success in Jubilee, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, and Maalik, the actor says, “I want audiences to keep seeing me in different shades. ‘Jubilee’ helped me connect with a new generation, and I just hope to keep finding honest stories and meaningful characters to play.”
