Abhishek Banerjee: Film Making Is All About Collaboration (Actor, Stree, Paatal Lok, India)

Abhishek Banerjee Interview

 " Paatal Lok really changed that perception. It gave me a new identity, showing that I could emote deeply and take on layered characters."

Q. Looking back at your initial days in Delhi’s theatre circuit and casting world, what pivotal moment made you decide to transition from casting director to full‑time actor?

There was never really a doubt in my mind that I would become an actor. I trained to be one, and even the part-time jobs I took in those early days were always connected to acting. I lent my voice to corporate films and ads, and even performed in the TV puppet show Gustaki Maaf, mimicking the voices of well-known personalities like Rajnath Singh, Abhishek Bachchan, and Sachin Tendulkar. Those projects helped me pay the bills while I pursued acting.

At the same time, I also did a show for Doordarshan as an actor. But I was very clear about one thing: to survive in a city like Mumbai, you need a stable source of income. Acting, as much as I loved it, didn’t guarantee that stability. Since I came from a background where I had to support myself financially, I knew I needed a job. 

Casting felt like a natural choice—it was essentially about giving cues to actors, finding talent, and understanding performances. Being an actor myself, familiar with the theatre circuit and with a background in literature, I could identify and connect with actors easily.

Back then—before social media—you’d literally scout talent from theatre advertisements in newspapers or word of mouth. That process gave me valuable insight, but acting was always my first love. There was never a real “transition” moment from casting to acting, because in my head I was always an actor.

What really changed things for me was Stree. That project sealed the deal—it gave me the confidence and visibility to finally step into acting full-time. I’d always been acting, but Stree (2018) and later Paatal Lok (2020) gave me the platform to pursue it as my profession without compromise.

Q. Your breakthrough in Paatal Lok and later success in films like Stree and Rashmi Rocket came with diverse roles. How do you approach choosing roles that challenge your range?

Stree actually came first in 2018, and Paatal Lok arrived in 2020, with films like Bala and Dream Girl happening in between. After Stree, I was honestly a little worried because I started getting typecast in comedy roles—and not always the kind of comedy I truly enjoyed.

Paatal Lok really changed that perception. It gave me a new identity, showing that I could emote deeply and take on layered characters. Suddenly, there was curiosity and excitement from directors to see what else I could do. 

One of the first projects that came after Paatal Lok was Rashmi Rocket. My connection with its director, Akarsh Khurana, goes back a long way—we were both involved with the Thespo theatre festival years ago. So when he called me for Rashmi Rocket, it felt like things had come full circle.

Unfortunately, it didn’t get a theatrical release and went straight to OTT, which was a first for me. That’s when I realized the cultural shift in cinema—some films we work so hard on may never reach the big screen.

As for choosing roles, I don’t think there’s a rigid formula for me. I’m driven by collaboration and the people I get to work with. For me, it’s as much about the team and the creative energy as it is about the story itself. That’s what motivates me to take on a role and push my range.

For me, it’s always about the story—the idea, the genre, and whether it has originality. At the same time, I think about the commercial viability, because I want to do films that can reach every village in the country. 

Sometimes the story is very rooted in India, and sometimes filmmakers are trying to make something more universal. People often call those “festival films,” but I like to call them “global films,” because they connect with a much larger audience.

So, it’s important to know who the film is catering to. That clarity helps me choose the script and also makes sure I’m not confused on set. I know whether I’m doing a commercial masala entertainer, something more experimental, or a film that’s made for a global audience. Once you’re clear on that, you can just enjoy the story the director wants to tell.

Q. Your recent film Stolen premiered on Prime Video in June 2025 and showcased a darker, intense side of your craft. What drew you to this role, and how did the experience shape you as an actor?

I think Stolen is, for me, a very human story. Of course, something dark and messy happens with my character, Gautam—mob lynching is extremely brutal, and as a performer it was gruelling to live through a scene like that. 

But beyond the darkness, I found it deeply human and socially relevant. The idea of being chased in your own country, by your own people, for something you haven’t even done, really struck me. It reflects the mistrust that exists in society—not just here, but everywhere in the world. 

That’s what excited me, along with the freshness of the way the film was going to be shot. I knew they were making a global film, and I was eager to be part of this unique experiment, which turned out very well for all of us.

More importantly, Stolen taught me how to be in the moment. I’ve always tried to do that, but this film pushed me in a rawer, more real way. It made me question every choice I made on set—was it true to that moment, to that circumstance? 

There was simply no room to fake it. Each scene shifted so much that it became a roller coaster of emotions, from A to Z, all packed into one film. That experience really taught me the value of holding back, of timing, and of trusting the moment completely.

Q. In an industry focused on fame and success, what guiding principles do you hold onto when selecting a project or collaborating with filmmakers?

For me, filmmaking is all about collaboration. I don’t think I can do well on my own—what really matters is the faith and belief a director has in me. That trust allows me to challenge myself and explore new directions as an actor. It’s easy to get comfortable with your own way of performing, but working with competent, inspiring collaborators pushes me to grow.

I see filmmaking like playing a sport—I want to win for the team. That’s what excites me the most: the teamwork, the shared effort, and the creative process. Fame or appreciation is always just a byproduct; the real motivation comes from collaborating with people I respect and learning from the experience.

Q. Looking ahead, are there any genres or character types you’ve yet to explore that excite you? What inspires you to break out of familiar territory?

I think thrillers are probably my favorite—I love twisted, suspenseful stories. I also enjoy comedy, especially classic Bollywood comedies, and action films like John Wick. Lately, I’ve started doing more action myself, and the more I do it, the more I enjoy it. I’m definitely looking forward to exploring more action roles in my career.

For me, the excitement comes from stepping into new territory—trying genres and characters I haven’t explored before. It’s about challenging myself creatively and discovering how far I can push my own limits.

Q. What advice would you give to aspiring actors who look up to you—not just about technique, but about staying resilient in an ever‑changing entertainment landscape?

I think good talent is hard to hide—so don’t worry too much about that. What you really need to focus on is being smart and intelligent about your finances. You have to make sure you’re secure enough to sustain a long career, because acting, like any other profession, can stretch into your 60s and 70s.

Staying relevant and motivated over the long haul requires planning and understanding the responsibilities that come with being an actor. If you can balance talent with financial intelligence, you’ll be able to take risks, grow creatively, and enjoy a sustainable career.

Bio

Abhishek Banerjee is an accomplished Indian actor and casting director, known for his versatile performances across film, web, and theatre. Born and raised in India, he trained in acting and began his career navigating both theatre and the casting world, which gave him a deep understanding of the craft and the industry.

He gained widespread recognition for his work in films like Stree, Rashmi Rocket, and the critically acclaimed web series Paatal Lok. Known for his ability to bring authenticity and depth to every role, Abhishek has also contributed as a casting director, helping discover and shape fresh talent in the industry.

With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to collaboration, he continues to push boundaries, taking on diverse and challenging roles while mentoring the next generation of actors.

Follow Abhishek on Instagram

Interviewed by Irene Elina Eldhose