A year to Paatal Lok: “Sudeep sir said he saw a maniac in my eyes!”, Abhishek Banerjee opens up on his casting in Paatal Lok

It’s a year since the world witnessed Abhishek Banerjee delivering a superb performance in the crime-thriller series, Paatal Lok. Having starred in comic roles prior to the project, Abhishek showed the fans how versatile he could be when taking on roles in another genre. He has now shared his experience from the time of Pataal Lok days.

On his Paatal Lok days, Abhishek shares, “Sudip sir went to watch Stree in theatre one day and he called me next day saying that he wanted me to try for Hathoda Tyagi!! He said, ‘He saw a maniac in my eyes’. It was a shocker, I didn’t expect that, I stared at myself in the mirror looking for the maniac in me. Initially I didn’t find the role exciting, Tyagi didn’t have many dialogues, even the screen time was less compared to other characters! I was half hearted about attempting the audition plus I was the casting director too so didn’t want to be in an embarrassing situation where I get to hear the news of my own rejection from the the team.”

He continues, “However, Karnesh sir and Sudip sir were both convinced that I could do a good Job with it. They were not liking the other options I presented to them for Hathoda’s role! Finally after a long internal duel I gathered courage and gave the audition! I gave it my all but still was nervous when I finally sent them the test. Next Morning Karnesh sir called, I picked it up anxiously and then I was told that they really like my audition and I am on for the part! Phew! That was such a relief. But it was only the beginning of a difficult yet beautiful journey!!”

His show Paatal Lok went on to receive a lot of praise as it opened to strong critical acclaim. Abhishek for his potrayal of Hathoda Singh also received a lot of appreciation. His role in the series also truly helped him break free of the comedy persona onscreen which he is so fondly known for. He is now on every director’s list as they all chase him for his signatures. 

His recently released anthalogy film, Ajeeb Daastaans was again a very successful outing for Abhishek as he was again the subject of praise for the perfect potrayal of his character. With each new project he keeps showing his craft and proves his mettle as he keeps taking on new and varied roles each time only to ace them.

He now has 5 projects in his purse already with quite a few more in developing stages. The Ajeeb Daastaans star will next be seen in Rashmi Rocket, Bhediya, Aankh Micholi, Dostana 2and Helmet.