Alongside four Bengali films, several web series have also been released this Puja season. Among them, “Joto Kando Kathmandu-te” stands out, featuring Tota Roy Chowdhury once again as Feluda. In a candid chat, Tota reflects on his role, career, and the meaning of success and failure.
“Playing Feluda Feels Like Puja Arriving Early”
Q: How does it feel to be Feluda again?
Tota: It feels just like the excitement before Durga Puja. Every time Feluda begins, I feel as though my favorite festival is about to start. The anticipation that Puja is coming gives me even more joy than the festival itself. That enthusiasm keeps growing every year.
“I Never Wanted to Play Any Detective Other Than Feluda”
Q: Have you ever wanted to play any other detective character?
Tota: Never. I’ve received offers to play Byomkesh and Kiriti, but I refused them immediately. I always felt I was meant to be Feluda. I can’t explain where that confidence came from, but I knew that if I ever played a literary detective, it would be Feluda. As an actor, I do all kinds of roles, but deep down, I always believed one day I’d get the chance to play him.
On Working with Srijit Mukherji
Q: How has it been working with Srijit Mukherji on the Feluda series?
Tota: Srijit and I belong to the same generation, so our cultural influences, likes, and dislikes align perfectly. His vision of Feluda matches how I see the character. The structure you see on screen is entirely Srijit’s creation. I just followed his direction, and that’s what brought Feluda to life today.
“Puja Is Now a Celebration of Bengali Cinema Too”
Q: Several films and series are releasing this Durga Puja. How do you see that trend?
Tota: I’d say Puja is no longer just a festival—it’s a celebration of Bengali cinema too. Audiences are watching Bengali films alongside pandal-hopping, and that’s a huge blessing. I’m grateful to the viewers on behalf of the entire industry. If possible, watch all four films. If not, at least watch one! There are also two good OTT releases this year. Chhoto Byomkesh is coming, which I welcome as a great experiment by Kamaleswar Mukherjee. And of course, Srijit’s Feluda – The Final Adventure, the contemporary take, is also releasing. It’s like a buffet of Bengali entertainment—viewers can take their pick!
“Bollywood Was Surprised by My Action in Special Ops 2”
Q: Did your performance in Special Ops 2 surprise Bollywood?
Tota: I don’t like the word ‘Bollywood’; I prefer calling it the Hindi film industry. But yes, they were surprised. Neeraj Pandey recently told me that many people asked him who I was because they loved the action sequences. When they learned that I was the same person who performed Kathak in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, they were stunned. That reaction felt good.
“Hard Work Pays Off — Even If It Comes Late”
Q: After years of work in Bengali cinema, you got major recognition after a Hindi film. How does that feel?
Tota: It only reaffirmed my belief that if you work sincerely, God will reward you eventually. Even if recognition is delayed, it will come. Many people lose hope after repeated setbacks. I’d say—don’t give up. Keep faith. I got success quite late myself, but it came.
“Success and Failure Are Temporary”
Q: How do you perceive success and failure?
Tota: Success and failure are two sides of the same coin. Both are temporary in our profession. After Chokher Bali’s success, I sat at home for six months without work. And just when I thought it was over, success came again. So, I’ve realized that it’s all an illusion. What matters is to keep working sincerely. The rest depends on destiny.
“Don’t Turn Fitness into a Circus”
Q: What’s your advice for young fitness enthusiasts?
Tota: There’s an ultra-fit movement going on, but people are taking it to extremes. Don’t copy social media workouts. Most of them are more circus than exercise. Learn the basics first.
From playing Feluda to earning nationwide praise for Special Ops 2, Tota Roy Chowdhury’s journey reflects patience, conviction and perseverance. His mantra is to work honestly, stay grounded, and trust the process as that is what defines his success story.
