Abhishek Banerjee

“My story is similar to every ordinary Indian boy's tale. My father wanted me to become an engineer or a professional but I was sure that I have to be in the Hindi film industry. I joined college through the quota for extra curricular activities but I am still not a graduate.”

“I grew up in Chennai and was very much influenced by Rajinikant's stardom and importance of cinema in Tamil culture.”

“The thing with the film industry is if you become popular in one kind of role, you keep getting cast in the same thing.”

“When I came to Mumbai, I knew that I am an actor but I am not a working actor. To keep this actor alive, I had to feed him, I took up the casting job so that I can run my house.”

“When I came to Mumbai to act and it didn't work out for me for few years, I thought I will go back to training but casting room has been a great training space for me.”

“I think writers should create characters who are human and have a character arc of their own.”

“I'll always be very proud of giving Priyanshu Painyuli and Siddhant Chaturvedi their first break. Both are phenomenal actors and I am very excited about their future.”

“You are as good as your co-actor.”

“I was aiming for an acting career in 40. I never thought I would get recognition so early.”

“After 'Stree', I started believing that yes, I am an actor. 'Paatal Lok' happened at the right time, when I was ready to go deep, to create something of my own and I gave it all.”

“I am proud of everyone I have given a break to. Of course, some have reached miles ahead and some are still not quite there, but they are all trying and working very hard.”

“I did 'Dirty Picture' when I was only 24 years old. From there on, I kept on acting and learning about acting.”