“I respect Malayalam films the same way I respect Bengali films. I think Malayalam films have not compromised on the essence and have kept their own statement and are coming up with very good themes.”

Indian actor and filmmaker, living

Prosenjit Chatterjee is an Indian actor, director, producer, screenwriter, playback singer and television personality best known for his work in Bengali cinema. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has become one of the most visible figures in Indian film, often referred to in the media as “Jyeshthoputro” and “Mr. Industry.” He has appeared in more than 250 films in Bengali, Hindi and Odia, and his career has brought him two National Film Awards, five Filmfare Awards and six BFJA Awards. He was also honoured with Mahanayak Samman in 2013, Banga Bibhushan in 2018 and Padma Shri in 2026.