When inspiration strikes

Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 19, 2023)

Chandan Roy Sanyal has no time to spare. The actor, who turned director and co-producer with Suzie Q, has started prep for his second directorial venture titled, The Playback Singer. The musical period love story sees the actor essaying the role of a struggling and lovelorn singer.

“The story is set in the ‘90s, when Hindi cinema music was booming with the [voices of] Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik and Kavitha Krishnamurty. “It is a part of my growing-up years, and I wanted to bring back the bygone era,” says Sanyal of the film that is set to go on the floor by year-end.

Talking about his wrapping up the psychological thriller—Suzie Q, he reveals that the Prakash Raj-starrer is “a dark comedy about a murderer who blackmails her own ex-husband for money.” Sanyal claims that juggling acting and direction is a “fun thing” to do.

“It never feels like a burden. The planning of a film is exciting. Also, I’ve been inspired by prolific actors like Charlie Chaplin, Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, Woody Allen, and others who found expression in directing movies.”