In the 1990s, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Rituparna Sengupta were Bengal’s beloved on-screen pair. Earlier this month, these stalwarts of Bengali cinema celebrated their 50th film together — Ajogyo.

At 61, Chatterjee has been a part of the industry since 1983. For him, acting alongside Sengupta signifies a confidence in the film’s success, as their pairing continues to resonate with audiences. “I’m in my 40th year, she’s in her 30th, and yet people adore seeing us together,” Chatterjee reflects. “In Bengal, our pairing has become legendary.”

Chatterjee and the 53-year-old Sengupta have delivered numerous hits over the years, including iconic films such as Sasurbari Zindabad (2000), Jamaibabu Zindabad (2001) and Praktan (2016).

Recalling their journey together, Chatterjee mentions Sengupta was a “child” when they first collaborated on Nagpanchami (1994). He takes pride in the fact that even today, younger generations appreciate their old commercial films. “The views on YouTube for songs from our older films are remarkably high,” Chatterjee notes, adding, “It’s gratifying that today’s youth still listens to our songs.”

Highlighting the significance of a good co-actor, Chatterjee, whose role as Mr Roy in the web series Jubilee received acclaim, emphasizes that filmmaking is a collaborative effort. “One person alone cannot make a film work,” he asserts, adding, “Co-actors play a crucial role in making a scene believable. Every element contributes to the magic of cinema.”